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Career Paths/University Recruitment

The Amtrak Office of Inspector General employs about 100 people. The majority of those employees work in the offices of audits or investigations with the remaining employees serving in leadership or support positions.

Amtrak OIG Benefits

Who We Are

Our mission is to provide independent, objective oversight of Amtrak’s programs and operations through audits and investigations focused on recommending improvements to Amtrak’s economy, efficiency, and effectiveness; preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse; and providing Congress, Amtrak management, and Amtrak’s Board of Directors with timely information about problems and deficiencies relating to Amtrak’s programs and operations.

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Amtrak OIG Leadership
Office of Audits

Office of Audits
Office of Investigations

Office of Investigations

Career Paths

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Entry-level & Internships

As an intern or entry level employee, you will be fully immersed in our oversight mission, which will include detailed training, participating in the development of our audits and oversight products, learning about the inspector general community, and sharpening you critical thinking and writing skills. Because Amtrak OIG offers an environment in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect, you will feel welcome, and your growth and development as a team member will be a top priority. Applicants interested in employment can learn how to apply using the following link.

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Office of Audits

As an auditor, you will challenge your imagination and grow your skills through exciting work in a variety of subject areas to include safety and security, train operations, corporate governance, asset management, acquisition and procurement, human capital management, and information technology.

Auditors are generally responsible for researching, analyzing, and reporting on programs; finances; and functional areas like IT, operations, or management systems to assess whether Amtrak is efficiently and effectively executing the program or operation, or effectively using available resources. Critical skills include collecting and synthesizing information that is objective, fact-based, and relevant, and that lends to substantive findings and actionable recommendations. Auditors are also expected to have excellent oral communications and writing skills. To learn more about the type of work we do, and to see examples of our completed work, visit our audits page.

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Office of Investigations

Our special agents and supporting forensics experts, desk officers, and analysts give the OIG the ability to fulfill its federal law enforcement authority. Additionally, we often support cross-agency law enforcement task forces and investigations where Amtrak funds or employees are involved, and we work regularly with other OIGs, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and state and local law enforcement agencies. Our criminal cases are referred to the Department of Justice and/or state and local prosecutors for criminal or civil prosecution.

Our Office of Investigations has been granted statutory law enforcement authority as authorized by the United States Attorney General in accordance with the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended. This empowers our agents to carry firearms, make arrests, seek and execute search warrants, serve subpoenas, administer oaths, and have access to all Amtrak records.

Our team is held to the rigorous training and operation standards established by the Department of Justice, which include regular firearms training and qualification, criminal investigator training, and advanced training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. To learn more about the ongoing work of our investigative team, visit our investigations page.

Supporting Functions

Supporting Functions

Our team relies on critical support from our Office of Counsel, Quality Assurance, Human Capital, and Mission Support. These offices provide our leadership with expertise on a broad range of functions including legal counsel, adherence to training requirements and other standards, human resources, public affairs, budgeting and procurement, information technology, and general office support.

  • Alexander Cullen

    Testimonial

    Alexander Cullen

    As an auditor with Amtrak OIG, I enjoy being part of something larger than myself. In my two years with the organization, I have gained a broad knowledge of the accountability community, the rail industry, and transportation policy. I appreciate that my work has a tangible impact on communities across the country while at the same time providing me with opportunities to develop my skills with the support of a great leadership team. With ample opportunities for professional growth, a collegial and respectful workplace, and great work/life balance, Amtrak OIG is the perfect place to build your career!

  • Elizabeth Sherwood

    Testimonial

    Elizabeth Sherwood

    I started working at Amtrak OIG as an intern while I was pursuing a graduate degree. The thing I appreciated most at the time was how engaged I got to be in the work from day one. My supervisors gave me autonomy to pursue ideas while supporting me with the guidance I needed to see those efforts through. Since then, I’ve been given many opportunities to take on new challenges that have helped me grow in my career. I also enjoy the variety of work we do at Amtrak OIG. From helping to make Amtrak safer for employees and passengers to identifying opportunities for the company to attract new talent, every project is a chance to learn something new.

  • Sarah Brandes

    Testimonial

    Sarah Brandes

    When I first joined Amtrak OIG as an auditor, I was looking for a position where I could engage in meaningful work and develop new skills along the way. Over the past two years, Amtrak OIG has given me many opportunities to expand my abilities while taking part in the important work of overseeing the safety and efficiency of the nation’s railroad. At every step of the way, I have the encouragement of my manager and office leadership. The friendly and supportive work environment, along with the great benefits, make Amtrak OIG a great place to grow your career.

  • Rachel Powell

    Testimonial

    Rachel Powell

    Working at Amtrak OIG has been an enriching experience for me. I currently serve as a Senior Auditor, Lead, and can definitely say that this organization is committed to my growth. My leadership has a vested interest in ensuring both professional and personal growth through ample mentoring, coaching, and training opportunities. In addition, since beginning with the OIG, I have witnessed firsthand how knowledgeable and friendly my colleagues are and how happy they are to offer help when it is needed. I have never felt there was a shortage of support during my career here. Overall, Amtrak OIG has been a great place to work!

  • Clare Shepherd

    Testimonial

    Clare Shepherd

    When I was in my MBA program, I did not anticipate a career as an auditor, but I’m so glad I ended up as one with Amtrak OIG. I was always very passionate about transportation, and this position has allowed me to have a bird’s eye view of all aspects of company operations, learning about everything from Amtrak’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to issues managing $100m+ capital construction projects. I’ve had opportunities to make good use of my steel-toed boots visiting construction sites, yard operations, and track segments in multiple locations in the country, including Chicago and Southern California. Most importantly, I have contributed to reports that directly impacted executive leadership decision making and Amtrak operations.

University Recruitment

Amtrak OIG primarily recruits university students for entry-level positions in our Office of Audits. We generally seek students with master’s degree in Public Policy or Public Administration, with the most successful candidates possessing strong analytical and writing skills.

We begin our university recruitment in the Fall, and those hired through our university recruitment efforts generally have anticipated start dates in January or June. Through our university recruiting efforts, we have successfully welcomed students to our team from the following universities:

  • University of Maryland
  • George Washington University
  • Georgetown University
  • Temple University
  • University of Baltimore
  • American University
  • George Mason University
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • University of the District of Columbia
  • University of Maryland Baltimore County

Want to learn more about opportunities at Amtrak OIG? Check out our Job Openings and Benefits pages!