Motor Carrier Specialist Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established June 5, 1980

Scope

This series specification describes four classes which enforce sections of the Vehicle Code and administrative regulations relating to operating, safety, mechanical, preventive maintenance, and hazardous materials handling practices of motor carriers under the jurisdiction of the California Highway Patrol.

Definition of Series

The Motor Carrier Specialist (MCS) series describes work performed in the field or administrative duties performed at headquarters. The duties involve checking for compliance with the California Highway Patrol administrative regulations and provisions of the Vehicle Code relating to safety, maintenance, operational practices, and hazardous materials handling of motor carriers; performing or planning, and evaluating a group, unit, or program activities; and doing other related work.

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

Level of difficulty; complexity of assigned duties; independence of action and decision; and degree of supervision received and degree of supervision exercised serve as differentiating factors between individual classes.

Definition of Levels

Motor Carrier Specialist I, California Highway Patrol

This is the entry and journey level in this series. Under general supervision, inspects motor carriers for compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements relating to safety, maintenance, and operational practices; locates and informs previously unidentified carriers of compliance responsibility; evaluates the effectiveness of the carrier's preventive maintenance program and the adequacy and accuracy of record keeping related to driver's hours of service and controlled substance and alcohol testing; makes recommendations to motor carriers regarding improvement in procedures and practices; performs inspections and evaluations of school buses, youth buses, general public paratransit vehicles, school pupil activity buses, and farm labor, vehicles, and certifies such vehicles annually; performs inspections and evaluations of tour buses and other buses, trucks, truck-tractors, pull-trailers, and semi-trailers; performs inspections and evaluations of flammable/combustible liquid cargo tanks and hazardous waste transporter terminals, containers, and vehicles; performs bus and truck terminal and Biennial Inspection of Terminals inspections, and assigns terminal ratings; performs initial and regular inspections of Inspection and Maintenance Station (IMS) licensees; follows safe working practices; performs carrier initial and renewal fitness evaluations and makes recommendations regarding the granting of Public Utilities Commission's (PUC) operating authority; inspects carrier and shipper facilities for compliance with State and Federal regulations pertaining to the packaging, labeling, marking, loading, storage, and documentation of hazardous materials and wastes; instructs carrier and carrier employees on proper procedures and methods to achieve compliance, and takes appropriate action when carrier is out of compliance; understands the Department's expectations and commitment to service by upholding established professional values, and complies with departmental policy; prepares Weekly Field Activities Reports and comprehensive written reports of inspections conducted; makes detailed investigations of vehicles involved in accidents to determine if the cause was mechanical, and when called upon, serves as a technical expert on a multidisciplinary accident investigation team to investigate complex or multiple fatality motor vehicle accidents; provides technical information and guidance to individuals with varying levels of understanding; assists in assembling data for the preparation of complaints, reports, and exhibits; testifies as a witness in proceedings before the courts and transportation regulatory agencies;; uses personal computer to access data and to complete forms and documents; organizes and accomplishes own workload effectively; and maintains assigned suspense files, logs, publications, manuals, vehicle, and equipment.

Motor Carrier Specialist II, California Highway Patrol

Under direction plans, organizes, and directs the work of field Motor Carrier Specialist I personnel or when assigned to headquarters, acts as a staff assistant to the Motor Carrier Specialist III, California Highway Patrol, or Manager, Motor Carrier Safety Program, California Highway Patrol; understands the Department's expectations and commitment to service by upholding established professional values; complies with departmental policy and employee bargaining unit contracts; conducts ongoing field training for assigned Motor Carrier Specialist I personnel on a one-to-one basis, and provides training and technical presentations for industry, allied agencies, and departmental employees; performs specialized administrative functions; supervises and evaluates the work of Motor Carrier Specialist I subordinates and assists with inspections and investigations; follows and ensures safe working practices; reviews and evaluates the effectiveness of field inspection and investigation activities; advises carriers and assists in developing programs for vehicle inspection and maintenance; communicates with carriers to ensure compliance and respond to complaints; identifies and enforces laws and regulations when carrier is out of compliance; meets, confers, and maintains liaison with allied agencies and a variety of public and private organizations to gain compliance and respond to complaints; provides technical information and guidance to departmental personnel, carriers, and the public; provides technical information regarding hazardous materials transportation to field enforcement personnel and to other State agencies as requested; testifies as an expert witness in proceedings before the courts and transportation regulatory agencies; approves recommendations regarding the granting of PUC operating authority and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Motor Carrier of Property Permits; gathers and compiles data for administrative reports and analyzes statistical reports; prepares and edits a variety of memorandums, reports, and forms; uses computer to send and receive messages, prepare forms and documents, and access data and documents; maintains assigned publications, manuals, and unit equipment and vehicles; organizes and accomplishes own workload effectively; and supports the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity Program.

Motor Carrier Specialist III, California Highway Patrol

Under general direction, plans, organizes, and directs the work of a field Division Motor Carrier Safety Unit or a headquarters unit; acts as liaison between staff and upper management to represent, promote, and explain programs to management; keeps management informed of activities, and implements directions; establishes unit goals and workload standards; accomplishes goals through others by delegating tasks or responsibilities; maintains the confidence and cooperation of employees in leading by example; sets a positive example by adhering to the Department's organizational values; understands the Department's expectations and commitment to service by upholding established professional values; explains, interprets, and complies with departmental policy and adheres to provisions of employee bargaining unit contracts; directs the implementation and application of policies and new program responsibilities and activities; meets, confers, and maintains liaison with allied agencies, public and private trucking associations, labor organizations, interested citizen groups, and news media to gain compliance and to promote a better understanding of the Department's program as it pertains to motor carrier operations; initiates and conducts informal meetings with the management of motor carriers on changes in operating practices to give better protection to passengers, the public, and employees; recommends and promotes preventive practices; participates as an expert witness in proceedings before the courts and transportation regulatory agencies; communicates with carriers to ensure compliance; advises carriers and makes recommendations to maintain compliance and ensure consistent application of laws and regulations; recommends appropriate action against noncompliant motor carriers; supervises and evaluates the work of Motor Carrier Specialist II subordinates, provides training, understands and fairly applies progressive disciplinary measures to improve employee performance, and assists with inspections and investigations; follows safe working practices; reviews and evaluates the effectiveness of the unit and field inspection and investigation activities; provides current technical information and guidance to departmental personnel, allied agencies, industry organizations, carriers, and the public; gathers and compiles data for administrative reports, and analyzes statistical reports and workload data; prepares, reviews, and edits a variety of memorandums, reports, and forms; uses computer to send and receive messages, prepare forms and documents, access data and documents, and manage and track programs; maintains assigned publications, manuals, and unit equipment and vehicles; organizes and accomplishes own workload effectively; and supports the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity Program.

