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Appendix D – Training Manual 

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Appendix D 

Training Manual 

A Competency-Based Evaluation Scale

Numerical/Adjective Rating:

5 = Outstanding 

Can perform this skill without supervision or assistance with proficiency in speed, quality

quantity, self-initiative, reliability and judgment; can lead or assist others in performing 

this skill. 

4 = Above Standard 

Can perform this skill consistently within established standards of speed, quality and

quantity without assistance and / supervision. 

3 = Standard 

Can perform this skill generally consistent with established standards of speed, quality 

and quantity, but requires periodic assistance and or supervision. 

2 = Short of Standard 

Can perform this skill only with some assistance and or supervision to insure consistency

with established standards of speed, quality and quantity; Able to perform some parts of

the skill, but cannot perform the entire skill. 

1 = Unacceptable 

Has limited ability or knowledge to perform this skill; Continuous assistance and or

supervision required; Performance does not meet established standards of speed, quality

and quantity; Demonstrates possible problems in having the learning ability to acquire the 

skill. 

Not Responsive to Training 

Has been repeatedly instructed in a particular subject matter and still fails to demonstrate

a knowledge of the subject or is unable to perform the particular task which would

exhibit this knowledge, the training instructor should rate the new inspector NRT the

training instructor the narrative comments the training attempted and the results of the

new inspectors attempt to perform the task. 
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Interpersonal Skills For Field Training Inspectors 

Commitment to service: 

Predisposition to seek responsibility 

Responsive to the public need 

Responsive to the goals of the Department and weights and measures 

Oral Communication and Listening: 

Conveying ideas to another in a coach-pupil atmosphere 

Clear and Concise in nature 

Responsive to the trainee’s needs 

Ability to adjust to the personality of the trainee 

Patience 

Flexibility: 

Ability to adapt to changing conditions as needed 

Planning and Organizing: 

Implementing decisions according to a timeline 

Utilizing resources at your disposal to achieve a desired result 

Knowledge of subject matter 

Follow Through: 

Verifying effectiveness 

Accessing results 

Timely response to inquires 

Essential FTI Duties

Observer: 

Patient oversight of the trainee 

Allowing the trainee to act, then giving feedback as to performance 

Implies listening as well as viewing
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NATIONAL WEIGHTS AND MEASURES FIELD TRAINING PROGRAM 

INSPECTOR ROUTINE OBSERVATION REPORT 

STANDARDIZED EVALUATION GUIDELINES 

PERFORMANCE 

1. REPORT WRITING: 

 NEEDS IMPROVEMENT 

 General inability to accurately organize a concise, understandable report in a timely fashion:

 a. Omission or misstatement of facts 

 b. Elements of violation missing/incomplete inspections 

 c. Confusing or misleading narrative 

 d. Continual spelling errors 

 e. Consistent improper grammar 

 f. Illegible 

 g. Excessive time used 

 COMPETENT 

 General ability to write reports accurately in organized and timely fashion: 

 a. Complete statement of facts 

 b. Specific violation elements delineated/completes thorough inspections 

 c. Legible 

 d. Minimal spelling errors 

 e. Correct grammar 

 f. Concise, understandable language 

 g. Reasonable time used in completion of necessary reports 

2. DRIVING SKILLS: 

 NEEDS IMPROVEMENT 

 Incorrect evaluation of driving situations with loss of vehicle control: 

 a. Continually violates Vehicle Code 

 b. General disregard for public safety 

 c. Involvement in preventable accidents 

 d. Inappropriate use of safety lighting equipment 

 e. Excessive and inappropriate speed 

 f. Inability to exit vehicle safety 
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NATIONAL WEIGHTS AND MEASURES FIELD TRAINING PROGRAM 

ROUTINE OBSERVATION REPORT (ROR) 

(DOCUMENTED AT LEAST WEEKLY) 

TRAINEE: FTI: 

DATE: PHASE: DATE: 

RATING INSTRUCTIONS: Rate observed performance of trainee in the following categories. 

*NI = Needs Improvement; **C = Competent; NO = Not Observed 

A. PERFORMANCE 

1. Report Writing NI C NO 

2. Driving Skills: Routine NI C NO 

3. Self-initiated Activity NI C NO 

4. Knowledge of locations NI C NO 

5. Stress Control: Verbal/Behavior NI C NO 

6. Safety: Self/Others NI C NO 

7. Violator Control: Verbal/Physical NI C NO 

8. Decision-Making/Problem-Solving NI C NO 

9. Coordination: Multiple Tasks NI C NO 

B. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS 

1. Communication Skills NI C NO 

2. Acceptance of Criticism NI C NO 

3. Behavior Toward Citizens NI C NO 

4. Behavior Toward regulatory Personnel NI C NO 

5. Self-Image/Confidence NI C NO 

C. KNOWLEDGE 

1. Agencies Policies/Procedures NI C NO 

2. Enforcement Codes NI C NO 

3. Resources NI C NO 

4. Inspection Procedures/Techniques NI C NO 

D. JOB READINESS 

1. General Appearance NI C NO 

2. Forms/Equipment /Specialized Equipment NI C NO 

3. Informed on Current Issues/Community Problems NI C NO 

-------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- 

TRAINEE SIGNATURE FTO SIGNATURE 
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TRAINING	PROGRAM	FOR	DEPARTMENT	OF	COMMERCE	

WEIGHTS	AND	MEASURES	INVESTIGATOR	I	TRAINEE	

I. PURPOSE

Very	few,	if	any,	entry	level	candidates	for	Weights	and	Measures	Investigator	I	positions	

have	well‐rounded	experience	working	with	weighing	and	measuring	devices.		Even	candidates	

from	private	industry	involved	in	the	manufacture	or	repair	of	weighing	and	measuring	devices	

normally	have	experience	with	only	one	or	two	types	of	devices,	and	are	not	familiar	with	the	

principals	of	legal	metrology,	or	have	experience	working	as	government	regulators.		A	significant	

training	period	is	necessary	to	teach	candidates	with	demonstrated	aptitudes	the	specific	skills	they	

need	to	function	successfully	as	a	Weights	and	Measures	Investigator	I	before	they	are	able	to	work	

on	their	own	and	assume	responsibility	for	a	territory.	

This	training	program	is	designed	to	facilitate	the	recruitment	of	entry	level	candidates	

capable	of	mastering	the	required	skills	including	minority	and	women	applicants	in	conjunction	

with	the	Department	of	Commerce’s	Affirmative	Action	Program.	

II. METHODS FOR TRAINEE SELECTION

Job	openings	will	be	posted	on	the	state	employment	website	as	light	duty	or	heavy	duty	

territories	become	vacant.		The	posting	will	make	it	clear	whether	the	vacancy	being	posted	is	a	

light	duty	or	a	heavy	duty	position.		Jobs	will	also	be	advertised	on	electronic	sites	or	in	print	

publications	aimed	at	women	and	minorities	in	an	effort	to	get	a	candidate	pool	which	is	

representative	of	the	state’s	population.		Application	is	via	resume	on	the	state	employment	

website.		All	resumes	are	reviewed	to	find	candidates	who	possess	the	following	prerequisite	

capabilities:	

 Ability	to	interact	in	a	professional	manner	with	a	wide	variety	of	people	including	

co‐workers,	members	of	the	public,	business	owners	and	service	agents,	and	

employees	of	other	government	agencies	such	as	the	DNR	and	the	MPCA;			

 Ability	to	communicate	complex	technical	information	coherently	in	both	written	

and	verbal	formats	;		

 Ability	to	work	independently	with	little	supervision	and	to	manage	scheduling	and	

routing	work	in	a	large	territory;				

 Computer	skills	sufficient	to	work	from	a	remote	laptop	through	a	VPN	connection;		

 Mechanical	skills	sufficient	to	maintain	their	vehicles,	test	equipment	and	standards	

in	good	condition,	as	well	as	to	assess	the	likelihood	of	mechanical	tampering	in	the	

weighing	and	measuring	devices	they	inspect;			

 Physical	ability	to	walk,	stand	and	sit	for	extended	periods	of	time,	to	lift	up	to	fifty	

pounds	repeatedly	throughout	the	day,	and	to	work	outside	in	all	weather	

conditions	for	up	to	ten	hours	a	day;   
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