Motor Carrier Inspector

Department of Public Safety; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 45,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

12 days sick leave

3+ weeks vacation leave

Health insurance

Job summary

Department of Public Safety in Augusta, ME, seeks an investigator/technician to enforce motor carrier laws and conduct comprehensive vehicle inspections. You will perform roadside checks, collect evidence, prepare reports, and testify in court as needed.

You will also conduct audits, drive collaboration with State Police, and provide training to drivers and industry groups. The role requires strong analytical skills and thorough knowledge of applicable regulations.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of state and federal laws governing motor carriers and terminal operations.
• Knowledge of State Police policies and procedures for commercial vehicle enforcement.
• Knowledge of vehicle components and defects related to commercial vehicle accidents.
• Knowledge of commercial vehicles and systems design, repair, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of investigative and evidence collection techniques and chain of custody.
• Ability to conduct vehicle autopsies.
• Ability to obtain evidence and prepare testimony.
• Ability to prepare inspection and investigative reports.
• Ability to work with State Police personnel.
• Ability to use tact, diplomacy, and interpersonal skills to elicit information.
• Ability to plan and organize work independently.
• Ability to use a computer, access information, and write clear reports.
• Ability to assess situations, reach logical conclusions, and make sound decisions.
• Ability to inspect all types of motor and commercial vehicles including buses.
• Ability to inspect motor carrier terminals and records.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively

Responsibilities

• Conduct road checks on motor carrier vehicles and buses to verify compliance with laws and regulations.
• Prepare and submit inspection reports documenting findings and carrier compliance.
• Place equipment or drivers out of service and issue notices or summons when needed.
• Collaborate with State Police to schedule road checks and improve efficiency.
• Review inter- and intra-state carrier records for compliance.
• Analyze cases for prosecution and provide testimony in court.
• Investigate complaints and automate motor carrier information for reporting.
• Perform vehicle autopsies and analyze crash data to determine causation.
• Check for illegal drugs or contraband and conduct thorough cargo interdiction when necessary.
• Deliver public speaking, educational and training engagements for drivers and industry groups.
• Operate computers and software to inspect equipment, generate reports, and access databases.

Skills

Knowledge of motor carriers and regs

Investigation techniques

Evidence collection

Testimony preparation

Report writing

Public speaking/training

Interpersonal skills

Analytical thinking

Decision making

Computer and data access

Education

Mechanic experience (journeyman level) or 3 years related education

Job description

Department of Dept of Public Safety Job Class Code: 0372 Grade: 20 - Professional/Technical Salary: $21.61 - $30.18/Hour Location: Augusta, ME Opening Date: October 14, 2026 Closing Date: October 28, 2026

DESCRIPTION

This is investigative and protective services work involving enforcement of laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to intra-state and inter-state commercial vehicles carrying property, hazardous materials, and passengers for hire. Responsibilities include performing roadside motor carrier and shipper inspections; conducting comprehensive safety audits and compliance reviews involving multiple components that include workplace drug and alcohol testing programs, carrier operating rules, employee qualification guidelines, training and testing programs, document review, financial statements, etc.; terminal surveys; placing drivers and unsafe equipment out of service; examining vehicles; and conducting vehicle autopsies. Work is performed under limited supervision.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS

• Conducts road checks on motor carrier vehicles and commercial buses in order to determine compliance with applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• Prepares and submits reports of inspection and investigation findings in order to document carrier compliance/non-compliance, inform superiors, and provide required records.
• Places equipment and/or drivers out-of-service, issues warning notices, and assists with the issuance of summons in order to maintain highway safety and enforce applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Collaborates with State Police personnel in scheduling and conducting road checks in order to increase operational efficiency and minimize carrier down time.
• Performs comprehensive reviews and analyses of inter-state and intra-state carriers’ administrative/operational records and protocols in order to determine compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Analyzes cases for prosecution, collects evidence, testifies in court, and speaks at public hearings in order to assist in the prosecution of cases requiring criminal or civil proceedings.
• Conducts complaint investigations, reviews, and automates motor carrier and shipper information; submits all reports and evidence to superiors in order to ensure proper safety rating and compliance with hazardous material regulations and applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
• Performs vehicle autopsies on commercial and non-commercial vehicles, collects evidence, and analyzes crash scene information against autopsy results in order to determine causation factors including safety defects.
• Checks commercial vehicles for illegal drugs or contraband cargo; conducts thorough investigation of hidden compartments and bulkheads, records, fall walls, and floors in order to perform drug interdiction, take immediate enforcement action, and/or determine if load makes economic sense.
• Conducts public speaking, educational, and training engagements for commercial drivers, companies, or trucking industries groups in order to communicate the applicable laws, rules, and regulations pertinent to their operations.
• Operates computer equipment and various software programs in order to inspect electronic component operation, generate reports, transmit information, and access databases.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing motor carriers and terminal operations.
• Knowledge of State Police policies, practices, and procedures applicable to commercial vehicle enforcement operations.
• Knowledge of vehicle components and mechanical defects in relation to causation of commercial vehicle accidents.
• Knowledge of commercial vehicles as it relates to systems design, use, repair, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of investigative and evidence collection techniques, methodologies, and the chain of custody.
• Ability to conduct vehicle autopsies.
• Ability to obtain evidence and prepare testimony.
• Ability to prepare inspection and investigative reports.
• Ability to work with State Police personnel.
• Ability to use tact, diplomacy, and interpersonal skills to elicit information from people.
• Ability to plan and organize work independently
• Ability to use a computer, access information, and write clear, concise, and complete reports.
• Ability to assess situations and facts, reach logical conclusions, and make sound decisions.
• Ability to inspect all types of motor and commercial vehicles including buses.
• Ability to inspect motor carrier terminals and operational records.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Two (2) years of mechanic experience with an emphasis on commercial vehicles at the journeyman level to include experience in the repair and maintenance of large trucks or buses –OR- a three (3) year combination of technical and investigative education, training, and experience related to motor carrier operations and activities.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• A valid Maine State Driver’s License.
• USDOT Certifications, North American Standard Truck Inspection Part A, North American Truck Inspection Park B, Hazardous Materials Inspection, Cargo Tank Vehicle Inspection, and either Carrier Safety Investigation or New Entrant Safety Audits, Compliance Review, New Entrant Safety Audit Course, Federal Fuel Sampling Techniques.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine

• No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day.
• We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including: Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.86% for Confidential employees.
• State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
• Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Application Process About Us

If you're looking for a fulfilling career that allows you to serve the public and make a difference, consider working with Maine State Government! Our departments boast an array of professions, including attorneys, biologists, correctional officers, equipment operators, engineers, human resources professionals, information technology experts, law enforcement officers, nurses, park rangers, social workers, and transportation workers. With more than 100 agencies, boards, and offices, Maine State Government is the perfect place to explore various industries and interests. Whether you're interested in finance or forestry, there's an opportunity for you to help make Maine an even better place to live.