Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
What is a Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation?
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation are professionals who ensure that various modes of transportation, including railroads, trucks, and public transit systems, comply with regulations and safety standards. They play a critical role in maintaining the safety and integrity of transportation systems by conducting thorough inspections of vehicles and equipment before they are put into service, as well as periodically throughout their operational life. These inspectors assess the condition of components such as brakes, lights, steering systems, and tires to identify any potential issues that may pose a risk to safety. They also monitor operational compliance with environmental standards and industry regulations. Their work often involves preparing detailed reports on the condition of inspected vehicles and proposing necessary repairs or maintenance. In addition, they may investigate accidents and incidents involving transportation vehicles to determine their causes and recommend safety improvements. This career requires a strong understanding of mechanical systems, attention to detail, and a commitment to public safety, as inspectors serve as a vital link in ensuring the reliability and safety of transportation services.
Tasks
- Inspect vehicles or other equipment for evidence of abuse, damage, or mechanical malfunction.
- Inspect vehicles or equipment to ensure compliance with rules, standards, or regulations.
- Inspect repairs to transportation vehicles or equipment to ensure that repair work was performed properly.
- Identify modifications to engines, fuel systems, emissions control equipment, or other vehicle systems to determine the impact of modifications on inspection procedures or conclusions.
- Conduct remote inspections of motor vehicles, using handheld controllers and remotely directed vehicle inspection devices.
Technology Skills
- Data base user interface and query software
- Presentation software
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
- Office suite software
Tools Used
- Speed sensors
- Scanners
- Dial indicator or dial gauge
- Automotive exhaust emission analyzers
- Screwdrivers
Knowledge
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Skills
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Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Abilities
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Flexibility of Closure
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Less than high school diploma
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work Activities
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
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Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Detailed Work Activities
- Inspect motor vehicles.
- Prepare accident or incident reports.
- Recommend changes or corrective procedures.
- Investigate transportation incidents, violations, or complaints.
- Review documents or materials for compliance with policies or regulations.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$39790.0 - $129020.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.