SAFETY SPECIALIST 2, MVC
Career Family: SAFETY SPECIALIST
New Jersey treats Safety Specialist 2, Mvc as a competitive-class job, so the gate is an examination and the ranked list it produces rather than a direct offer.
This is the senior rung of the Safety Specialist series, the level you reach after Safety Specialist 1 Mvc. The minimum is 2 years of relevant experience and a professional license. The FY2027 range lands between $57,158 and $83,211, and state payroll currently lists about 67 people in the title, most of them at Motor Vehicle Commission.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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Agency posting
Motor Vehicle Commission's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
Pay ladder: Safety Specialist series
- Safety Specialist 1 Mvc — $50,059 – $72,550
- Safety Specialist 2, Mvc — $57,158 – $83,211 (this title)
Its top salary lands around the 25th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 67 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $70,328. The agencies employing the most are:
- Motor Vehicle Commission (67)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under the general supervision of a supervisor in the Motor Vehicles Commission, as a lead worker, examines driver testing applicants for licenses to operate motor vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, buses and commercial vehicles; conducts Commercial Driver License (CDL) and endorsement road tests and Commercial Driving School instructor's testing; monitors and evaluates training programs and the test results of applicants; does varied tasks involved in determining the mechanical condition of motor vehicles and maintaining Motor Vehicle Examination Centers and equipment in good condition; conducts office visits, and field inspections of school bus companies; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Examines documents presented by driver testing applicants as to proof of age and/or identity to ensure compliance with NJ state law (Title 39). Checks the registration and basic safety equipment of vehicles being used by driver testing applicants and the license and insurance credentials of the driver(s) accompanying the applicant in compliance with NJ state law (Title 39). Evaluates the driving ability of driver license applicants by administering road tests to determine their competency to safely operate motor vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, buses, and commercial vehicles. Takes the lead in performing motor vehicle inspections at Mobile Inspection roadside check points to ensure compliance with State safety regulations. Explains the reason(s) for failure and what methods/procedures should be used to correct the deficiency when applicants fail road tests. Prepares and/or validates driver license documents according to MVC procedures. Responsible for advising driver testing applicants and licensed drivers how to compensate for physical disabilities to operate a motor vehicle safely. When vehicle is presented for inspection, inspects driver's credentials including license, registration, and insurance verification for compliance with Commission regulations, and takes appropriate action when a document appears fraudulent or invalid. Verifies ownership of vehicles by comparing the physical vehicle identification number with the vehicle identification number on the registration. Administers road tests for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) applicants on closed or public highway. Responsible for conducting inspections for the Heavy- Duty Diesel Roadside Program, Mobile Inspection Teams and In-Terminal School Bus Program to determine applicant's competence to operate a motor vehicle. Ensures the efficient operations of motor vehicle inspection programs at Heavy -Duty Diesel roadside, In-Terminal School Bus Programs and those inspections performed at Salvage/Specialty/Referee facilities. Conducts Driving School Instructor's testing. Monitors and evaluates training programs and the test results of driver testing applicants. Visually checks driver testing applicants who may be under the influence of alcohol and/or controlled substances. Takes the lead among workers to ensure continuity of operations. Conducts safety and training seminars regarding matters related to inspection requirements. Assists in the design, development, and evaluation of new approaches to driver testing and motor vehicle inspection. Determines a vehicles ability to meet emission control standards in accordance with environmental laws and Commission policy using standardized equipment to ensure the emission control device has not been altered or modified. When conducting audits of facilities licensed and regulated by the Commission, provides training on revised procedures and regulations. When authorized, validates driver licenses during normal duties. Records results as the vehicle is inspected and clearly interprets the findings to the driver/owner so that any defects can be corrected and affixes new inspection approval or rejection sticker to the vehicle. Issues summonses for violations of Title 39:3B and 48:4. Mandatory court appearances may be required. Inspects garage facilities and reports poor conditions to supervisor. Conducts field inspections of school buses/facilities to determine if Certification licensees and other businesses licensed by the MVC are proper persons to be licensed and their vehicles are roadworthy. Conducts, accident investigations on school buses and/or school companies and prepares accurate/comprehensive reports of investigations including statements of witnesses and other persons interviewed. Provides training support and other training for field service personnel. Prepares records of driver tests, vehicle inspection, and investigations and their outcomes as well as a daily reconciliation of inspection stickers and vehicle inspection reports and is responsible for security of assigned inspection cards and stickers. Answers questions from the public regarding driver testing and vehicle inspections. May be required to inspect street railway equipment and/or fixed guideway systems as defined in NJSA 48:4-1 to ensure equipment is being correctly maintained, repaired and operated. Keeps facility and equipment clean, identifies equipment malfunctions, and repairs same. Assists law enforcement or MVC management in the conduct of accident investigations involving motor vehicles. Inspects all vehicles required to be inspected under NJ Title 39 and NJ Title 48, checks maintenance records to ensure compliance with state/federal safety regulations and compiles information for reports. Prepares reports as management may request. May be called upon to give testimony at administrative hearings. Gives testimony in court for any summonses issued or as an expert witness. May be required to test applicants for inspector license; approves curriculum and conducts site evaluations for inspector schools. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information system used by the agency, office, or related units.
Requirements
AGE: Appointees must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age.
Experience
Two (2) years of experience in either a public or private agency in one or a combination of the following: testing or inspecting motor vehicles for safety; repairing motor vehicles; administering examinations designed to evaluate an individual's qualification for a driver's license; conducting field investigations, audits, and/or inspections to ensure compliance with laws concerning the operation, maintenance, and/or inspection of motor vehicles.
License
Appointees must possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of safe driving practices and techniques. Knowledge of the parts, equipment, electrical/hydraulic systems, characteristics and operation of the various types and makes of motor vehicles. Knowledge of MVC rules/regulations applying to the Motor Vehicle Examination Center and ability to apply this knowledge in the daily performance of duties. Knowledge of MVC programs and where to refer public inquiries for specific answers to complex questions relating to other division services. Knowledge of complex procedures/regulations involved in the inspection of school buses, heavy commercial vehicles, mopeds, motorcycles, and passenger vehicles. Knowledge of laws/regulations relating to the licensing of Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers, Motor Vehicle Dealers, Motor Vehicle Junk Yards, and Motor Vehicle Commercial Driving Schools and other businesses licensed by the MVC. Ability to follow established procedures. Ability to take the lead in performing motor vehicle inspections at Mobile Inspection roadside check points to ensure compliance with State safety regulations. Ability to safeguard equipment and supplies. Ability to operate/control a motor vehicle safely under varying traffic conditions and at varied types of speed. Ability to operate varied types of equipment and vehicles. Ability to evaluate the driving abilities of both new and experienced drivers. Ability to operate vehicles equipped with either manual or automatic transmissions. Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret laws/regulations as they apply to field operations. Ability to make accurate observations of conditions/occurrences and to abstract those things which are of significance. Ability to examine documents/records for authenticity and accuracy. Ability to give testimony under oath and to appear as a witness at hearings and in courts. Ability to prepare detailed reports of field and office investigations, and which include findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to determine if vehicle testing equipment is functioning properly and is being used in accord with established procedures. Ability to understand, remember, and carry out oral and written directions which are sometimes complex, and to learn quickly from oral and written explanations and from demonstrations. Ability to perform mechanical inspections of motor vehicles and their parts/equipment in accord with established procedures. Ability to use diagnostic equipment or measuring devices such as infrared auto emission analyzers, platform brake testers, photo electric headlight testers, and so forth. Ability to deal courteously/effectively with diverse types of persons and to explain accurately, clearly, and convincingly the results of an inspection or examination. Ability to perform duties of the job without undue strain including standing, lifting, bending, and pushing in confined working quarters under varying weather and temperature conditions. Ability to determine the validity of necessary insurance, registration, and driver licenses, and identify fraudulent documents. Ability to observe precautions needed to ensure safety of drivers and passengers of the vehicles involved in an examination process. Ability to use good judgment in approving or rejecting motor vehicles in accord with Motor Vehicle Commission rules and regulations. Ability to make required minor repairs/adjustments to the inspection equipment and to help keep the equipment and the station in a clean, orderly, and safe condition. Ability to use customer service techniques that create a positive atmosphere when interacting with the public. Ability to perform mathematic calculations necessary to prepare required reports. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A position using this title may not perform all duties listed in the job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Thirty (30) semester hour credits from an accredited college or university or successful completion of a 2-year training program of general auto mechanics, safety inspection, testing and/or repair of a motor vehicle can be substituted for one (1) year of indicated experience. Appointees may be required to possess a valid MVC Inspector License. The responsibility for ensuring that employees possess the required motor vehicle license, commensurate with the class and type of vehicles they operate, rests with the Appointing Authority.