Residence Requirements:

THIS EXAMINATION IS OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES OF THE ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS - HIGHWAYS DIVISION.  There is more than one vacancy at the Erie County Department of Public Works - Division of Highways.

The eligible list resulting from this examination will not supersede currently existing promotional eligible lists for this title, if any. The duration of all promotional eligible lists is four years from date of establishment unless otherwise indicated.

Examples of Duties:

A Crew Chief-Highways supervises the work of a highway maintenance, repair and construction crew;

Supervises and performs highway maintenance work such as clearing, constructing and repairing shoulders, cold patching and oiling roads, blacktopping roads, erecting signs, erecting and removing snow fences, snow plowing sanding icy roads, clearing brush, clearing ditches, erecting forms and pouring concrete, laying tile, constructing small bridges and culverts, maintaining equipment, etc.;

Assures adequate safety precautions such as Underground Facilities Protection Organization (UFPO) markings at work sites, marking of detours, safe operation and care of equipment;

Inspects safety conditions at work sites, including but not limited to Underground Facilities Protection Organization (UFPO) markings, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), advanced warning signage equipment safety issues;

Maintains time and attendance records, utilizing appropriate technology;

Prepares work reports, utilizing appropriate technology;

Directs the making of emergency building and equipment repairs, electrical piping, carpentry;

Supervises building repair work;

Takes inventory of tools and equipment, utilizing appropriate technology;

Patrols roads and dispatches snow removal, sanding and maintenance crews;

Inspects crew work results.

Qualifications:

QUALIFYING EXPERIENCE FOR TAKING THE TEST: Candidates must be permanently employed in the competitive class OR non-competitive class and must be serving and have served continuously on a permanent or contingent permanent basis  for 24 months immediately preceding the date of the written test in a Division of Highways position as Job Grade V or VII;  and in addition the following requirements:

A.) An elementary education and five years of experience in highway and bridge construction work; one year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; or:
B.) Completion of high school and three years of experience in highway and bridge construction; one year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid New York State Commercial Driver's License (CDL) appropriate for Class of vehicle operated.

Notes:

NOTES: 1. *Supervision – Responsible direction and control of subordinate employees. This involves the assignment of work, approval of work, training, evaluation and discipline of employees. The supervisory aspects must be an integral part of the job, not incidental or occasional. 2. Verifiable part-time and/or volunteer experience will be pro-rated toward meeting full-time experience requirements.

The New York State Department of Civil Service has not prepared a test guide for this examination. However,candidates may find information in the publication "How to take a written test" helpful in preparing for this test. This publication is available on line at: www.cs.ny.gov/testing/localtestguides.cfm

Subjects of Examination:

Subjects of examination: A written test designed to evaluate knowledge, skills and /or abilities in the following areas:

1. Highways, drainage facilities, related structures, and snow and ice control

These questions test for knowledge of practices and materials used in the maintenance and repair of highway-related structures and may include such areas as roadway surfaces, shoulders, embankments, drainage materials, guide rails, highway maintenance equipment, and ice and snow removal and control.

2. Operation and preventative maintenance of automobiles, trucks and heavy equipment

These questions test for knowledge of the terminology, troubleshooting techniques and proper procedures used in the maintenance and operation of motorized vehicles and equipment used in various types of public works projects.

3. Safety practices

These questions test for knowledge of and the ability to apply safety principles related to construction and maintenance work zones, including traffic control, the safe use of equipment, and the overall safety of workers, the traveling public, and the work environment.

4. Supervision

These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices employed in planning, organizing, and controlling the activities of a work unit toward predetermined objectives. The concepts covered, usually in a situational question format, include such topics as assigning and reviewing work; evaluating performance; maintaining work standards; motivating and developing subordinates; implementing procedural change; increasing efficiency; and dealing with problems of absenteeism, morale, and discipline.

5. Understanding and interpreting plans, specifications, and technical instructions

The questions test for the ability to comprehend, analyze, and perform computations based on technical drawings and written presentations related to construction and maintenance projects. All the information needed to answer the questions will be provided in the written material and/or drawings. 

NOTICE TO CANDIDATES: It is recommended that candidates use a quiet, hand held, solar or battery powered calculator. Devices with typewriter keyboards, "Spell Checkers", “Personal Digital Assistants", "Address Books", "Language Translators", "Dictionaries", or any similar devices are prohibited. You may not bring books or other reference materials.

INFORMATION FOR PROMOTION CANDIDATES

Unless otherwise indicated, the eligible list resulting from this examination will have a duration of four years and will not supersede existing promotional lists, if any.

RATINGS REQUIRED:  Test is rated on a scale of 100 with a passing mark at 70.  Test instructions may further divide the tests into parts and set minimum standards for each part.

Points will be added to scores of candidates who achieve a passing mark as follows: Seniority:  For each year of service in the classified service:

Less than 1 year……………………..................…0 points

1 year up to 6 years…………….…........................1 point

Over 6 years up to 11 years.....………......….........2 points

Over 11 years up to 16 years….…........….........…3 points

Over 16 years up to 21 years………..................…4 points

Over 21 years………………………..................…5 points

VETERANS:  Disabled and non-disabled veterans as defined in Section 85, New York State Civil Service Law, will have 5 and 2.5 points, respectively added to their earned scores if successful in the examination.  You must claim these credits when you file application but you have an option to waive them any time prior to appointment.  If you have already used these credits for a permanent position in NYS, you may not claim them again.

**IMPORTANT APPLICATION FEE - READ CAREFULLY**

A $20.00 filing fee is required for this exam. The required fee must accompany your application. Send or bring check or money order made payable to Erie County Personnel Department and write the examination number(s) on your check or money order. Do not send or bring cash, as the County cannot be responsible for cash payment. As no refund will be made, you are urged to compare your qualifications carefully with the requirements for admission and file only for those examinations for which you are clearly qualified.