Manager, Motor Carrier Safety Program, California Highway Patrol

This is the management level in the series, with technical responsibility for managing the statewide Motor Carrier Safety Program of the California Highway Patrol in conjunction with managing the headquarters Motor Carrier Safety Unit. Under administrative direction, supervises the development and application of departmental policy and procedures relating to commercial vehicle laws and regulations; supervises activities for improving operating methods; maintains the confidence and cooperation of employees in leading by example; sets a positive example by adhering to the Department's organizational values; understands the Department's expectations and commitment to service by upholding established professional values; indirectly supervises and visits the Motor Carrier Safety Units statewide; performs duties of a Motor Carrier Specialist III when necessary; hires, directs, supervises, counsels, observes, and evaluates subordinates, and responds to their grievances and complaints; initiates and recommends disciplinary action on subordinates; encourages upward mobility and formally recognizes exemplary performance; develops and conducts training for departmental personnel, industry, and allied agencies; reviews and evaluates the effectiveness of the Motor Carrier Safety Program and field inspection and investigation activities and operations; explains, interprets, and assists in developing departmental policy; adheres to Department policy and the provisions of employee bargaining unit contracts; provides technical consultative assistance to regulatory bodies in drafting regulations and proposed legislation; contributes to the design of monitoring and reporting systems for State program activities; guides the implementation of new program responsibilities and activities; communicates information to all levels of staff and management; meets, confers, negotiates, and maintains liaison with State and Federal agencies, private trucking associations, and labor organizations; recommends appropriate action against noncompliant motor carriers; provides technical information and guidance to departmental personnel, allied agencies, the regulated community, and the public; serves on technical committees; performs specialized research and field studies and investigations; recommends responses to trends in programs; recommends staffing and budgeting needs; develops, reviews, analyzes, and recommends legislation to provide safer transportation in the motor carrier industry; proposes new regulations and changes to existing regulations; prepares formal interpretations of laws and regulations and exemptions from regulations; reviews responses to Federal rule-making proposals and exemptions from regulations; gathers and compiles data, and reviews and analyzes statistical and incident reports and workload data; gathers and reviews evidence, analyzes hearing transcripts, prepares complaints, and testifies as an expert witness before the courts and transportation regulatory agencies; uses computer to send and receive messages, prepare forms and documents, and access data and documents; organizes and accomplishes own workload effectively; maintains and updates assigned publications and manuals; follows safe working practices and recommends changes in safe operating practices and procedures; serves as Subject Matter Expert for various personnel functions; and supports the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity Program.

Minimum Qualifications

Motor Carrier Specialist I, California Highway Patrol

Either I

One year of experience performing the duties of a Commercial Vehicle Inspection Specialist I, Range B.

Or II

Five years of experience as an Officer, California Highway Patrol, assigned to commercial enforcement duties. Exclusive weight enforcement assignments are not considered as qualifying experience. Only verified commercial experience may be accepted.

Or III

Four years of experience in any one or a combination of the following:

1. As a journey level mechanic including mechanical repair and preventive maintenance programs. [Experience as a driver of a bus or truck and trailer or semi-trailer, heavy-duty trucking equipment may be substituted (on a month-for-month basis) for up to one year of the required journey level mechanic experience.] or

2. Automotive or mechanical engineering experience, at least one year of which shall have included extensive experience in the design, modification, or regulation of motor vehicle equipment. or

3. As a field supervisor, or a comparable position with a motor carrier, operating a fleet of heavy-duty motor trucking or bus vehicles with typical over-the-road operations.

(College education with major work in automotive or mechanical engineering may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.) and A safe driving record and possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles prior to appointment. Applicants who do not possess this license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to appointment.

Motor Carrier Specialist II, California Highway Patrol

Either I

Two years of experience performing the duties of a Motor Carrier Specialist I, California Highway Patrol.

Or II

Four years of experience providing a thorough knowledge of modern operating practices and of maintenance of heavy-duty motor vehicle equipment. This experience shall have been in a responsible capacity such as:

1. Shop supervisor in charge of mechanical and preventive maintenance, or safety engineer with preventive maintenance experience, with a motor carrier operating a fleet of 20 or more heavy-duty motor vehicles. or

2. Automotive equipment engineering or technical experience with a highway carrier or a transportation regulatory agency.

(College education with major work in automotive or mechanical engineering may be substituted for not more than two years of the required experience on the basis of two years of college being equivalent to one year of experience.) and A safe driving record and possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles prior to appointment. Applicants who do not possess this license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to appointment.

Motor Carrier Specialist III, California Highway Patrol

Either I

Two years of experience performing the duties of a Motor Carrier Specialist II, California Highway Patrol.

Or II

Five years of experience in a position equivalent to a superintendent of maintenance or an operations manager or similar position with a motor carrier operating a fleet of 20 or more heavy-duty commercial motor vehicles.

(College education with major work in automotive or mechanical engineering may be substituted for not more than two years of the required experience on the basis of two years of college work being equivalent to one year of experience.) and A safe driving record and possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles prior to appointment. Applicants who do not possess this license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to appointment.

Manager, Motor Carrier Safety Program, California Highway Patrol

Either I

Two years of experience performing the duties of a Motor Carrier Specialist III, California Highway Patrol.

