State of Maryland

A Maryland State Police (MSP) Breath Test Maintenance Specialist is the full performance level of work performing maintenance and monitoring of evidentiary breath testing equipment used by the State of Maryland’s Alcohol Testing Program as administered by the Chemical Test for Alcohol Unit (CTAU) of the Maryland State (MSP).  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions but are required to provide training to employees of other law enforcement agencies.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from the sworn and civilian administrative supervisors of the CTAU and technical training from breath testing equipment service providers.  Employees may be assigned to day, evening, night or rotating shifts, which may include holidays and weekends. Employees are subject to call-in and overtime based on staffing requirements. The work involves heavy lifting of breath test equipment.

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.

Performs and monitors functional diagnostic checks and repairs of electronic breath testing instruments in an assigned region of the State in accordance with standards and regulations established by the State Toxicologist;

Inspects test sites to ensure compliance with existing regulations and procedures;

Physically loads testing equipment into vehicles and transports it to required locations throughout the State;

Completes required training courses established by the State Toxicologist;

Trains allied law enforcement agencies and other State agencies in the use of breath testing equipment and documentation requirements;

Testifies in court and administrative hearings as an expert in breath testing analysis equipment functions and operations;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of the principles, practical applications, repair and maintenance of electronic testing equipment;

Knowledge of the National Electric Code and the local codes and regulations for wiring and installation of electrical equipment;

Knowledge of the care and storage of electrical equipment and replacement of component parts;

Knowledge of computer hardware and software operations;

Skill in the maintenance, repair, installation and calibration of electronic equipment;

Ability to safely operate and maintain manual and power tools;

Ability to understand and follow schematics and electrical circuitry;

Ability to use and maintain electronic testing equipment;

Ability to communicate effectively, including testifying in court;

Ability to prepare and maintain specialized records in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.

Education:   Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Two years of experience in the operation, maintenance, and installation of computer oriented, electronics or four years of experience as a certified Breath Test Operator from a State approved alcohol testing program.

Note: Candidates may substitute successful completion of a one-year program of study in electronics at a recognized military school, specialized training school, trade school or college for up to one year of the required experience.

1. Employees in this classification are required to successfully complete training for the Breath Test Maintenance Technician Course prior to the completion of the probationary period.

2. Employees in this classification will be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle and are required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

1. In accordance with Public Safety Article, Title 2. Department of State Police, Section 2-204 (b) (6) of the Annotated Code of Maryland, candidates for positions in this classification will be subject to an initial drug screening, a physical examination and a complete criminal background investigation before a permanent appointment can be made.  A criminal conviction record may be grounds for rejection of the candidate.

2. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.

3. Employees in this classification are regularly required to lift and transport breath test maintenance equipment weighing approximately 70 pounds.

4. Employees in this classification are assigned duties in a given area of the State.

5. Employees in this classification are subject to 24-hour emergency call-in and must provide the agency with a telephone number where they can be reached.

6. Employees in this classification may be required to travel throughout other areas of the State beyond their assigned regions.

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 assigned to Bargaining Unit A, Labor and Trades classes.  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.