Residence Requirements:

RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS:  CANDIDATES MUST HAVE BEEN LEGAL RESIDENTS OF ERIE COUNTY FOR AT LEAST ONE MONTH IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE DATE OF THE WRITTEN TEST AND MUST BE LEGAL RESIDENTS OF ERIE COUNTY AT THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT. There is one present vacancy at the Erie County Department of Public Works. 

Examples of Duties:

A Principal Stores Clerk  is responsible for storing and processing supplies, including all phases of a supply system and the physical maintenance and upkeep of the area and all associated equipment; 
Supervises and participates in the receipt, checking and disbursement of supplies in a County department;
Supervises the work of staff by making assignments, reviewing work, and evaluating performance;
Plans, supervises and participates in the stocking of supplies for storage;
Supervises and participates in the taking of periodic inventories;
Prepares articles and equipment for outside repair, and maintains associated records of such items;
Makes up re-stocking requisitions;
Maintains records and makes reports;
Reconciles inventories. 

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Candidates must meet the following requirements on or before the date of the written test:
Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and six years of experience in office or warehouse work which includes the handling and storage of supplies or merchandise.

Notes:

NOTE:  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. Arithmetic computation with calculator

These questions test for the ability to use a calculator to do basic computations. Questions will involve addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. You may also be asked to calculate averages, to use percents, and to round an answer to the nearest whole number.You should bring with you a hand-held battery- or solar-powered calculator for use on this test. You will not be permitted to use the calculator function of your cell phone.

2. Keeping simple inventory records

These questions test for the ability to follow instructions in keeping simple inventory records of different materials received and distributed from a central location. The ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide will be required. You may have to compute total costs from quantities (number of units) and cost or price per unit. Knowledge of specific record keeping systems and techniques will not be needed.

3. Principles and practices of storeskeeping and inventory control

These questions will test for candidates' knowledge of the principles guiding large scale storeskeeping operations and their ability to put them into practice. Some of the areas covered may include analysis of rates of use, the determination of reorder points, choosing locations for the storage of goods, and determining how to handle stock to maximize the efficiency of the operation. Some arithmetic computation may be necessary.

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.

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.

**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.