The Oregon Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for a Compliance Specialist 2 to join our Internal Service & Consumer Protection Program as a Weights and Measures Inspector. This is a permanent, full time, classified position based in Klamath Falls, OR and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified applicants to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
The inspector's principle duty is to ensure that measuring equipment used commercially in the state of Oregon are accurate and are installed, maintained and used in a manner that is both fair and unbiased. Weights and Measures inspectors in Oregon test and evaluate approximately 59,000 licensed commercial measuring devices including grocery store scales, gas pumps, liquefied propane gas meters (LPG), truck scales, livestock scales, etc. Evaluations are conducted annually for conformance to specifications and accuracy tolerances found in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 44.
Duties & Responsibilities
The Weights and Measures Inspector's responsibilities include;
- Using department issued measure and test equipment to perform onsite testing of licensed commercial measuring equipment for accuracy and to evaluate it for conformance to specifications and user requirements covering design, installation, and use (95%).
- Evaluating motor fuels offered for sale for key quality parameters including octane rating and excessive water in underground storage tanks (2%)
- Enforcing Oregon's Renewable Fuel Standard (2%) requiring most gasoline to be blended with 10% ethanol and most diesel fuel with 5% biodiesel.
- Investigating consumer complaints as assigned (1%)
This position comes with responsibility for testing and evaluating approximately 3,500 commercial measuring devices located in a region covering Jackson, Josephine, Klamath and Lake counties. The inspector is responsible for testing the following types of commercial measuring equipment;
- Motor fuel dispensers located at retail gas stations
- Fuel meters located at regional airports
- Bulk/Wholesale Fuel meters
- Vehicle mounted fuel meters
- Liquefied propane gas (LPG) meters
- Grocery Stores
- Hardware Stores
- Pawn Shops
- Cannabis Dispensaries
- Food Processing Facilities
- Medium sized floor scales located at various industrial sites
- Large sized scales for
- Livestock
- Vehicle
- Railroad Track
Of the measuring devices licensed 36% are small scales located in grocery stores, hardware stores, pawn shops, etc; 53% are located at retail gas stations.
The inspector routinely evaluates motor fuels sold in Oregon for water contamination, proper labeling, correct octane posting, and for conformance to Oregon's renewable fuel standard. The inspector will;
- Use standard field-testing equipment to test gasoline in order to verify posted octane ratings,
- Visually inspect liquid motor fuels for visible contamination,
- Audit bills of lading to verify octane posting,
- Audit bills of lading to verify compliance with the State's biofuel mandates,
- Use standard field-testing equipment to measure the depth of water in fuel storage tanks; and
- Secure and transport fuel samples for laboratory testing.
The inspector investigates complaints involving either commercial measuring equipment or the quality of a motor fuel. The inspector will;
- Use routine procedures to evaluate any measuring equipment related to the complaint for accuracy,
- Use routine procedures to evaluate the condition of any motor fuels related to the complaint,
- Interview parties to the complaint,
- Prepare investigation reports, and
- Notify all parties of any findings related to the complaint.
Additional Duties:
The inspector is expected to independently plan, schedule, and perform on-site inspections using a master listing of assigned work with minimal supervision. An annual list is provided to the inspector and supplementary information is provided in the form of both reports and prior year inspection records as needed.
Working Conditions:
The workstation will be in Klamath Falls, OR and may be located at the inspector's residence. A district truck equipped with basic testing equipment including 5 gallon test measures, weight kits, safety gear, and fuel sampling equipment will be permanently assigned to the inspector for use during the normal workday. Specialized test equipment will be assigned on a rotating basis as available to evaluate certain types of equipment including liquefied propane gas (LPG) dispensers, and high volume refueling equipment used by wholesale fuel dealers and airport fixed base operators, large scales, etc.
The workweek runs typically from Monday through Friday and allows the inspector a flexible schedule in order to better accommodate the varied work environment. The inspector will occasionally be required to work on a weekends due to the limited operating hours of certain businesses, primarily regional farmers' markets. Weights and Measures inspectors normally maintain a 4-10 work week.
The position requires driving various assigned vehicles in the region all year and in all weather conditions. The inspector will operate vehicles ranging from a half-ton district pickup truck to single axle commercial trucks with mounted fuel testing equipment. Dingy towing vehicles and towing equipment trailers is required.
The work environment includes both indoor and outdoor work all year in all conditions. The inspector will be required to handle cast iron scale test weights weighing up to 50 lb each and 5 gallon test measures filled with petroleum products (gasoline or diesel fuel) weighing up to 50 lb each must be lifted and poured while testing motor fuel dispensers.
This position routinely requires working with hydrocarbon fuels including gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation gasoline, jet fuel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and compressed natural gas (CNG) in order to complete the prescribed testing procedures for various commercial fuel meters.
Weights and measures inspectors are also required to assist in the collection of delinquent licensing fees on behalf of the department of agriculture.
