Automotive Emission Test Specialist Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established March 16, 1978

Scope

This series specification describes four classes which procure vehicles and perform vehicle emission control test and inspection duties at the southern laboratory at the Air Resources Board to ensure conformance with State emission control standards.

Definition of Series

The Automotive Emission Test Specialist class series describes work performed at the State Air Resources Board vehicle laboratory which includes: procuring vehicles from private owners, businesses and manufacturers for inspection and diagnosis of the efficiency of exhaust emission devices to determine if they meet or exceed exhaust emission standards; operating automotive diagnostic test instruments and equipment; interpreting and recording data from computer readout; designing nonproduction testing methods for evaluating new or proposed emission control devices; performing nonroutine tests on new emission control inventions; and monitoring and making adjustments to instruments in the mobile laboratory.

Laboratory emphasis will be on vehicle procurement; preparation and testing; component testing and evaluation; conducting emission tests using a broad range of laboratory test equipment; and implementing quality control methods and procedures.

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

Positions will be allocated to the level in this series according to variety and complexity of assigned work; independence of action; consequence of error; degree of supervision exercised or received; extent of lead assignments performed; and delegation from higher levels.

Definition of Levels

Automotive Emission Test Specialist I

This is the entry and first working level in this series. Under close supervision, incumbents assigned to Range A learn to perform a variety of simple, routine duties including: driving vehicle on dynamometer; connecting exhaust, fuel and electronic apparatus; operating vehicles on dynamometer under a variety of driving conditions; prechecking vehicles for operation of emission control; adjusting engine tune-up parameter; procuring and parking vehicles; making minor engine and vehicle repairs; keeping records and logs. Incumbents will advance to Range B as competence increases. Under general direction incumbents independently perform the less complex duties such as: scheduling incoming vehicles for specific tests; determining whether vehicles are safe for tests; recording vehicle identification data; maintaining, repairing, and adjusting automotive engines and equipment; operating and maintaining dynamometers and test instrumentation equipment; operating mobile laboratory computers; conducting calibration test of the laboratory's analyzers; and doing other related work.

Automotive Emission Test Specialist II

This is the journey level in this series. Incumbents function in either (1) the Vehicle Testing Facility performing the more complex physical and chemical measurements; drawing test layouts; setting up flow benches in accordance with plans; setting up electronic bench tests in accordance with diagrams; troubleshooting instrumentation malfunctions; preparing graphs and processing test reports; and operating difficult test instrumentation; or (2) the Vehicle Management Unit having lead responsibilities over a group of 5-7 lower level employees and performing duties involved with vehicle procurement, test scheduling, vehicle logistics and motor pool operation. Incumbents at this level may have extensive contact with State agencies, rent-a-car establishments and automobile manufacturers.

Automotive Emission Test Specialist III

This is the advanced journey level in the series. Incumbents function as high level experts in a laboratory setting where unique and specialized tests are performed on proposed emission control inventions. Duties include directing the installation, calibration and service of the most complex chemical, electronic and mechanically operated test equipment; designing test arrangements and determining instrumentation requirements. Incumbents at this level may serve in a lead capacity directing a team of 3-5 specialists.

Automotive Emission Test Supervisor

This is the supervisory level in the series. Incumbents function as a supervisor of a unit of test specialists in the Vehicle Testing Facility. Duties include directing test specialists involved in the testing of vehicles; procuring vehicles; furnishes current information on the program and device testing procedures; acts as liaison between various inventors, automotive manufacturers, government agencies, and engineering staff; and is responsible for procurement of laboratory supplies and equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

Automotive Emission Test Specialist I

Either I

In the California state service, one year of experience performing duties at a level comparable to an Air Resources Technician I, Range B.

Or II

In the California state service, six months' experience performing the duties of Service Assistant (Automotive).

Or III

One year of experience in servicing and repairing motor vehicles in a garage, motor vehicle agency or service station. (College or trade school education in automotive engineering or automotive mechanics may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.)

Or IV

One year of experience in the operations of physical and electronic test instrumentation similar that used in the emissions, performance or fuel economy testing of vehicles or their components.

