7C21
PAY RANGE: 12
This is skilled tow truck operating work in the Police Department. An employee in this class on assigned shift and designated City high ways operates a standard-sized police tow truck, towing vehicles involved in fatal accidents, homicide and/or vehicles reported stolen. Work includes logging assignments received and communicating with the police radio. An employee in this class reports any illegally parked, abandoned or disabled vehicle to be removed from City streets and highways. Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with instructions and established routines. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical superior and involves some physical effort and exposure to conditions that can be only partially controlled.
ALLOCATIING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class)
· Position must operate a standard-sized tow tuck, towing vehicles involved in fatal accidents, homicide and/or vehicles reported stolen.
· Position must log assignments received, communicate with the police radio and report any illegally parked, abandoned or disabled vehicle to be removed from City streets and highways.
· Position must be located in the Police Department.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
Operates a standard-sized tow truck, flat bed truck or stake body truck, towing vehicles involved in fatal accidents and homicide, and/or vehicles reported stolen; works in uniform and receives assignments via two-way radio or written instructions to tow the vehicles or to move illegally parked, abandoned or disabled vehicles; uses special tools to unlock and enter vehicles; uses standard and special tools and reaches under hood or goes under the vehicle itself to disconnect linkage between transmission and gear control lever to put the vehicle in neutral; inventories and lists all visible personal property in vehicles and all visible damage before towing; attaches towing mechanism to vehicle and raises to towing position; places and positions dollies under rear axles or uses winch to pull onto tilt bed rail truck wheel-less vehicles by other means; tows vehicles to designated locations; may occasionally be engaged in operating heavy-duty wrecker trucks or any other complex automotive equipment, towing tractor trailers involved in fatal accidents.
Checks and maintains motor oil, battery water, brake fluid and tire pressure in assigned tow vehicle; changes faulty tires.
Dismantles, lifts, loads and transports heavy, bulky, confiscated evidence; transports and sets up barricades for parades, emergencies and similar situations.
Receives instructions and information and relays to patrolling vehicles, or dispatches vehicles during assignments as tow headquarters dispatcher.
Maintains daily work logs and completes towing slips.
Explains the nature of violations and vehicle release procedures to vehicle owners; appears in court concerning accidents or vehicle damage claims.
May be assigned to demonstrate to new employees towing procedures during classes or during a regular shift.
Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
• the practices of automotive equipment operation
• the occupational hazards and safety precautions of automotive equipment operation
• the traffic laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• first-echelon automotive maintenance
SKILL IN:
• the operation of a single chassis truck of at least one and one-half ton rated capacity
ABILITY TO:
• complete satisfactorily an in-service training course in police tow truck operations
• cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others
• learn and carry out departmental directives and procedures
• learn the geography of the city
• learn city ordinances and regulations pertaining to the parking of vehicles
• prepare routine reports and maintain records
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 7/62.)
EDUCATION:
Equivalent to completion of the tenth school grade.
AND
GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
One year of experience operating a single chassis truck of at least one and one-half ton rated capacity.
Or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Police Tow Truck Operator.
Possession of a valid Commercial Driver’s License as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with appropriate endorsements in passenger, air brakes and/or hazardous materials, if required by work assignment.
Class Established - 7/62
Spec. Revision: CSC - 6/03; Ad. Board - 1/04
Latest Spec. Revision: CSC – 1/17; Ad. Board – 2/17
BC