Or II

Broad and extensive professional experience (more than five years) in one or a combination of the following:

1. Administrative and supervisory experience in all phases of project planning and development of programs involving commercial transportation operations. Experience should include organization and administration of a large project or complex program at the local, regional, or statewide level in the commercial transportation industry and the responsibility for dealing with the political ramifications in the work setting. or

2. In a line or policy development capacity in a public agency or private firm engaged in commercial transportation. Qualifying experience in such agencies or firms includes a position equivalent to a superintendent of maintenance or an operations manager or similar position with a motor carrier operating a fleet of 20 or more heavy-duty commercial motor vehicles.

(College education with major work in automotive or mechanical engineering may be substituted for not more than two years of the required experience on the basis of two years of college work being equivalent to one year of experience.) and A safe driving record and possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles prior to appointment. Applicants who do not possess this license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to appointment.

Knowledge and Abilities

Motor Carrier Specialist I, California Highway Patrol

Knowledge of: (1) proper use of the English language; (2) mechanical terminology common to motor carrier personnel; (3)�automotive, bus, and truck mechanics; (4) the construction and equipment systems of different types of motor vehicles; (5) standards of mechanical condition; (6)�and safe working practices, occupational safety practices, and accident prevention techniques.

Ability to: (7) read, comprehend, and write English at a level required for successful job performance; (8) read, comprehend, and follow applicable laws, rules, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures; (9) communicate orally in public and on a one-to-one basis; (10) write clear, accurate, and concise reports; (11) follow oral and written instructions; (12) manage own time, prioritize tasks, and multi-task; (13) work effectively in stressful situations; (14)�apply general rules and principles to specific situations; (15)�reach a conclusion by analyzing all available information; (16)�detect unsafe equipment and operating practices; (17) use basic tools and safety equipment; (18)�perform inspections safely; (19)�perform mathematical calculations using addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages, and to determine the appropriate formula to use in calculations; (20)�interact effectively with others and work as a team member; (21)�remember detailed job-related information; (22) use maps; (23)�detect audible warning devices; (24)�maintain sufficient physical ability and dexterity to allow proper inspection of vehicles and cargo tanks; (25)�read small letters and numbers primarily associated with the inspection of commercial vehicles, including but not limited to small gauge readings and vehicle identification numbers; (26) operate an assigned motor vehicle; (27) anticipate and recognize problems and take effective action; (28) and use assigned computer and other computer-related hardware.

Motor Carrier Specialist II, California Highway Patrol

Knowledge of: All of the above, (29) and State and Federal regulations and laws pertaining to motor carriers, hazardous materials, and to hazardous materials packaging, labeling, marking, loading, storage, placarding, and documentation; (30) departmental policies and procedures relevant to motor carriers; (31) bargaining unit contracts; (32) the types of, and the dangers associated with, hazardous materials, hazardous substances, and hazardous waste; (33)�the packaging requirements for hazardous materials and hazardous waste; (34) departmental operating practices; (35) Division Standard Operating Procedures; (36) departmental and industry abbreviations and acronyms; (37) systematic and thorough inspection procedures and techniques to detect statutory and regulatory violations; (38) motor carrier fitness evaluations for PUC, Controlled Substance and Alcohol Testing requirements, and property permit requirements; (39) motor carrier equipment and facilities, and maintenance and operating practices; (40) record-keeping requirements for drivers and for maintenance practices; (41) hazardous waste transporter terminal, vehicle, and container requirements; (42) flammable/combustible liquid cargo tanks; (43) due process, court, and prosecution procedures; (44)�instructional techniques, and conflict prevention and resolution techniques; (45) departmental form completion, report writing, and correspondence procedures; (46) cultural diversity, the Department's sexual harassment policy, and a supervisor's role in maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment; (47)�the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; (48)�and a supervisor's role in the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity Program and the processes available to meet equal employment opportunity objectives.

