07/01/2006 70750

MOTOR CARRIER ENFORCEMENT OFFICER TRAINEE

DEFINITION: This is trainee and technical work in the inspection of motor carrier vehicles and operators and enforcement of safety laws.

An employee in this job participates in formal classroom instruction and practical field work designed to develop proficiency in performing technical safety, size and weight, and hazardous material inspections of motor carrier vehicles and operators to determine compliance with and enforce state and federal motor carrier safety laws. Work involves instruction in maintaining a safe work environment, selecting vehicles for inspection, interviewing operators, reviewing vehicle and operator documents, performing inspections of truck and trailer safety parts and equipment, issuing and processing traffic citations, notifying operators of required corrective action, preparing reports, and preparing for and testifying at judicial hearings relative to inspection results and application of law. Work
assignments increase in scope and complexity as the employee gains technical proficiency in the work. Training and work is performed under the general supervision of a Motor Carrier Enforcement Supervisor and is reviewed for quality, completeness, and technical soundness through reports and observation.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Receives training in determining safe locations for monitoring traffic and selecting motor carrier vehicles for inspection.

Receives training in directing traffic in and around an inspection site and monitoring traffic safety.

Receives training in informing the operator about the purpose for the stop, interviewing the operator, and examining operator and vehicle documents to determine compliance with safety laws.

Receives training in performing technical inspections of truck and trailer safety parts and equipment.

Receives training in performing size and weight inspections by measuring the height, width, length, and weight of a motor carrier vehicle.

Receives training in directing motor carrier movement to and from scales and carrying, setting up, verifying the accuracy of, and performing minor adjustments to weighing equipment.

Receives training in inspecting compliance with hazardous material transportation requirements by examining shipping documents, vehicle placards, CDL endorsements, and material security, packaging, separation, and labeling.

Receives training in recording inspection data by preparing reports, performing mathematical calculations, consulting and interpreting laws and preparing citations/warnings.

Receives training in determining inspection violations and using discretion to determine whether a traffic citation or written warning will be issued and whether a violation will be issued to the operator or carrier.

Receives training in informing operators of violations and mandatory corrective actions, placing motor carriers and operators out-of-service as prescribed by safety laws and maintaining a professional demeanor in potentially hostile situations.

Receives training in maintaining records and citation files and closing out citations after disposition and payment is received by the district magistrate’s office.

Receives training in preparing for judicial hearings at the district magistrate and county court of appeals and testifying at such hearings as to duty performance and application of law.

Receives training in scheduling portable scales for certification.

Receives training in operating and assuring proper condition of equipment and van.

Performs related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of mathematical applications of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Ability to learn the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code and federal laws as they relate to motor carrier size, weight, safety inspection, hazardous material, and enforcement requirements.

Ability to learn law enforcement procedures as related to motor carrier safety laws.

Ability to learn to conduct technical inspections of motor carriers and operators and detect safety violations.

Ability to learn to apply laws to inspections, audits, and evaluations.

Ability to exercise tact and discretion in preparing and issuing citations and written warnings.

Ability to learn to assist district attorney’s office in preparing cases for county court.

Ability to learn to use vehicle weighing, measuring, and inspection equipment.

Ability to speak and write effectively.

Ability to read and understand written technical material.

Ability to use a personal computer and other standard office equipment.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and work-related contacts.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Two years of mechanical experience, law enforcement-related experience, or post secondary school education; and a high school diploma or equivalency;

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An equivalent combination of experience and education that includes a high school diploma or equivalency.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid Pennsylvania Class C motor vehicle operator's license.