Air Resources Field Representative Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established July 2, 1981

Scope

This series specification describes the Air Resources Field Representative series which conducts inspections and investigations, and performs enforcement duties necessary to comply with California vehicle emission laws.

Definition of Series

The Air Resources Field Representative series describes technical work to be learned and performed at the entry, journey, and supervisory level. Incumbents conduct inspections/surveillance of vehicle and equipment tests and calibration at manufacturing plants, emission test facilities, vehicle preparation centers, and dealerships; summarize and write reports pertaining to compliance data and violations; investigate complaints relating to warranty of vehicle emission control devices, fraud, tampering, and illegal sales; serve as expert witnesses when required; document dealer, business, and citizen violations; prepare reports including recommendations; provide technical support and assist other law enforcement agencies; conduct special surveys and field studies relative to enforcement action; conduct technical/educational seminars for the automotive industry; and prepares correspondence as required.

Entry Levels

Entry to this series is typically at the class of Air Resources Field Representative I, and may be accomplished either promotionally from the classes of Vehicle Emission Test Specialist III; Instrument Technician I, or from outside State service.

Entry to the class Air Resources Field Representative II may be accomplished promotionally from the classes of Vehicle Emission Test Specialist IV; Air Resources Field Representative I; or Instrument Technician II.

Entry to the class Air Resources Field Representative III may be accomplished promotionally from the classes of Air Resources Field Representative II, or Instrument Technician III.

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

Variety and complexity of assigned work; independence of action; and degree of supervision exercised or received.

Definition of Levels

Air Resources Field Representative I

This is the entry level for this series. In a learning capacity, incumbents perform the following duties under close supervision: conduct routine tests and measurements; conduct surveillance/inspections as manufacturing plant and dealership; investigate complaints relating to emission control devices; conduct field studies and surveys relative to enforcement action; tabulate data and write reports; and provide assistance in conducting seminars and other public speaking engagements.

Air Resources Field Representative II

Incumbents perform all of the duties above, but, under general direction, also do the following: document emission failures and tampering violations; under supervision, mediate consumer complaints and investigate allegations of tampering and illegal sales of non-California certified vehicles; and maintain and calibrate equipment used in dealership and manufacturing plant inspections.

Air Resources Field Representative III

At this level, incumbents supervise a medium-sized group (5-8) of Air Resources Field Representatives; perform the most complex duties; attend Air Resources Board and staff enforcement committee meetings; and train lower level personnel.

Minimum Qualifications

Air Resources Field Representative I

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Vehicle Emission Test Specialist III or Instrument Technician I.

Or II

Three years of experience performing automotive mechanical repair or automotive mechanical inspection duties at least one year of which must have included experience in investigating consumer complaints regarding emission failures and tampering violations. (Experience in California state service applied toward this pattern shall include at least one year of experience at a level of responsibility equivalent to Instrument Technician I or Vehicle Emission Test Specialist III.) (College or trade school education in automotive engineering or automotive mechanics may be substituted for two years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis.)

Air Resources Field Representative II

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Air Resources Field Representative I.

Or II

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Vehicle Emission Test Specialist IV or Instrument Technician II.

Or III

Four years' experience as a journey level automotive mechanic, two years of which must have been in automobile or truck engine tune-up, with at least two years' experience investigating consumer complaints regarding emission failures and tampering violations. (Experience in California state service applied toward this pattern shall include at least one year of experience at a level of responsibility equivalent to that of an Air Resources Field Representative I.) (College or trade school education in automotive engineering or automotive mechanics; or college education in engineering or air pollution may be substituted for two years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis.)

Air Resources Field Representative III

Either I

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Air Resources Field Representative II.

Or II

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Instrument Technician III.

Or III

Five years of experience as a journey level automotive mechanic with at least three years of experience investigating consumer complaints regarding emission failures and tampering violations. (Experience in California state service applied toward this pattern shall include at least three years of experience at a level of responsibility equivalent to that of an Air Resources Field Representative II.) (College or trade school education in air pollution, automotive engineering, or automotive mechanics may be substituted for two years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis.)

Knowledge and Abilities

Air Resources Field Representative I

Knowledge of: Complaint analysis; hand tools, dynamometer and computerized emission test cell operation; basic electronic and mechanical engineering theory; and theory and principles of application; calibration gases and applied uses; field maintenance and calibration of infrared exhaust analyzers and other related equipment; and automobile emission control components and engine diagnoses procedures.

Ability to: Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; meet the public and establish and maintain a cooperative relationship with dealership personnel and vehicle owners; read and interpret Air Resources Executive Orders and manufacturer's technical manuals and specifications; apply the techniques needed in investigation and enforcement of laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to manufacturers, dealers, and citizens; interpret and tabulate laboratory emission test data; and write reports and provide technical data as required.

Air Resources Field Representative II

Knowledge of: All of the above and laws, rules, and regulations and their application to manufacturers/dealers as they relate to certification, compliance, and warranties; complaint analysis and resolution procedures; enforcement procedures and requirements necessary to prepare a violation for legal action; and laboratory and field exhaust emission test equipment calibration, maintenance, and repair.

Ability to: Understand and explain the objectives and functions of the Air Resources Board vehicle emission control programs and their interrelationship with other agencies; perform those activities that interface with Air Resources Board compliance and engineering sections; interpret and implement as required the Air Resources Board policies as they relate to exemptions, certification, and compliance; serve as expert witness; maintain cooperative relationship with other enforcement agencies; take statements from witnesses and prepare data in tampering, fraud, and illegal vehicle sales upon discovery of violations.

Air Resources Field Representative III

Knowledge of: All of the above and principles of supervision and management; Air Resources Board procedures, statutes, and regulations as they relate to test procedures and establishment of vehicle emission standards; techniques involved in investigation, inspection, and mediation of complaints and violations; personnel management, and training procedures; and public relations techniques; the department's Affirmative Action Program objectives; a manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.

Ability to: Select and train subordinates; instruct, supervise, evaluate, and design reporting systems which reflect an accurate accounting of activities and performance of subordinates; apply techniques of personnel management; interpret and apply regulations and provide regulatory and technical information in a meaningful manner to the field force and support personnel; prepare comprehensive technical reports and assist with budget preparation; coordinate the training and education programs for field personnel; work with management in the design/use of test equipment and provide data for the establishment of emission standards; review all cases recommended for referral to legal action; and prepare suggested amendments to regulations and recommend legislation; effectively contribute to the department's affirmative action objectives.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

All Levels:

Graduation from an accredited university, college, or vocational school.

Special Requirements

All Levels:

Possession of a valid California automobile driver's license.

Special Personal Characteristics

All Levels:

Willingness and ability to make frequent field visits away from established headquarters.

Class History