Job Description

SENIOR MATERIALS TECHNICIAN

JOB CODE 19170

Effective Date:	12/92A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to perform technical materials testing work of increasing difficulty in the laboratory and field. Employees in this classification perform the full range of materials testing activities including asphalt plant inspection and testing, and work more independently than do Materials Technicians. Work is ordinarily performed under the general supervision of the Materials Supervisor who makes assignments, sets priorities, and periodically reviews work for production and to ensure that it is performed according to instructions and in conformity with sound engineering principles.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs construction materials testing in the field and in the laboratory on materials such as concrete, asphalt, and soils used in the city right-of-way, on City property, or for City contracts;
• Inspects and tests asphalt produces at various plants for use on City controlled projects;
• Employs testing apparatus such as scales, nuclear gauges, compression machines, sieves, and other laboratory equipment;
• Computes percentages, ratios, and proportions of product quality in order to prepare engineering reports and analyses;
• Notifies appropriate personnel when sampling indicates failure in product quality where correction is needed;
• Records test results on standard forms;
• Keeps project inspector informed as to the status of tests performed;
• Compares test results with applicable standards;
• Performs routine maintenance of equipment used in the field, plant, and laboratory for the testing of materials;
• Ensures that a supply of work materials is on hand at assigned work station in order to have the supplies necessary to effectively complete assigned tasks;
• Compiles detailed information and arranges in prescribed order for records;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Materials testing.
• The properties, characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of materials.
• Standard detail and specifications.

Skill in:

• The operation of equipment used in the field, plant, and laboratory for the testing of materials.

Ability to:

• Perform mathematical computations required by individual tests.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees, engineers, contractors, and the public.
• Complete forms to record or report information in standard format as specified by the form.
• Exercise sound judgment in completing assignments.
• Make decisions in formal routine situations in accordance with rules, regulations, and policies.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material in the English language such as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and technical manuals.
• Travel across rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces at construction sites.
• Bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time to pound stakes into the ground or perform materials tests.
• Communicate orally with customers, clients, or the public in face-to-face, one-on-one settings or using a telephone.
• Observe, compare, or monitor testing equipment or data to determine if materials tested meet prescribed standards.
• Make precise arm-hand positioning movements and maintain static arm-hand position to use laboratory equipment.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions in the English language.
• Learn job-related material primarily through oral instruction and observation to effectively perform job duties. This learning takes place mainly in an on-the-job training setting.
• Climb ladders to get into and out of trenches at construction sites.
• Lift arms above shoulder level to climb ladders.
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the outdoor elements and dust.
• Move heavy objects such as bags of sand (50 pounds or more) long distances (more than 20 feet).
• Use tools such as picks, shovels, and hammers.
• Work around testing equipment that employs a radioactive source using only normal protective equipment.
• Work irregular shifts, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment or shift.
• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. In addition, individuals may be required to pass an Arizona Department of Transportation physical exam and possess the appropriate commercial driver's license (CDL). Pre-employment drug testing is required for CDL positions. Employees in CDL positions will be subject to unannounced alcohol and drug testing as a condition of continued employment. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Three years of experience in materials quality control engineering work, including one year of experience in the construction materials testing field. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.