ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED WITH THE ONONDAGA COUNTY PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

SALARY AND VACANCIES: Changing conditions may make it necessary to certify for future vacancies at higher or lower salaries than those announced.

The vacancy currently exists in the following department:

Onondaga County Water Authority- 1 vacancy, $25.80 - $26.73/hour (2010)

The resulting open competitive eligible list and promotional eligible lists will be used to fill present and future vacancies in the Onondaga County Water Authority.

DUTIES: Under the general supervision of a supervisory engineer, an employee in this class performs recurring, technical work, subordinate to that which requires a licensed or professional engineer, in the areas of surveys, tests and studies upon components of a water distribution and transmission system. An employee in this class either performs these tasks personally or establishes methods for maintenance crews to follow in performing work that does not necessarily require close, technical supervision. Does related work as required.

RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT FOR OPEN COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION:

Candidates must have resided in the United States of America or one of its territories for not less than one (1) month immediately preceding the date of exam. Preference in appointment may be given to local residents. Appointments to positions in some municipalities are subject to residence requirements pursuant to local laws.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: On the date of examination, candidates must meet the following requirements:

PROMOTIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must be holding or have held on a permanent basis the position of Pump Maintenance Worker in the non-competitive class for three (3) years, and must be currently employed by the Onondaga County Water Authority.

Note: Permanent appointment and service in an equivalent title in another department or jurisdiction will be considered qualifying experience if the service was previously approved as a transfer/reinstatement by the Onondaga County Department of Personnel.

OPEN COMPETITIVE QUALIFICATIONS:

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associates Degree in Civil Engineering Technology or Mechanical Engineering Technology; or,



B. Completion of sixty (60) semester credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees in Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering curriculum supplemented by any combination of courses in two (2) of the following areas: mathematical science, physical science, engineering science and two (2) years of paraprofessional or professional level work experience, or its part time equivalent, in applying concepts of engineering and fluid mechanics to water transmission and distribution systems; or,



C. Four (4) years of paraprofessional or professional level work experience, or its part time equivalent, in applying concepts of engineering and fluid mechanics to water transmission and distribution systems; or,



D. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A), (B) and (C) above.

NOTE: Supplementary course work as mentioned in (B) above must relate to the required engineering curriculum. Therefore, mathematical science courses, such as probability and statistics, are unacceptable; science courses, other than physical sciences, such as biology, are unacceptable; engineering courses in areas other than civil engineering or mechanical engineering, are unacceptable.

Volunteer Experience: Volunteer experience will be allowed to substitute for paid work experience as long as the volunteer experience is equivalent in nature to the paid work experience required for the position.

COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS AS QUALIFYING PROOF: SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

If you are trying to qualify for this examination on the basis of your college training, you will need to submit either a verifiable, student copy or official transcript of college level studies you have completed to verify course work required for this examination. In lieu of a transcript, you will need to list all courses successfully completed in the curricula listed above, the names of the courses, number of hours earned, grades awarded, approximate dates of completion, and name(s) of college(s) where you took the course.

SUBJECT OF EXAMINATION: There will be a written test, which you must pass in order to be considered for appointment. The written test will be designed to test for knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the following areas:

1. Mathematics, including algebra, geometry and trigonometry

These questions test for the ability to read, analyze and solve technician-level written problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, algebraic equations, geometric concepts and figures, and basic trigonometric functions.

2. Installing, repairing and servicing fire hydrants, valves and water service boxes and maintaining waterlines

These questions test for knowledge of the basic practices, materials, tools, devices and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of a water distribution system, including fire hydrants and related appurtenances.

3. Water distribution system planning, design and testing, including related elementary hydraulics

These questions test for knowledge of the proper evaluation of water supply needs; the ability to plan and design water supply systems using basic waterline flow and pumping concepts and computations; and knowledge of the proper procedures to use to test and maintain the quality of the water and the integrity of the water supply system.

4. Pumps, motors and valves

These questions test for knowledge of the operation, repair and preventive maintenance of the typical pumps, motors and valves used in water and sewer systems and pump stations.

5. Basic surveying principles and practices, including computations

These questions test for knowledge of the procedures and for the ability to perform basic computations involved in elevation and line surveys on water and sewer system projects.

6. Understanding and interpreting technical information and construction and site plans

These questions test for the ability to read, analyze and perform computations based on written technical presentations and technical drawings related to water and/or sewer line systems. All the information needed to answer the questions will be presented in the written material and/or drawings.

CALCULATORS: Use of calculators is RECOMMENDED for this exam. Candidates should bring quiet, hand-held, solar or battery powered calculators. Devices with typewriter keyboards, `Spell Checkers,' `Personal Digital Assistants,' `Address Books,' `Language Translators,' `Dictionaries,' or any similar devices are prohibited.