Automotive Emission Test Specialist II

Either I

In the California state service, one year of experience performing the duties involving vehicle test coordination or emission control testing or repair at a level of responsibility comparable to that of Automotive Emission Test Specialist I, Range B.

Or II

Three years of experience in automotive repair which included at least two years of experience in the operation of physical and electronic test instrumentation similar to that used in the emissions, performance or fuel economy testing or vehicles or their components. (College or trade school education in automotive mechanics or automotive engineering may be substituted for the require general experience on a year-for-year basis.)

Automotive Emission Test Specialist III

Either I

In the California state service, one year of experience performing vehicle test coordination or emission control testing duties at a level of responsibility comparable to that of Automotive Emission Test Specialist II.

Or II

Four years of experience in automotive repair, including at least three years of experience in the operation of physical and electronic test instrumentation similar to that used in the emissions, performance or fuel economy testing of vehicles or their components. (College or trade school education in automotive mechanics or automotive engineering may be substituted for the required general experience on a year-for-year basis.)

Automotive Emission Test Supervisor

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties comparable to the Automotive Emission Specialist III classification requiring knowledge of vehicle emission devices, vehicle emissions testing, and vehicle procurement.

Or II

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties comparable to the Automotive Emission Test Specialist II classification requiring knowledge of vehicle emission devices, vehicle emissions testing, and procurement.

Or III

Three years of experience in vehicle testing, including at least one year of experience in emissions testing and one year of experience in a supervisory capacity.

Knowledge and Abilities

Automotive Emission Test Specialist I

Knowledge of: Automotive systems and equipment terminology; preventative maintenance procedures; fundamentals of electronic and electrical theory and practice.

Ability to: Meet the public and establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of the work; demonstrated skill in the operation of motor vehicles; follow oral and written directions; maintain records; read and write at a level required for successful job performance.

Automotive Emission Test Specialist II

Knowledge of: All of the above, and air pollution control laws and regulations, maintenance and calibration of test equipment; use of measuring instruments used in servicing automated electronic test equipment; makes and models of vehicles suitable for device testing.

Ability to: All of the above, and read and interpret electronic test diagrams; prepare graphs; analyze situations accurately and take effective action, and exercise leadership.

Automotive Emission Test Specialist III

Knowledge of: All of the above, and most complex chemical, electronic and mechanically operated test equipment.

Ability to: Design test arrangements and determine instrument requirements.

Automotive Emission Test Supervisor

Knowledge of: All of the above, public relations principles and methods as related to the promotion of motor vehicle pollution control programs; laws, rules and regulations governing the Air Resources Board in the device testing program; principles of effective supervision; the Boards' Affirmative Action Program objectives; a supervisor's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.

Ability to: Stimulate interest in and secure the cooperation of fleet operators and individuals in the device testing procedure; plan and supervise the work of others; speak and write effectively and prepare reports; establish and maintain effective cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of the work; effectively contribute to the Board's affirmative action objectives.

All Levels:

Possession of a Class 3 California driver's license.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

All Levels:

Possession of a motor vehicle pollution control device installer's license; graduation from high school. Mechanical aptitude; experience or education in using or servicing industrial instrumentation is also desirable.

Class History

Alternate Range Criteria

These criteria will be used to allocate incumbents to alternate Range A or Range B.

Range A. This Range shall apply to incumbents who do not meet the criteria for payment in Range B.

Range B. This Range shall apply to incumbents who have satisfactorily completed:

1. In the California state service, one year of experience performing duties involving vehicle test coordination or emission control, testing or repair at a salary level not less than that of Automotive Emission Test Specialist I, Range

A;

2. In the California state service, one year of experience performing duties as an Air Resource Technician I at a salary level not less than an Air Resources Technician I, Range B, who have completed 15 total semester units of college level training in automotive emissions tune-up, basic electronics, and computer operations;

3. Two years of experience in servicing and repairing motor vehicles in a garage, motor vehicle agency or service station, which included one year of experience in the operation of physical and electronic test instrumentation similar to that used in the emissions, performance or fuel economy testing of vehicles or their components. (College or vocational trade school education in automotive engineering or automotive mechanics may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.)