Career Profile: Track Inspector
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Steer your career towards the rail industry with one of these rewarding possibilities.
What is a track inspector?
The track inspector is responsible for patrolling, inspecting and reporting on the condition of railway infrastructure. They are also responsible for the safety, maintenance and inspection of an allocated section of track by patrolling and submitting detailed reports on items requiring renewal or maintenance.
What might a track inspector do?
- Scheduled track patrols and inspections to ensure rail safety management systems are met
- Detailed inspections of track joints, rail wear, spills and pests, sleeper and fastener condition, crossing defects, clearance infringements, ballast defects, earthworks problems and signage problems
- Enter results of inspections and measurements into database management system
- Provide technical guidance, expertise and support for maintenance and repair
- Arrange repair of the track as appropriate
- Operate road rail vehicle and carry out inspections using the vehicle
- Ensure the operational performance of all the assets is safe and reliable, and all associated works are completed to relevant standards
- Examine track infrastructure
Who might it suit
People usually need number of years’ experience in rail, train or structures to move into this role. This role requires the individual to be a self-starter, who demonstrates initiative, time management and organisational skills as well as strong attention to detail and a flexible can-do attitude. The individual would need the ability to work well within a team environment with a strong focus on safety and maintenance. Skills working with technical and industrial equipment will help with excelling in this job role.
- Clear communicator, with well-developed ability to write concise reports and build effective working relationships
- Alert and safety conscious
- Can make logical operational decisions
- Confident in completing workplace documentation, forms, logs, handwritten or typed reports
- Physically fit, mechanically minded
Where and when is the work?
This role has a great deal of autonomy and will be well suited to someone who enjoys planning and prioritising their own day. Typically, hours per week can be 40–50 with occasional shift work and weekends. The work is on a rotating roster with evenings, weekends and public holidays.
What is the pay?
In 2020, the average track inspector salary can vary between $65,000 to $70,000.
Career path opportunities
There are three main career pathways available for rail infrastructure employees.
1. Rail Infrastructure – Track Work: Track Worker, Track Installer, Track Maintainer
2. Rail Infrastructure – Structures: Structures Maintainer
3. Rail Infrastructure – Track Surfacing: Plant Operator, Mobile Plant Operator, Way Gang Driver
Contact us
If you have any questions or are interested in finding out more, please contact us:
Email address: railcareers@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au