Summary/Objective

Performs thorough and accurate surveys of vehicles on multilevel autorack railcars to identify and document visible damage, missing parts, or deficiencies that may have occurred during production, transportation, rail handling, loading, unloading, or staging. This role involves inspecting each vehicle’s exterior, selected interior areas, and accessible components on bi-level and tri-level autorack equipment using safe work practices appropriate for on-rail inspection environments. The Rail Surveyor/Inspector uses mobile scanners or designated reporting tools to document vehicle condition, record damage exceptions, and communicate findings to operations, claims, rail, and customer-facing personnel as needed. As the primary screening point for vehicle condition while vehicles remain on rail, the inspector helps ensure damage is accurately identified and documented before securement devices are removed and vehicles are unloaded.

Essential Functions

·       Conduct thorough inspections of vehicles immediately upon rail arrival to identify visible damage, defects, or other deficiencies

·       Perform 08-Destination Rail inspections on all vehicles, accurately documenting and reporting damage, defects, missing items, or evidence of movement during rail transit

·       Ensure no vehicle enters AMPORTS possession without a complete and documented inspection

·       Collaborate with operations personnel to investigate and resolve issues identified during the inspection process

·       Communicate inspection findings across departments and with third-party inspectors as needed, particularly in cases involving significant damage

Competencies

·       Exceptional attention to detail, ability to identify minor defects

·       Strong knowledge of vehicle parts and components

·       Willingness to learn and grow

·       Excellent communication and reporting

·       Ability to work independently

·       Ability to work efficiently and make quick, accurate decisions in a high-stakes environment

·       Situational awareness

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct reports.

Work Environment

Work may be performed in office, production, shop, vehicle, rail yard, and multilevel autorack railcar environments, both indoors and outdoors, and may involve exposure to varying weather conditions and temperatures.

Physical Demands

This position requires frequent walking, standing, bending, reaching, climbing, and navigating confined spaces while conducting vehicle inspections. Employees must be able to safely access and work within multilevel autorack railcars, including climbing ladders and working at heights of approximately 20 to 25 feet above ground level. The role requires sufficient manual dexterity to operate inspection equipment, document findings, and handle vehicle components as necessary. Work may be performed in restricted spaces and in varying environmental and weather conditions.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are primarily 8 hours each day, five days a week. This position often requires overtime.

Travel

Minimal overnight travel (up to 10%) by land and/or air.

Required Education and Experience

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, and Outlook)

Computer operations

Basic personal computer skills.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Must be able to obtain TWIC badge (transportation Working Identification Card).

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Disclaimer + EEO Statement

AMPORTS is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.