Qualifications, Required & Requested Skills
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 2 years work experience as a state weights and measures inspector and a Class B CDL with Airbrake Endorsement,
OR
- 2 years experience in the inspection, testing, and repair of weighing or measuring equipment and a Class B CDL with Airbrake Endorsement, or
- 2 years law enforcement experience and a Class B CDL with Airbrake Endorsement, or
- 2 years compliance inspection, auditing, or investigation experience either in public or private service and a Class B CDL with Airbrake Endorsement, or
- 2 years experience as a route/delivery driver with responsibility for maintaining customer relations, collecting on unpaid accounts and a Class B CDL with Airbrake Endorsement,
Completion of university level course work in a related field, I.E. science, engineering, or variants thereof may be used in lieu of experience.
A successful candidate;
- Must demonstrate an ability to independently plan and execute a weekly work schedule based on an annual listing of required inspections, the availability of testing equipment, and other limiting factors such as seasonal requirements of the area businesses, seasonal weather conditions, etc.
- Must have the mathematical aptitude needed to understand and apply the measuring equipment specifications and tolerances found in NIST Handbook 44.
- Must be able to lift scale test weights up to 50 lbs and be able to safely manage larger weights with the help of lifting devices.
- Must demonstrate excellent customer service skills and a professional attitude. Demonstrated experience in collecting on delinquent accounts is a plus.
- Must be able to communicate professionally both verbally and in writing.
- Must have a clear three-year motor vehicle report. Driving history will be verified before an offer of employment is made.
- Must have a Class B Commercial Driver's License with Airbrake Endorsement.
NOTE: To receive credit for all required/related coursework, a photocopy of transcripts is required.
Note: College-level course work may substitute for experience on the basis of 45-quarter units per year, up to a maximum of three years.
Additional Information
To apply for this position, follow the "Apply" link above to complete the Oregon Employment Application online. All application materials must be received by the closing date/time posted.
Resumes will not replace the completed "Work Experience" section in your online application. Be sure to indicate your experience based on a 40-hour workweek. (Example: 20 hours a week for one year would equate to six-months full time work experience.) You may be disqualified if your work experience does not include information used to: 1) meet the minimum qualifications of the job and 2) back up your answers to the supplemental questions.
Employment with the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture may be contingent on the outcome of a DMV check. Driving records will be reviewed for finalists applying for positions which require driving as an essential function. By submitting your application, you authorize the Department to conduct a DMV check.
If you need assistance with adding attachments to your profile or to a specific job posting, please go to Adding and Removing Attachments to a Profile and Job Posting for further instructions. This quick help guide can also be found on the State Jobs Page by clicking in the Applicant E-Recruit FAQs then click on Applicant Profile Maintenance.
Only complete applications will be considered. Be sure to answer all supplemental questions and attach any required documents. Responses to the "Supplemental Questions" will be reviewed to determine if you will be invited for an interview for the position. Transcripts must be submitted to receive credit for higher education coursework (official or unofficial at the time of application).
If you are an eligible veteran and you meet the minimum qualifications, veteran's preference points will be added to your score. To receive veteran's preference points you MUST attach to your electronic application the following required documentation:
- A copy of your DD214/DD215 form; OR a letter from the US Dept. of Veteran's Affairs indicating you receive a non-service connected pension for the five (5) point preference.
- A copy of your DD214/DD215 form; OR a letter from the US Dept. of Veteran's Affairs indicating you receive a non-service connected pension; AND a copy of your veteran's disability letter from the Dept. of Veteran's Affairs for the ten (10) point preference.
For more information on veteran's preference points visit www.oregon.gov and select veteran's preference.
The state of Oregon requires all applications have a valid email address. Communication to applicants from Oregon Department of Agriculture may occur via email, letter, or telephone.
If you do not currently have an email address and do not know where to go to get one, please refer to our Applicant E-Recruit FAQs web page, question #14, to view several internet providers where you can get a free email account. The state of Oregon does not endorse any particular provider.
The pay and benefits on all announcements may change without notice.
If you have a disability or otherwise require an application in an alternate format in order to complete the process, you may contact:
Oregon Department of Agriculture
Human Resources Office
635 Capitol St NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone (503) 986-4584
Oregon Department of Agriculture is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.
Core benefits
Medical, vision and dental insurance
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for the employee and qualified family members
- $5,000 in employee basic life insurance
Retirement benefits
- Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP)
- Employer paid defined benefit and defined contribution programs
**Effective November 1, 2016, SEIU represented employees who are Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participating members will have their base salary increased by 6.95%. Upon becoming a PERS participating member, SEIU employees pay the employee 6% contribution to PERS.
Paid leaves and other benefits
- Sick leave earned at the rate of 8 hours per a month with no maximum accumulation
- Vacation leave earned at a minimum rate of 8 hours per month with accrual rate increases at 5-year increments
- 24 hours personal leave earned each fiscal year
- Ten paid holidays a year
The state also provides access to an innovative Employee Assistance Program that offers work-life counseling, along with homeowner, legal and family resources.
Optional benefits
- Term life (employee, spouse or domestic partner, and dependents
- Long-term and short-term disability
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment
- Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
- Flexible spending accounts
- Option to enroll in the Oregon Savings Growth Plan, a deferred compensation program offering a wide variety of investment options.
The following information describes typical benefits available for employees. Actual benefits received may differ by position or branch of government or be prorated for other than full time work.