State of Maryland

An Octane Specialist is specialized professional work at the supervisory level in a petroleum testing laboratory.  The employee in this classification is in charge of the octane/cetane testing section of the laboratory.  The employee in this classification is responsible for the administrative duties associated with the operation of the engine testing section.  The employee in this classification is responsible for the efficient operation of the section and to ensure that testing is conducted in conformance with the standards of the American Society for Testing Materials.  The employee in this classification is responsible for conducting or supervising all octane/cetane tests and all minor, major or top overhaul work on test engines.  The employee in this classification is responsible for planning and implementing a training program for Octane Engine Operators in the use and maintenance of the testing engines.  The employee in this classification exercises direct supervision over lower-level Octane Engine Operators and other personnel assigned to the engine testing section.

The employee in this classification receives general supervision from the Supervisor Petroleum Laboratory.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

Supervises the operation of the octane testing section of the laboratory;

Exercises direct supervision over lower-level Octane Engine Operators and other personnel assigned to the engine testing section;

Trains all assigned employees;

Performs inspection, overhaul and maintenance of test engines;

Schedules preventive maintenance;

Reviews and approves all octane and cetane test results;

Participates in applicable American Society for Testing Materials programs;

Maintains detailed records and reports;

May testify in court;

May conduct special research projects;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge, at the expert level of understanding, of American Society for Testing Materials – Cooperative Fuel Research engines to include their operation, calibration, adjustment and repair;

Ability to train personnel in the use and maintenance of test engines;

Ability to plan, conduct and supervise octane/cetane tests;

Ability to interpret test results;

Ability to follow instructions;

Ability to work effectively with others.

Education:   Completion of two years of education from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Three years of full-time experience performing tests and major repair work on octane and cetane testing engines, one year must have been as a supervisor of an octane/cetane engine testing section.

Note: Candidates may substitute two years of experience as an advanced level Octane Engine Operator for the required education and experience.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies.  Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is not assigned to a bargaining unit, as indicated by the designation of S (Supervisor), M (Manager), T (Agency Head), U (Board or Commission Member), W (Student), X (Used by Agency or Excluded by Executive Order), or Z (Confidential).  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation.  An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime as provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.