CLASS SPECIFICATION

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT FIELD SERVICE TECHNICIAN

DEFINITION OF CLASS:
This is field service technical work involving the setting up and operation of automated traffic enforcement digital camera equipment for recording the images of vehicles exceeding posted speed limits. An employee in this class maintains daily records of field service activity, equipment deployment logs, and documentation of public contacts. Primary contacts will be with a field service supervisor or the field service manager; and there will be occasional contact with the public and with District Court staff. The purposes of the contacts involve exchanging information, explaining procedures, and testifying in Court regarding procedures followed and actions taken. While this class of work involves talking with various members of the public, the provision of direct public service and assistance on a sustained basis is not a predominant characteristic of this class.
An employee in this class utilizes knowledge of the basic concepts and procedures of automated traffic enforcement in setting up and monitoring automated traffic enforcement equipment, which records and creates photographic evidence of speeding violations. Employees maintain daily activity reports, which include documentation of equipment inspection, field work performed, deployment details, and public contact. Employees download photo speed enforcement evidence for review by Automated Traffic Enforcement Unit (ATEU) support staff. An employee in this class uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently without specific instruction, but deviations, problems, and unfamiliar situations not covered by instructions are referred to a supervisor for decision or guidance. Guidelines, which include departmental SOPs, traffic laws, and equipment operating procedures, must be followed consistently and carefully in order that photographic evidence obtained will be recognized as evidence in support of the issuance of citations for speed violations, and as evidence which may be presented in Court. Employees exercise judgment in applying guidelines in determining placement and adjustment of equipment. The work consists of related steps, processes, and methods in setting up, operating, and monitoring operation of equipment. The purpose of the work is to help ensure the accuracy, reliability, and acceptability of evidence of vehicle speed violations. The evidence obtained by employees in this class support further processes within the ATEU and Court system. Work is performed out-of-doors, but employees spend the majority of their time in their vehicles monitoring photo radar equipment operation. Employees set up equipment in all types of weather, perform their work out of a van, and are exposed to dust thrown up by passing vehicles. The work of the class involves some risk as equipment sensors must be installed in the roadway. Safety precautions must be exercised when working near passing vehicle traffic, and safety equipment such as reflective vests must be worn. There may be occasional contact with public citizens who express their interest in or displeasure with automated traffic enforcement. Performance of the work of the class involves extended periods of sitting when monitoring equipment operation, and the ability to occasionally lift equipment battery packs which weigh approximately forty-five pounds.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)
Deploys photo speed detection equipment based on legal requirements, street layouts, time of day, weather, speed compliance surveys, and consideration of previous day's activity; and monitors system operation.
Maintains records of daily activity, including equipment inspections, field work performed, deployment logs, and public contacts.
Recommends equipment deployment locations to a supervisor based on information collected, and requests and assigns new location codes.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other ATEU staff, Police Officers, Court staff, and members of the public.
Prepares accurate documentation as required by the Police Department, ATEU, and the Court.
Employs safety precautions and anticipates unsafe conditions in order to maintain the safety of self, others, materials and equipment.
Explains basic traffic safely laws and municipal ordinances to the members of the public, and makes public awareness presentations explaining basic photo radar operation.
Operates a two-way radio to report enforcement information, request assistance, and receive information from the Communications Center. Compiles and manipulates data for diverse entities' uses.
Testifies in Court regarding location assignment, applicable photo-speed laws, and operation and calibration of photo-speed equipment.
Ensures proper care and maintenance of photo-speed equipment and two-way radio, and schedules and delivers service van for maintenance.
Attends technical training and annual re-certification in operational photo radar components including camera function, computer error codes, principles of Doppler radar, and electronic tuning fork operation.
Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: One year of experience working in a position that involved public contact.
Education: Completion of high school or High School Certificate of completion recognized in the State of Maryland, or possession of a High School equivalency certificate.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of basic math, and the ability to use and apply formulas and measurements.
Ability to acquire knowledge of applicable State and County ordinances and laws.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with co-workers, Court staff, and members of the public.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to maintain complete and accurate records of work performed.
Ability to set up and monitor the operation of photo-speed camera and related equipment, and to utilize a computer in downloading and transferring evidence to Unit staff. Ability to learn and/or use computer applications when required for job-related duties.
Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather.
Ability to lift battery packs and other equipment weighing up to fifty pounds.
Ability to obtain annual recertification in photo radar components including camera function, computer error codes, principles of Doppler radar, and electronic tuning fork function.

LICENSE:
Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license from the applicant's state of residence.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Individuals appointed or promoted to this class will be required to serve a probationary period of six (6) months, during which time performance will be carefully evaluated. Continuance in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

MEDICAL PROTOCOL:
Core Exam with Drug/Alcohol Screen

Class Established: October 2006
Revised: December 2008 (M)
April 2010