CLASS SPECIFICATION

TRANSPORTATION EMERGENCY
RESPONSE PATROL TECHNICAN I

DEFINITION OF CLASS

This is entry level work providing general motorist assistance and traffic incident management support on roadways within the County. Contacts are with other department employees and public safety personnel to communicate real-time traffic information, to inform of roadway incidents and to coordinate and assist in the implementation of temporary traffic control measures. The work of the class entails ongoing public service and assistance providing transportation aid to motorists on County thoroughfares.

An employee in this class is responsible for operating various types of specialized emergency patrol vehicles including tow trucks, front end loaders, and heavy duty wreckers; for performing mandated CDL procedures; and for carrying out driver/operator preventative maintenance tasks on assigned equipment. The employee is expected to independently perform recurring assignments and is given specific instructions for new, difficult, or developmental type tasks. Problems and/or unfamiliar situations not covered by established guidelines are referred to the supervisor for assistance. The work activities involve various processes and with training, the employee is expected to readily evaluate each situation and act accordingly. The complexity of the work emanates from the variety of situations that are encountered and the degree of independence that is exercised in evaluating and implementing remedial action.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)

Monitors roadway traffic conditions to detect areas of congestion and respond to incidents.
Provides assistance to motorists with disabled vehicles.
Clears roadway incidents that affect traffic flow or present a safety hazard to motorists.
Coordinates with other agencies at incident scenes and executes traffic control plans to re-route traffic, including use of variable sign messages.
Documents manpower and equipment used during incident events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: One (1) year of experience performing emergency highway operations work to include operating a tow truck to relocate vehicles, completing minor automotive repairs to disabled vehicles, or equivalent experience.
Education: Ability to read and write and carry out oral and written instructions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of and competency in safely operating the vehicles and equipment used in the conduct of the work. This includes the operating characteristics, capabilities, and capacities of the vehicles and equipment, the ability to perform operator level inspections and general preventive maintenance, as well as knowledge of applicable Motor Vehicle Administration and highway regulations governing the operation of assigned vehicles and equipment.
Basic knowledge of traffic patrol incident management procedures and methods to provide aid and assistance to motorists, and to coordinate and assist in implementing temporary traffic management control measures.
Knowledge of hazardous material codes.
Skill in operating communication equipment and motorist information systems (e.g., variable sign messaging, scan read radios, repeaters, etc.) and the ability to communicate real time traffic information to the Traffic Management Center.
Skill and ability to communicate with the general public in a variety of situations.
Ability to operate a tow truck, front-end loader, and heavy duty wrecker.
Ability to work in severe and adverse weather conditions for extended periods of time.
Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, and respond to callback situations during scheduled off hours.
Certification: Must satisfactorily complete Departmental Certification Program (Maryland State Highway Administration Service Patrol Training Program; first aide training; and hazardous materials training.) within six (6) months from date of employment, for transportation emergency response.

LICENSE

Possession of a valid Commercial Class B Driver's License (CDL) with mandatory endorsements required for Maryland State CDL licensure.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

The probationary period is six (6) months for a full-time or part-time employee appointed to a merit system position, and six (6) months for a promoted employee, during which time performance will be carefully evaluated. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

MEDICAL PROTOCOL: Core Exam II with Drug & Alcohol Screen

Class Established: June, 2005