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Motor Carrier Specialist

The Motor Carrier Specialist (MCS) is a vital role within our commercial unit at the California Highway Patrol. The MSC is assigned to work all over California and travel to the facilities where commercial vehicles are based and check for proper maintenance. They verify driver, controlled substances and alcohol testing and hazardous materials transportation requirements. They also make recommendations to motor carriers regarding improvement in procedures and practices; perform inspections and evaluations of school buses, general public paratransit vehicles, farm labor vehicles, buses, trucks, truck-tractors, pull-trailers, and semi-trailers. The MCS is important in helping maintain our roadways safe from dangerous and unkept commercial vehicles.

Are you familiar with:

• Different types of commercial vehicles
• Basic commercial vehicle mechanics and terminology?
• Do you shine under stress? 
  
• Are you a great communicator?
  

Scope

Knowledge of:

• Proper use of the English language.

• Mechanical terminology common to motor carrier personnel.

• Automotive, bus, and truck mechanics.

• Construction and equipment systems of different types of motor vehicles.

• Standards of mechanical condition.
  Safe working practices, occupational safety practices, and accident prevention techniques.

Ability to:

• Communicate orally in public and on a one-to-one basis.

• Write clear, accurate, and concise reports.
  Follow oral and written instructions.

• Manage own time, prioritize tasks, and multi-task.

• Work effectively in stressful situations.
  

• Reach a conclusion by analyzing all available information.

• Detect unsafe equipment and operating practices.

• Use basic tools and safety equipment.

• Perform inspections safely.

• Perform mathematical calculations using addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages, and to determine the appropriate formula to use in calculations.

• Interact effectively with others and work as a team member.
  

• Maintain sufficient physical ability and dexterity to allow proper inspection of vehicles and cargo tanks.
  

• Anticipate and recognize problems and take effective action.