Mark White, CSC Docket No. 2022-2259

BackgroundMark White appeals the determination of the Division of Agency Services, which found that he was below the minimum requirements in experience for the promotional examination for Senior Mechanic Diesel (PC4912C), Mercer County.

By way of background, the subject examination was announced with a closing date of November 22, 2021. Applicants were required to possess an aggregate of one year of continuous permanent service in the title of Mechanic Diesel; or possess an aggregate of one year of continuous permanent service in any competitive title and meet the open-competitive requirements for the subject title. Specifically, these open- competitive requirements were successful completion of one year of training in diesel engine repair at an accredited community college or vocational school and three years of experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of diesel engines. Applicants who did not possess one year of the required formal training could substitute one additional year of the above-noted experience. The subject eligible list, containing one name, promulgated on March 17, 2022 and expires on March 16, 2025.

On his application, the appellant stated that he was serving in the title of Mechanic and he did not indicate that he completed one year of formal training in diesel engine repair. Therefore, pursuant to the substitution clause for training, he needed to possess four years of applicable experience for the subject examination. With regard to his experience, he stated that he served as a Mechanic from August 2015 to the closing date (November 2021) and that he “MAINTAIN[ED] ALL HEAVY

DUTY [sic] TRUCKS AND EQUITMENT [sic] FOR THE COUNTY.” Agency records indicate that the appellant served provisionally as a Senior Mechanic Diesel from February 2021 to the closing date (November 2021); as a Mechanic from August 2017 to February 2021; and as a Mechanics Helper from August 2015 to August 2017. Agency Services found that the appellant’s description of his duties on his application did not satisfy the open-competitive requirements for the subject title. Therefore, none of his experience was credited and the appellant was deemed ineligible for the subject examination.

Appellant's argumentOn appeal, the appellant argues that he possesses sufficient applicable experience for the subject examination. In this regard, he states that with respect to his provisional service in the subject title he inspects diesel engines; inspects, repairs and replaces mechanical and electrical components; diagnoses, tests and replaces transmissions; “changes injections [sic],” oil pumps, fuel pumps and air pumps; changes oil, filters and engine coolants; inspects and replaces bearings; fixes air leaks and anti-lock breaking (ABS) systems; replaces starters, alternators, brakes, brake drums, brake calipers; repairs and replaces power steering mechanisms; diagnoses, tests and repairs hydraulic systems; changes broken hoses; and changes fuel pumps and fuel lines. He indicates that as a Mechanic, he changed oil¸ filters, and engine coolants; inspected and replaced bearings; fixed air leaks and ABS systems; replaced starters, alternators, brakes, brake drums and brake calipers; repaired and replaced power steering mechanisms; diagnosed, tested and repaired hydraulic systems; changed broken hoses, fuel pumps and fuel lines; and diagnosed, tested and replaced electronic systems. He further states that as a Mechanics Helper he serviced, repaired and maintained heavy-duty trucks and diesel equipment. In addition, he submits a letter of support from his supervisor, Steven Benner, General Supervisor Roads.

CONCLUSION

RuleN.J.A.C. 4A:4-2.6(a) provides that applicants must meet all requirements specified in a promotional examination announcement by the closing date. N.J.A.C. 4A:1-1.2(c) provides that a rule may be relaxed for good cause shown in a particular situation.

AnalysisInitially, it is noted that Agency Services correctly determined that the appellant was ineligible for the subject examination. However, the record evidences that the examination situation is not competitive since the subject eligible list only contains the name of one eligible. Additionally, the appellant continues to serve provisionally in the subject title. As such, although the appellant’s experience does not precisely mirror the requirements listed on the announcement, the Civil Service Commission is satisfied that good cause exists to accept the totality of his mechanical experience, for eligibility purposes only, and admit him to the subject examination.

In so doing, the remedy provided herein is limited to the facts of this case and may not be used as precedent in any other matter.

ORDER

Therefore, it is ordered that this appeal be granted and the appellant’s application be processed.

ClosingThis is the final administrative determination in this matter. Any further review should be pursued in a judicial forum.