Residence Requirements:

THIS EXAMINATION IS OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES OF ERIE COUNTY VILLAGES OF KENMORE OR SPRINGVILLE.   There is one vacancy in the Village of Kenmore with an annual salary range of $75,000 - $77,000. Also, there is one vacancy in the Village of Springville with an annual salary of $75,000 - $83,000.   *Salaries vary among municipalities and districts.   

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.  Successful candidates will only be considered for appointment in the department in which they were employed at the time of the written test.

Examples of Duties:

A Superintendent of Public Works plans, organizes and supervises the activities of the Department of Public Works, including street, sewer and water line maintenance and repair, refuse collection, shade tree maintenance, water pumping stations, municipal lighting, electric transmission, distribution and hydroelectric generating facility, sidewalk maintenance, traffic signal and alarm systems, signs, the garage, snow removal facilities and the dog pound;

supervises the maintenance and repair of a sewage treatment plant;

maintains and supervises the use of buildings, properties, material apparatus and equipment used by or designated to be under the control of the department of Public Works;

prepares budget estimates for activities of the Department of Public Works;

administers the expenditure of funds appropriated for departmental function; conducts all personnel actions within the department, including interviewing applicants, making assignments, transfers and recommendations for promotions, hiring and dismissal and administration of Union contracts;

remains available for emergency calls as indicated; supervises the maintenance of all department records and the ordering and requisitioning of supplies and materials; develops contract and equipment specifications;

represents the municipality in contracts with other governmental jurisdictions, contractors and other public work matters;

attends meetings of the municipal board;

inspects and makes recommendations on the acceptance of work of outside contractors or consultants;

may operate various motor equipment.

Qualifications:

QUALIFYING EXPERIENCE FOR TAKING THE TEST: Candidates must be permanently employed in the competitive class and must be serving and have served continuously on a permanent or contingent permanent basis in the competitive class for 12 months in the position of Assistant Superintendent of Public Works.

Notes:

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. Administrative supervision

These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices involved in directing the activities of a large subordinate staff, including subordinate supervisors. Questions relate to the personal interactions between an upper level supervisor and his/her subordinate supervisors in the accomplishment of objectives. These questions cover such areas as assigning work to and coordinating the activities of several units, establishing and guiding staff development programs, evaluating the performance of subordinate supervisors, and maintaining relationships with other organizational sections.

2. Maintenance and reconstruction of streets, sidewalks and curbs

These questions test for knowledge of the proper methods, materials and equipment used in the installation, repair and upkeep of street surfaces, utility access holes, gutters, catch basins, curbing and sidewalks, including ice and snow removal and control.

3. Maintenance and construction of sanitary and storm sewer systems

These questions test for knowledge of the proper methods, materials and equipment used in the installation, maintenance, repair and cleaning of sanitary and storm sewers, catch basins and related appurtenances; and proper trenching and backfilling procedures.

4. 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.

5. Scheduling work and equipment

These questions test for knowledge of work scheduling principles and for the ability to arrange work and equipment assignments in a manner that will achieve work goals while staying within scheduling criteria. This may include setting up vacation or work schedules taking into consideration such factors as seniority, work skills, duty hours, and shift coverage.

6. 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.