07/01/2006 70751

MOTOR CARRIER ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

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

An employee in this job performs 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 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 may include performing new entrant safety audits on new carrier operations and skills performance evaluations for persons with physical impairments. Work is performed independently 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: Determines safe location for monitoring traffic and selects motor carrier vehicles for inspection.

Directs traffic in and around an inspection site and monitors traffic safety.

Informs the operator about the purpose for the stop, interviews the operator, and examines operator and vehicle documents to determine compliance with safety laws.

Performs technical inspections of truck and trailer safety parts and equipment.

Performs size and weight inspections by measuring the height, width, length, and weight of a motor carrier vehicle.

Directs motor carrier movement to and from scales and carries, sets up, verifies the accuracy of, and performs minor adjustments to weighing equipment.

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

Records inspection data by preparing reports, performing mathematical calculations, consulting and interpreting laws, and preparing citations/warnings.

Determines inspection violations, using discretion to determine whether a traffic citation or written warning is issued and whether the violation is issued to the operator or carrier.

Informs operator of violations and the mandatory corrective actions, places motor carriers and operators out-of-service as prescribed by safety laws and maintains a professional demeanor in potentially hostile situations.

Maintains records and citation files and closes out citations after disposition and payment are received by the district magistrate’s office.

Prepares for judicial hearings at the district magistrate and county court of appeals and testifies as to duty performance and application of law.

Conducts new entrant safety audits by reviewing safety management procedures, operational practices, and a sample of required records.

Informs, upon completion of new entrant safety audits, the motor carrier of the results and mandatory corrective actions and prepares federally-mandated audit reports.

Conducts skills performance evaluations for operators with physical impairments or individuals attempting to obtain medical certification waivers for motor carrier operation and determines if the vehicle is equipped with the necessary accommodations and the individual can demonstrate safe operation.

Prepares reports for skills performance evaluations and recommends approval/disapproval of the operator’s medical certification waiver.

Schedules portable scales for certification.

Operates and assures proper condition of equipment and van.

Assists in providing training of the duties performed.

Performs related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code and federal laws as they relate to motor carrier size, weight, safety inspection, hazardous material, and enforcement requirements.

Knowledge of law enforcement procedures as related to motor carrier safety laws.

Knowledge of the mathematical applications of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Skill in conducting technical inspections of motor carrier vehicles and operators and in the detection of safety violations.

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

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

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

Ability 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: Successful completion of training as a Motor Carrier Enforcement Officer Trainee;

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One year of experience inspecting motor carrier vehicles and operators for compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, and a high school diploma or equivalency.

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