Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING

Position Number:  00199783

Description Activated On:  3/24/2026 10:17:25 AM


Position Purpose:
Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. 

The purpose of this position is to accomplish tasks and construction projects that involve HEAVY EQUIPMENT for construction and excavation assignments, and the instruction of inmates to operate such equipment to accomplish these assignments

Description of Duties:
Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

This position entails the care, custody and control of an inmate work detail, who are engaged in the performance of manual working and around the State Correctional Institution at Coal Twp. The knowledge of safety rules pertaining to the operation of heavy construction equipment, backhoes, tractors, as well as the ability to plan and supervise the work of a group of inmates using ordinary maintenance tools and equipment is required.
As a Construction Equipment Operator Trade Instructor, you will assign, review and supervise/instruct the work of an inmate crew. Your duties include the responsibility and accountability for the custody, discipline and security of inmates assigned to thedetail during work hours. Assignments are received in all but routine tasks, and work is reviewed during progress and upon completion by the Facility Maintenance Manager.
The Construction Equipment Operator, T.I. plans and lays out work for inmates working on a wide variety of excavation projects, keeps and approves inmate time records and submits reports as required concerning completed work assignments.
Supervises inmate workers in construction and maintenance assignments of all buildings, new construction projects, groundskeeping, and the maintenance and repair of all roads.
Supervises inmates and performs a variety of jobs which include but not limited to; snow removal, tree removal, road and storm drainage repairs and replacement, berming of road edges, digging footers, trenching for steam and water lines, and construction projects in support of the overall goals of the Maintenance Department.
Must be able to operate and supervise inmates in the safe handling of power chain saws, farm tractors with mowers and bushhog attachments etc. Must instruct inmates how to operate heavy construction equipment such as a back hoe, front end loader, excavator, track loader, forklift and a grader. Instruction must be hands on as well as textbook/classroom.
Develop an inmate rotating winter snow removal schedule to include walkways, and all building exits, to be free of snow and ice. Snow removal would be accomplished with use of a front end loader, backhoe, snow blower and hand tools.
Instruct inmates in all safety procedures related to all aspects of this position and to follow the safety policies and procedures of the DOC and SCI Coal Twp.
Perform and instruct inmates in routine preventative maintenance on all assigned power equipment operated.
Maintain excavation of all lawn areas, specifically grading and seeding as needed after construction type projects by maintenance.
Maintain order and discipline among inmate work details. Conduct daily security searches of inmates and work areas. Perform
required searches for re-entry of inmates to the institution.
Leaves Institutional grounds for pick up of related maintenance supplies and equipment from various vendors in surrounding communities.
Conducts progress evaluations, task grids and reviews on assigned inmate workers regarding the proper operation, handling and maintenance of all related equipment. Complete inmate payroll.
Drives a commercial motor vehicle. This position requires the possession of a Class C Drivers License.
Complete and submit inmate instruction records/task grids.
Follow all SCI Coal Twp. and departmental policies and procedures to include tool control.
Participate in institutional drills and searches.
Performs other related work as required to support institutional operational needs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Exercise care, custody, and control over inmates
2. Apply physical force and intervention when appropriate and necessary
3. Demonstrate and oversee inmates in the standard principles and practices of freight terminal operations
4. Reach, bend, stoop, pull, push, kneel, lift, climb, and grasp
5. Be mobile over all types of physical surfaces and levels
6. Spend prolonged periods of time working indoors as well as outdoors in all weather conditions
7. Spend prolonged periods of time standing or walking
8. Work all shifts and posts as required by operational necessities and emergencies
9. Work mandatory overtime in compliance with provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, with little or no advance notice, whether on or off duty at the time of notification
10. Maintain regular and reliable attendance
11. Use and maintain various equipment and tools used in freight terminal operations
12. Operate basic office equipment
13. Maintain an active Class C Driver’s License supplemented by the endorsements required by law for operation of equipment utilized by the DOC
14. Properly wear all portions of assigned uniform
15. Effectively communicate verbally and in writing
16. Establish and maintain effective working relationships
17. Hear and identify sounds (voices, whistle, buzzer, lock release, scuffling, sudden quiet)
18. Visually observe inmates’ activities
19. Administer emergency medical assistance to inmates and staff
20. Attend and participate in all mandatory training and/or testing
21. Travel as required

Decision Making:
Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

Functions of a routine nature are performed independently. The employee is responsible for determining how to complete necessary assignments and for delegating, overseeing, and inspecting work of an assigned inmate work crew. Unusual assignments or difficult situations are discussed with the incumbent’s supervisor or higher-level maintenance manager prior to implementation

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:



Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1. 
  Class C Driver's License
 
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N/A
 
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N/A
 
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Essential Functions
: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
 
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