State of Maryland

An Octane Engine Operator IV is an advanced level of work in the rating of motor and diesel fuels in the engine testing section.  Employees in this classification perform independently the more difficult and complicated tests of motor and diesel fuels in conformance with American Society for Testing Materials.  Employees in this classification are required to select the test method used, use the proper reference charts, complete all pre-test checks, make adjustments to fuel systems and test meters and maintaining mandatory operating conditions as specified for the test method used.  Employees in this classification make the required daily and periodic 500, 800 and 2,000 hour inspections, and make needed minor or major repairs to include top overhaul.  Employees in this classification ensure for proper engine performance that repairs are made using close tolerances and that exacting standards are maintained.  Employees in this classification do not supervise.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from the supervisor of the engine testing section through observation, reports and records of completed tests.

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.

Prepares reference fuel blends in conformance with American Society for Testing Materials;

Makes daily and periodic inspection of test engines;

Makes necessary adjustments to bring test engine to standard operating condition;

Adjusts knockmeter and detonation meter for standard knock intensity;

Determines proper bracketing of reference fuels;

Trains lower-level Octane Engine Operators and other employees;

Cleans combustion chamber;

Performs carbon blasting of cylinder;

Removes and reconditions cylinder;

Overhauls valve and valve-seat;

Removes and cleans piston and piston rings;

Keeps accurate results of tests conducted;

Performs top and bottom overhaul of test engines;

Performs 500, 800, 2,000 hour inspections;

Adjusts and repairs electrical, plumbing, air and electronic systems associated with test engines;

May testify in court;

May give guidance and instructions to lower level Octane Engine Operators;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of octane or cetane test engines;

Knowledge of the use of micrometers and timing gauges;

Knowledge of the use of torque wrenches and standard mechanic tools;

Ability to prepare reference fuel blends;

Ability to complete necessary preparations prior to starting test engine;

Ability to determine test method to be used;

Ability to maintain mandatory standard operating conditions of test engine during tests;

Ability to make proper adjustment of cylinder height, fuel-air ration, knockmeter and detonation meter;

Ability to determine accurate bracketing of reference fuels;

Ability to make detailed daily and periodic 500, 800 and 2,000 hour inspections of test engines;

Ability to perform required minor and major repairs and top and bottom overhaul;

Ability to use torque wrenches and standard mechanics tools;

Ability to work with extremely close tolerances;

Ability to train other employees in conducting tests;

Ability to keep accurate test results;

Ability to work independently.

Education:  Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate and successful completion of an Automotive Mechanic, Aviation Mechanic or Heavy Equipment Mechanic course from a recognized military or civilian technical school.

Experience: Three years of experience as an Octane/Cetane Engine Operator performing tests with and major repair work on octane and cetane engines.

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.

This classification is one level in a Non-Competitive Promotion (NCP) series.  NCP promotions are promotions by which employees may advance in grade and class level from trainee to full performance levels in a classification series.  In order to be non-competitively promoted to the next level in a NCP series, an employee must: 1) perform the main purpose of the class as defined in the Nature of Work section of the class specification; 2) receive the type of supervision defined in the class specification, and 3) meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.