Motor Carrier Inspector

MaineGuide; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 45,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance Coverage

Dental Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

Maine Department of Public Safety in Augusta, ME is seeking an investigator/enforcement officer to conduct roadside inspections, safety audits, and enforcement actions for commercial carriers. You will work with state police to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

The role involves collecting evidence, testifying in court, and presenting findings to supervisors. Extensive inspection experience and licensing requirements apply, with a focus on highway safety and compliance.

Qualifications

• Two years journeyman mechanic experience with large trucks or buses.
• Three year combo of technical and investigative education, training and experience related to motor carrier operations.
• Valid Maine State Driver’s License and related certifications are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct road checks on motor carrier vehicles and commercial buses to assess compliance with state and federal laws.
• Prepare and submit inspection reports documenting findings and carrier compliance/non-compliance.
• Place vehicles/drivers out of service and assist with enforcement actions.
• Collect evidence, testify in court, and participate in public hearings as required.

Skills

Motor carrier enforcement

Investigative techniques

Evidence collection

Report writing

Public speaking

Computer literacy

Interpersonal skills

Decision making

Roadside inspections

Education

Mechanic exp

Investigation education

Tools

Inspection certifications

Job description

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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.

REPRESENTATIVETASKS: 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,ANDABILITIESREQUIRED: 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

MINIMUMQUALIFICATIONS: 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/CERTIFICATIONREQUIREMENTS: 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 using13 paid holidays,12 days of sick leave, and3+ weeks of vacation leaveannually. 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 costsfor 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.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

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.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

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