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State of Washington Classified Job Specification

WEIGHTS & MEASURES COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST 1

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WEIGHTS & MEASURES COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST 1
Class Code: 453E
Category: Regulatory Services


Definition

This is the in-training level of the series and serve in a training capacity for a duration of 12 months for those devices listed in the Weights and Measures Compliance Specialist 2. Basic electronic and mechanical weighing and measuring devices are those which are less complex and typically include small and intermediate capacity scales, motor fuel dispensers, fabric and cordage meters, taxi meters, and other similar devices.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Enforces state and federal weights and measures laws applying to basic electronic and mechanical devices, to protect consumers, assure fair competition among businesses and promote uniformity in commerce. Inspects and tests weighing and measuring devices used in commercial transactions.  Tests and inspects package and bulk commodities to determine compliance with labeling regulations, weight and measure, or/and count declarations. Collects samples of motor fuel for laboratory testing. Investigates consumer complaints and provides inspection services on request.

Typical Work

Inspects and tests small and intermediate capacity scales using certified test weights;

Inspects retail motor fuel stations for advertising, product delivery documentation, pricing and labeling, fraud detection and safety/environmental requirements;

Tests retail motor fuel dispensers for accuracy, correct delivery and computation of charges;

Conducts motor fuel sampling and testing in support of the State Motor Fuel Quality Act;

Enforces package and labeling laws; inspects packaged items for weight, count and volume; inspects bulk commodities such as cordwood, sand and gravel, and garden bark;

Conducts price verification to determine that commodity pricing, sales and advertised prices reflect point-of-sale charges;

Approves, certifies and seals correct and accurate devises. Stops the use of devices that are inaccurate, not suitable for use and orders them to be repaired or confiscates devices;

Inspects and tests taxi, cordage and fabric meters;

Investigates non-complex consumer complaints, cooperates with other law enforcement agencies and responds to requests for inspection service;

Gathers evidence of fraud by short weight, volume, or count; turns evidence over to prosecuting attorney; testifies as expert witness;

Prepares, maintains and submits accurate records and reports; schedules and plans inspections;

Responsible for maintenance on assigned vehicles and maintenance of measurement standards used during the course of inspections;

Performs maintenance and minor repairs on program owned equipment such as heavy capacity scale weight carts, liquefied petroleum gas prover units and fuel volumetric testing equipment and trailers;

Assists higher level staff in inspecting and testing more complex devices, auditing weighmasters and evaluating the work of registered service agents;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: Applicable state laws and rules, National Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook 44 addressing the specifications, tolerances and requirements of weighing and measuring devices and NIST Handbook 130 governing labeling, method of sale of commodities, engine fuels and automotive lubricants, and examination procedures for price scanners and NIST Handbook 133 addressing the procedures for checking the net contents of packaged goods; Legal requirements associated with stopping the use of defective weighing and measuring devices, stopping the sale of noncompliant motor fuel and stopping the sale of improperly labeled or short weight packages offered for sale; and scientific principles involved in the design, installation and operation of weighing and measuring devices; and mathematical concepts and principles.

Ability to: learn, interpret, and apply laws relating to weights and measures; Inspect weighing and measuring equipment to determine accuracy, method in which operated and legality of use; pass national certification examinations, use maturity of judgment to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with business operators and the public; gather, preserve, and present evidence in written, oral and physical form; write clear, concise, accurate, and informative reports; operate a variety of information technology platforms, travel frequently and sometimes for extended periods, perform minor repairs to vehicles and equipment, plan weekly schedules, and working settings ranging from hazardous industrial facilities to retail stores.

Legal Requirement(s)

There may be instances where individual positions must have or be able to obtain additional licenses or certification during their probationary period. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Desirable Qualifications

Two years of experience in the design, inspection, maintenance, repair and/or installation of weighing or measuring equipment or other precision instruments or in the enforcement of weights and measures laws.

AND

Associates degree or higher with major coursework in mathematics, chemistry, physics, engineering, electronics, criminal justice, business administration or allied fields.  Education may substitute for the required experience on a ratio of one year of college education being equivalent to six months of experience.

AND

Successful completion of National Conference on Weights and Measures professional certification exams in Small Capacity Weighing Systems Class III and Retail Motor Fuel Dispensing Systems within one year of employment.

Note:  A valid license to operate a motor vehicle is required.  Positions in this class may also require a Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL).

Class Specification History

Revised minimum qualification 9-1-69
Revised definition and minimum qualifications: 8-26-77
Revised definition, minimum qualifications and added distinguishing characteristics: 7-1-96
New class code: (formerly 42820) effective July 1, 2007
Revised salary range, class title, definition, typical work, distinguishing characteristics, knowledge and abilities and desirable qualifications; adopted June 30, 2017, effective July 1, 2017

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.