NO TEST GUIDE AVAILABLE - Test Guides published by the New York State Department of Civil Service are usually targeted to specific, entry-level titles. Test Guides are not provided for every examination. Candidates should focus their examination preparation upon the "Subjects of Examination" and other information listed on the examination announcement.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Applications and credit card payment forms may be obtained in person from the Onondaga County Department of Personnel, by mail (include a self-addressed, stamped envelope) or downloaded at www.ongov.net/employment/document_center

APPLICATION FEE: Although a separate application is required for each examination number, candidates applying for more than one examination may pay all fees with a single check/money order or credit card form. You may pay by check, money order or by VISA, MasterCard, or Discover, payable to “Chief Fiscal Officer”. Cash will be accepted only if paying in person. Payment must accompany your application(s) (indicate examination number(s) on your check or money order).

APPLICATION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. You are, therefore, urged to carefully compare your qualifications with the requirements for admission and file only for those examinations for which you are clearly qualified. If proofs (i.e. copy of license, certification, or transcript) are required, be sure that they accompany your application.

If you want “Proof That You Submitted Your Application and/or Examination Fee”, ask for a receipt or, if mailing your application, enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope and request a receipt.

NOTE: A bounced check fee will be charged to you for any checks returned. Unless such fees are paid in full, you will not be permitted to participate in any examination(s) or be considered for appointment from resultant eligible lists. In addition, any subsequent application fees will not be refunded unless all such fees are paid in full.

FEE WAIVER: A waiver of application fee will be allowed if you are unemployed and primarily responsible for support of a household. In addition, a waiver of application fee will be allowed if you are determined eligible for Medicaid, or receiving Supplemental Security Income payments (SSI); or Public Assistance (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families/Family Assistance of Safety Net Assistance); or are receiving Foster Care or are certified Workforce Investment Act eligible through a State or local service agency. A waiver of application fee will also be allowed if you are an Onondaga County resident and have honorably served or are now honorably serving in the Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserves (attach DD214, NGB-22, or current DD2-Military ID card or a Statement of Honorable Service from Unit to completed “Application Fee Waiver Request and Certification” form). All claims for application fee waiver are subject to verification. If you can verify eligibility for application fee waiver, complete an “Application Fee Waiver Request and Certification” form and submit it with your application by the close of business at 4:30pm on the last file date as listed on the Examination Announcement.

The “Application Fee Waiver Request and Certification” form can be found in our office lobby or on our website in the Document Center.

EVALUATION OF FOREIGN POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION: If your degree and/or college credit was awarded by an educational institution outside of the United States or it's territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies providing this service may be obtained in person from the Onondaga County Department of Personnel or downloaded at www.ongov.net/employment/document_center. You will be responsible for the required evaluation fee.

ADDITIONAL CREDIT TO CHILDREN OF FIREFIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY:

In conformance with section 85-a of the Civil Service Law, children of firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duty shall be entitled to receive an additional ten points in a competitive examination for original appointment in the same municipality in which his or her parent has served. If you are qualified to participate in this examination and are a child of a firefighter or police officer killed in the line of duty in this municipality, please inform this office of this matter when you submit your application for examination. A candidate claiming such credit has a minimum of two months from the application deadline date to provide the necessary documentation to verify additional credit eligibility. However, no credit may be added after the eligible list has been established.

VETERAN CREDITS: War veterans applying for additional credit must submit a copy of their DD-214 (discharge papers) with their application for examination or by one month following the date of examination. Veteran’s Credit Instructions and Application Forms are available in person from the Onondaga County Department of Personnel, by mail (include a self addressed stamped envelope) or online at www.ongov.net/employment/document_center. Veteran’s credit can only be added to a passing score on the examination. No credit may be granted after the establishment of the list. Candidates currently in the armed forces may apply for and be conditionally granted veteran’s credit in examinations. Any candidate who applies for conditional credit must provide proof of their military status with their application for examination or by one month following the date of examination. When discharged, it is the responsibility of the candidate to provide appropriate documentary proof, indicating that service was in time of war, as defined in Section 85 of the Civil Service Law, and that the candidate received an honorable discharge or was released under honorable conditions in order to be certified at a score including the veteran’s credit.

APPLICATION DEADLINE POLICY: All applications along with application fees or proofs of waiver must be submitted to the Onondaga County Department of Personnel before the close of business at 4:30 p.m. on the date of last file as listed on the Examination announcement. Applications received via U.S. Mail will be accepted only if postmarked on or before the Application Deadline. Applications that are received through inter-office mail after the Application Deadline or that are submitted to any other department, office or agency and are not received in the Department of Personnel by the Application Deadline will not be accepted.

MILITARY APPLICANTS: In accordance with Section 243 of Military Law, military personnel serving on active duty in the armed forces of the United States during the filing period may be permitted to file an application for the examination after the application deadline date, but prior to the scheduled date of the examination. Contact the Onondaga County Personnel Department at (315)435-3537 for further information.

EXAM INFORMATION:

EXAM NOTICE: Candidates found eligible will be notified when and where to appear for examination. If you have not received notice of the examination location three (3) days prior to the examination, contact the Examination Unit at 435-3537. If an application is disapproved, due notice will be sent. Reasons for disapproval may be discussed with the reviewer.