Ability to: All of the above, and (49) interpret and apply statutory and regulatory requirements; (50) interpret and apply State and Federal regulations and Department policy; (51) read and comprehend correspondence, contracts, documents, and specifications; (52) prepare detailed and complex reports, forms, and correspondence; (53) review and edit reports; (54) compile and analyze data; (55) determine and recommend corrective measures to carriers; (56) identify training needs and conduct field training on a one-to-one basis; (57) instruct classes for industry, allied agencies, and departmental employees; (58) review and evaluate field investigations; (59) detect improper maintenance practices; (60)�appraise the condition of automotive equipment; (61) perform detailed mechanical inspections to determine if the mechanical condition of a vehicle contributed to an accident; (62) analyze work-related situations accurately; (63) operate and test brake and lighting systems; (64) operate commercial vehicle controls and specialized tools and equipment; (65) supervise, direct, and evaluate the work of a group of subordinates, maintain the confidence and cooperation of employees in leading by example, and understand and fairly apply progressive disciplinary measures to improve employee performance; (66) maintain cooperative relations with allied agencies and labor organizations; (67) testify as an expert witness; (68)�operate a personal computer and standard office equipment; (69)�maintain a working environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment; (70) and promote and effectively contribute to the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity Program and objectives.

Motor Carrier Specialist III, California Highway Patrol

Knowledge of: All of the above, and (71) state laws and regulations pertaining to personnel administration; (72) Department policy and procedures relevant to employee activities; (73) administrative hearing and deposition procedures; (74) management techniques and the Department's management philosophy; (75) supervisory principles and techniques (e.g., observation, performance feedback, employee development, discipline); (76) interviewing/interrogation techniques; (77) clerical procedures; (78) and departmental procedures for obtaining supplies and requisitioning equipment.

Ability to: All of the above (except 24 and 61), (79) and perform administrative functions; (80) articulate specific programs and program trends to management; (81) recommend and support changes in regulations; (82) coordinate the implementation of policies; (83)�coordinate bargaining unit contracts with Department policy; (84)�represent the Department at meetings; (85) provide leadership to a team; (86) track unit workload and meet deadlines; (87) delegate responsibility; (88) evaluate strong and weak points of subordinates; (89) recommend corrective measures; (90) conduct internal investigations; (91) identify trends in statistical analyses and perform specialized research; (92) conduct and supervise field studies; (93) and operate audio/visual equipment.

Manager, Motor Carrier Safety Program, California Highway Patrol

Knowledge of: All of the above (except 32, 33, and 78), and (94)�principles of departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines; (95) management principles and techniques (e.g., delegation of authority, effective staff deployment, motivation, situational leadership, and setting standards); 96) a manager's role in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program and the processes available to meet Equal Employment Opportunity objectives; (97) and a manager's role in maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Ability to: All of the above (except 16, 17, 23, 24, 26, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, and 93), and (98) supervise professional subordinates; (99) accomplish goals through others; (100) coordinate the activities of large groups of personnel; (101) judge which decisions to make or delegate; (102) analyze conflicting facts/advice; (103) achieve positive results from negative situations; (104) justify decisions; (105) supervise negotiations for improving operating methods; (106) develop, review, or draft legislation; (107) assist local regulatory bodies in drafting regulations; (108) and be sensitive to political considerations.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

All Levels:

Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

Motor Carrier Specialist I, California Highway Patrol

Journey level mechanic experience with a heavy-duty vehicle repair facility or a motor carrier.

Special Personal Characteristics

All Levels:

Accuracy, adaptability, carefulness, concentration, cooperation, courage, courtesy, dedication, emotional control, enthusiasm, honesty, initiative, integrity, leadership, maturity, persuasiveness, positive attitude, productivity, professional ethics, punctuality, reliability, respectfulness, self-discipline, tactfulness, thoroughness, tolerance for unpleasant working conditions (e.g., noise, confined spaces, weather extremes), willingness to prepare paperwork, and willingness to travel throughout the State.

Drug Testing Requirement

Motor Carrier Specialist I, California Highway Patrol

Applicants for positions in this class are required to pass a drug screening test. Testing of current employees who are applicants in an examination or who are transferring is permitted only if the person does not have a current appointment to a class for which drug testing is a requirement.

Class History