Motor Carrier Inspector

State of Maine • Augusta, GA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

This is investigative and protective services work enforcing laws, rules, and regulations for intrastate and interstate commercial vehicles carrying property, hazardous materials, and passengers for hire. The position performs roadside motor carrier and shipper inspections, comprehensive safety audits and compliance reviews, terminal surveys, vehicle examinations and autopsies, and places drivers or unsafe equipment out of service. Reviews may cover drug and alcohol testing programs, carrier operating rules, employee qualifications, training and testing programs, documents, and financial statements. Work is performed under limited supervision.

The inspector documents findings, supports enforcement and prosecution, investigates complaints and crashes, collects and analyzes evidence, and helps determine compliance and crash causation. The role also involves collaboration with State Police personnel, public speaking and educational engagements, and using computers and software to inspect electronic components, prepare reports, transmit information, and access databases.

The position is with the Maine Department of Public Safety in Augusta, Maine. The listed salary is $21.61–$30.18 per hour. The opening date is October 14, 2026, and the closing date is October 28, 2026.

Requirements

• Two years of journeyman-level mechanic experience emphasizing commercial vehicles, including repair and maintenance of large trucks or buses; or a three-year combination of technical and investigative education, training, and experience related to motor carrier operations and activities.
• Valid Maine State Driver’s License.
• 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 commercial vehicle accident causation.
• Knowledge of commercial vehicle systems design, use, repair, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of investigative and evidence-collection techniques, methodologies, and chain of custody.
• Ability to conduct vehicle autopsies; obtain evidence; and prepare testimony, inspection reports, and investigative reports.
• Ability to work with State Police personnel and use tact, diplomacy, and interpersonal skills to elicit information.
• Ability to plan and organize work independently; use a computer and access information; and write clear, concise, 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, and inspect motor carrier terminals and operational records.
• Ability to communicate effectively and write clearly.
• Required USDOT certifications: North American Standard Truck Inspection Part A, North American Truck Inspection Part 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, and Federal Fuel Sampling Techniques.

Responsibilities

• Conduct road checks of motor carrier vehicles and commercial buses for compliance with applicable state and federal requirements.
• Prepare and submit inspection and investigation reports documenting carrier compliance or noncompliance and providing required records.
• Place equipment and/or drivers out of service, issue warning notices, and assist with issuing summonses.
• Collaborate with State Police personnel to schedule and conduct road checks.
• Review and analyze interstate and intrastate carriers’ administrative and operational records and protocols for compliance.
• Analyze cases for prosecution, collect evidence, testify in court, and speak at public hearings.
• Investigate complaints, review and automate motor carrier and shipper information, and submit reports and evidence to superiors.
• Conduct vehicle autopsies, collect evidence, and compare crash-scene information with autopsy results to determine causation factors, including safety defects.
• Check commercial vehicles for illegal drugs or contraband and investigate hidden compartments and cargo areas to support drug interdiction and enforcement.
• Conduct public speaking, education, and training engagements for commercial drivers, companies, and trucking industry groups.
• Operate computers and software to inspect electronic component operation, generate reports, transmit information, and access databases.
• Inspect motor carrier terminals and operational records.
• Examine vehicles and conduct terminal surveys.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually; vacation accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• State payment of 85%–95% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary.
• State payment of 100% of employee-only dental insurance premiums.
• Retirement contributions to MainePERS equivalent to 14.06% of employee pay for MSEA employees or 18.86% for Confidential employees.
• An extensive benefits package covering aspects of wellness; benefits may vary by collective bargaining agreement and are prorated for less than full-time work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed