Tunnel and Bridge Agent

About the Role

The Tunnel and Bridge Agent (TBA) is responsible for patrolling assigned areas to control and expedite the movement of traffic and for responding to emergencies to protect life and property at the Port Authority's tunnel and bridge facilities. TBAs may be assigned to any Port Authority facility including the George Washington Bridge, Holland Tunnel or Lincoln Tunnel and Staten Island Crossings (Goethals Bridge, Bayonne Bridge and Outerbridge Crossing).

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of a TBA during an emergency include, but are not limited to:

• Patrolling assigned areas to control and expedite the movement of traffic in accordance with traffic regulations.
• Operating emergency vehicles and equipment.
• Clearing traffic stoppages (towing disabled vehicles).
• Responding to emergencies and removes disabled vehicles.
• Fighting vehicle fires.
• Performing vehicle extrication for injured passengers.
• Administering first aid/CPR when necessary.
• Providing public service information to customers as required.
• Responding to hazardous material spills (i.e. Gas, diesel, oil, vehicle fluids).

Those hired for the position will be required to successfully complete the Emergency Medical First Responder Certification Test, Basic Garage Training and On-the-job training (OJT), and Emergency Garage Training and related OJT which includes classes and hands-on work with heavy duty towing and recovery, vehicle firefighting, vehicle extrication, and Haz-Mat operations.

TBAs undergo a 9-week combined basic training and on-the-job training (OJT), where they are taught Professional First Aid, tunnel operations, emergency procedures, incident command, basic fire behavior, fire extinguisher handling, hazardous materials identification, and wheel lift operations. Once TBAs have obtained their Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) with the required endorsements, they then attend advanced training. During the approximately 10-week advanced training program and OJT, TBAs are instructed on all advanced job functions including heavy duty towing and recovery, vehicle firefighting, hazardous materials operations, and vehicle extrications are required to successfully complete training and obtain the required licenses/certifications as specified at the start of training; failure to do so may result in termination from employment.

Working Conditions

The TBA position requires working under the following conditions:

• Work requires significant physical exertion.
• Work in confined areas in tunnels 5-6 hours per day when on tunnel patrol.
• Work in areas of high traffic noise levels.
• Work in traffic lanes when stoppages and other emergencies occur.
• Work in all types of weather conditions.
• Work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.
• TBAs must wear a self-contained breathing apparatus when responding to emergencies.
• TBAs must wear a uniform and equipment that require incumbents to conform safety regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must present the following qualifications to be considered eligible for this position:

• High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of one (1) year of work experience working in a field operations or public safety capacity, or as an emergency responder.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• IMPORTANT INFORMATION: BEFORE the first day of employment, applicants without a Class A CDL must obtain a Class A CDL Permit with the following tests successfully completed:

• Core knowledge
• Combo vehicle
• Air Brake
• Combination
• Towing
• Tank Truck

You will be required to obtain a Class A CDL license during training. A Class A CDL completion deadline will be given to you once training begins. Applicants should refer to the following websites for further information on obtaining a CDL:

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Commercial/CommercialDriver.htm

-OR-

http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/cdl.htm

Desired Qualifications

Ideal candidates will present the following profile:

• Understand facility operating and emergency procedures.
• Ability to operate emergency vehicles and emergency response equipment.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills.
• Familiarity with hand tools and basic knowledge of automotive operation and maintenance is desirable.

Selection Process

Qualified candidates will be assessed via a written exam, practical exam, and interview. For this position, the following skills will be assessed:

• Memorization
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Written Comprehension
• Written Expression
• Information Ordering
• Spatial Orientation
• Problem Sensitivity
• Mechanical Aptitude

Successful written-test candidates will be invited to participate in a hands-on performance test that will measure the candidate's strength and speed in the performance of the duties of the TBA job title.

Candidates who pass the performance test will be invited to participate in an interview that will measure candidates' abilities in areas such as:

• Situational Judgment
• Problem Sensitivity
• Flexibility
• Decision Making
• Customer Service
• Oral Communication

Register to take the written test at a time and date using the link that will be provided via email. The sooner you take the test, the better. Testing sites are open seven days a week.

Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check. Only applicants under consideration will be contacted.

Compensation & Benefits

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers an outstanding benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

The starting salary for the Tunnel and Bridge Agent position is: $21.03 hourly. This salary is subject to the collective bargaining agreement for this position.

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