FOR EMERGENCY CANCELLATION OF EXAMINATIONS TUNE TO: WIXT NEWS CHANNEL 9, WTVH NEWS CHANNEL 5, NEWS 10 NOW or any Clear Channel Radio Station.

EXAM ACCOMMODATIONS: If you desire accommodation at the exam site due to disability, please indicate the disability and desired conditions necessary to accommodate your disability on the application or on a paper attached firmly to your application.

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION: Applicants whose religious beliefs prevent them from taking examinations on the scheduled date should indicate the need for special arrangements on their application.

EXAM RATING: When the written examination is prepared and rated by the New York State Department of Civil Service in accordance with Section 23-2 of the Civil Service Law, the provision of the New York State Civil Service Rules and Regulations will apply.

ELIGIBLE LIST: Eligible lists are established, on average, within three months after the examination date. In accordance with the New York State Civil Service Law, an eligible list must remain in existence for one year from the date of its establishment or until there are no candidates left who are willing to accept appointment, whichever occurs first. The Personnel Commissioner may extend the list beyond one year to a maximum of four years. Agencies are required to hire from the eligible list according to the rule of three (see our FAQ document for examples of the Rule of Three). All candidates at the highest score are immediately eligible for consideration for appointment. Candidates at lower scores can only be considered when there are fewer than 3 candidates at the highest score.

When the eligible list is established you will be able to view the current eligible list and your status on-line by going to our website at Civil Service Exam Test Results www.ongov.net/employment/ranking.

CANDIDATE FITNESS: Inquires may be made as to character and ability of all candidates. All statements made by candidates are subject to verification. Falsification of any part of the “Application for Employment” may result in disqualification and possible legal action.

APPLYING FOR CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATIONS ON THE SAME TEST DATE FOR MORE THAN ONE CITY, COUNTY OR *STATE CIVIL SERVICE AGENCY: If you have applied for examinations in more than one Local government (City or County agencies), you must make arrangements to take all the examinations at one test site.

You must make your request for these arrangements no later than two weeks before the date of the examination. You must notify all agencies with which you have filed an application of the test site at which you wish to take your examination(s).

For Onondaga County examinations complete a Cross Filer Notification form, available in person from the Onondaga County Department of Personnel or online at www.ongov.net/Employment/document_center, and send to Onondaga County Dept of Personnel, 421 Montgomery St 13th Fl, Syracuse NY 13202 OR FAX to 315-435-8272. OR call 315-435-3537.

*If you have applied for both State and Local government examinations, you must make arrangements to take all your examinations at the State examination center by calling (518) 474-6470 in the Albany area or toll free at (877) 697-5627 (press 2, then press 1), no later than two weeks before the test date.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: It is the responsibility of the candidate to notify the Onondaga County Personnel Department in writing of any change in address. No attempt will be made by this department to locate candidates who have moved. Address change forms are available in the Personnel Department during normal office hours or online at www.ongov.net/employment/document_center

MILITARY MAKE-UP EXAMINATION: Any member of the armed forces of the United States who has filed an application to compete in a scheduled competitive examination but is deprived of the opportunity to compete in the examination due to ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY can be provided with a special military make-up examination upon written request to the Onondaga County Personnel Department. The applicant must submit a copy of military orders, DD214, or other official military document that substantiates active military service at the time of the examination. Request must be no later than sixty (60) days after release from active duty.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENT IN SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND BOCES: Per Chapter 180 of the Laws of 2000, and by Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, to be employed in a position designated by a school district or BOCES as involving contact with students, a clearance for employment from the State Education Department is required.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION ACT OF 1985, candidates for appointment to Onondaga County government positions which involve regular and substantial contact with children will be required to complete a State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment clearance form. Failure to complete this form may result in decertification of your name from this eligible list for appointments in Onondaga County.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING: Candidates for appointment or promotion to Onondaga County government positions that are designated as safety sensitive are required to undergo pre-employment drug testing for alcohol and drugs after a conditional offer of employment has been extended and prior to any applicant’s performance of a safety-sensitive function.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Applicants may be required to undergo a State and national criminal history background investigation, which will include a fingerprint check, to determine suitability for appointment. Failure to meet the standards for the background investigation may result in disqualification.

SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT: Candidates for appointment or promotion to positions in Onondaga County government which require the operation of motor vehicles must, at the time of appointment, possess an appropriate NY State drivers license and a dependable personal vehicle or must have reasonable access to private/public transportation.

SENIORITY RATING: Seniority points will be added on promotional exam scores to all passing candidates. Seniority rating is based on the length of continuous classified service in the jurisdiction in which you are employed as follows:

Less than 1 year = 0 points

1 year, up to 6 years = 1 point

Over 6 years, up to 11 years = 2 points

Over 11 years, up to 16 years = 3 points

Over 16 years, up to 21 years = 4 points

Over 21 years = 5 points

The promotional examination will be BAND SCORED. When a promotion examination is band scored, seniority credits are added to the raw score and not to the final score. Using this formula, the applicable seniority credits are added to the number of questions answered correctly (raw score) of passing candidates. This will result in a "total raw score," from which the final band score is determined. This is a change from the current practice of adding seniority credits to the final score.