Entry Level Instructor Jobs

Job Description

The work involves responsibility for the instruction and training of governmental employees in vehicles and occupational safety. The work is carried out in accordance with federal and local regulations and involves the identification of safety problems, the design and implementation of safety programs, as well as conducting training and safety courses to ensure that local governmental employees follow standard safety practices and procedures in carrying out their work assignments. Work is reviewed by an administrative superior who allows the incumbent considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment in the design and implementation of safety programs. When assigned to Onondaga County Department of Transportation, an employee in this class is primarily responsible for vehicular safety and safety practices concerned with highway maintenance and construction. The work may include laying out and supervising the work of subordinates as well as participating in and sharing in the work assigned. Reviews of work procedures are performed to ensure compliance with safety rules and regulations from interdepartmental supervisory personnel. Does related work as required.

Typical Work Activities

• Identifies present and potential safety problems by inspecting departmental operations and informing the employees of safety hazards.
• Informs department heads and other supervisory personnel of operating procedures not in compliance with safety guidelines and works with them to establish standard operating procedures incorporating needed safety precautions into operations.
• Designs safety programs upon the occurrence of dangerous situations by researching available data on safety procedures applicable to respective departmental functions and determines what training resources to utilize based upon safety hazards observed.
• Performs full inspections and works with supervisory personnel to ensure ongoing compliance with safety program and safety regulations.
• Conducts safe driving courses by giving classroom and field instructions to personnel and depending on assignment, conducts courses in such areas as driving tactics in normal speed, crash avoidance, emergency braking, skidding and blowout procedures, snowplow driver training, wing man training, defensive driving course instruction, pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
• Trains employees in the safe ways to operate lawn mowers, jack hammers, chain saws, trucks, construction equipment and all other motor and motor-driven equipment operated in government.
• Conducts research and statistical studies to determine causes of accidents and to outline the effects safety programs have on accident prevention in government.
• Recommends the purchase of equipment to maximize the safety of the public and its employees.
• May conduct on-the-road training and instructional training for employees who want to increase driving skills, train for license upgrades, train for a specific certified driver's license or specific endorsement(s).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good knowledge of federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations regarding occupational and vehicle safety health hazards.
• Good knowledge of the principles, practices and methods employed in occupational and vehicle safety.
• Good knowledge of recent developments, current literature, and sources of information relating to occupational and vehicle safety programs.
• Good knowledge of principles, practices and techniques involved in safety training and instruction.
• Skill in the safe operation of all vehicles, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and other industrial motor and motor driven equipment operated in municipal government.
• Ability to make detailed field inspections and to recognize potential safety and health hazards.
• Ability to instruct individuals and assess their capabilities in a practical situation.
• Ability to enforce regulations firmly, tactfully and objectively.
• Ability to deal effectively with department heads, supervisory personnel, other employees and the public.
• Ability to plan, supervise and organize the work of others.
• Ability to keep records and make reports.

Minimum Qualifications

Promotional:

• One (1) year of permanent class status in the title of Equipment Operator Instructor; or
• Three (3) years of permanent non-competitive class status in the title of Highway Maintenance Worker II.

Open Competitive:

• A) Two (2) years of work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in developing and presenting instruction in safety programs, at least one (1) year of which must have involved vehicle and equipment safety; or
• B) Two (2) years of work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in training and evaluating in the operation and maintenance of complex heavy construction equipment or trucks over thirteen tons in weight. Must have certification by a recognized institute in training/evaluating on equipment used.

Special Necessary Requirement

Possession of a valid New York State CDL, including any special endorsements, as required for the type of vehicle being operated. Where possession of a license is required, eligibility for and continued possession of the license is required for employment.

Possession of Excavator Certification is required to perform excavation duties in accordance with New York State General Business Law. Certification must be obtained during the probationary period. Training will commence upon appointment. Eligibility for and continued possession of the license is required for employment.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan