5305-Materials Testing Technician

Job description

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

JOB CODE TITLE: MATERIALS TESTING TECHNICIAN JOB CODE: 5305

BUSINESS UNIT: COMM

Definition:

Under general supervision, this position performs more difficult and responsible sampling and testing of a variety of soils and construction materials in the field or laboratory; has responsibility for explaining and enforcing regulations, policies and legal provisions related to sampling and testing of construction materials; oversees the work testing aides in the field or laboratory; and records log of daily work performed and time and materials expended.

Distinguishing Features:

This is a journey-level position and reports to a Class 6318 Construction Inspector, Class 5207 Associate Engineer or Class 5241 Engineer. Class 5305 is distinguished from Class 5304 Materials Testing Aide in that the latter is an entry-level class performing duties of lesser responsibility.

Supervision Exercised:

Positions in this class may act as a lead worker and organize, prioritize, direct and monitor the work of testing aides.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties:

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Collects samples of soils and construction materials in the field to measure physical characteristics;

may be required to collect and test environmental media and measure environmental characteristics.

2. Performs a variety of tests on construction materials including soils, reinforcing steel, sand,

aggregates, concrete, asphalt and other mixes, cement-treated bases, and other materials, using

sophisticated materials-testing equipment.

3. Operates nuclear and electronic instruments to determine relative compaction of soils; calibrates and

adjusts instruments to compensate for changing conditions.

4. Inspects facilities where materials are used and stored to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and

local regulations and ordinances.

5. Inspects the operations of asphalt and concrete batch plants; checks equipment, weights, temperatures

and materials for compliance with specifications; tests and calculates aggregate gradings for field mix

design.

6. Records and reports test results after performing mathematical calculations, making graphical

solutions and graphical representations.

7. Communicates orally and in writing with supervisor and staff members, City and outside agency

representatives, contractors, business and property owners, or the general public.

JOB CODE: 5305

Business Unit: COMM

8. Uses a personal computer to write memos, complex operational and inspection reports, and letters; to

communicate with others via e-mail (Microsoft Outlook); and to perform computer file management

when storing and retrieving information related to documentation of inspections, sampling and testing

activities and results.

9. Uses appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), which may include wearing a respirator,

and follows appropriate health and safety practices.

10. Maintains a valid driver license and drives a motor vehicle in the course of collecting samples,

performing field tests and conducting inspections.

11. Uses a two-way radio, cell phone or pager to communicate with supervisors and other staff.

12. May use field air monitoring equipment to test atmosphere or other conditions at construction and

maintenance sites; may calibrate and adjust equipment in the field and interpret results.

13. May make screening level evaluations of disposal requirements for common construction and

environmental materials.

14. Handles 55-gallon drums to collect samples; lifts 90-pound bags of cement with assistance; lifts

5-gallon buckets of soil samples; uses wheelbarrow, coring machine and other materials or equipment

to collect samples or conduct tests.

15. Performs related duties as required.

Job-related and Essential Qualifications:

Knowledge of: technical methods and procedures used to collect and test a variety of construction materials

in the field or laboratory; mathematical procedures related to the accurate performance and interpretation

of a variety of calculations in the field or laboratory; and safety procedures and occupational hazards as

they relate to injury prevention and safety.

Ability to: act as a lead worker and organize, prioritize, direct, and monitor the work of testing aides;

promote, establish, and maintain effective working relationships; write and speak in a manner that is easily understood, and listen to or read and understand what is said or written; operate a motor vehicle and maintain a driver license free of restrictions that would interfere with employment; use a personal computer; operate a two-way radio, cell phone and pager; see well enough to read instruments in the course of performing inspections and laboratory testing; and to stand or walk for prolonged periods, to walk on hilly or uneven ground, bend the knees and back, climb up and down stairs and ladders to the second story, and lift objects weighing up to 70 lbs; may be required to wear a respirator.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

One year of experience in a position in which the major duties consisted of sampling and testing soils or construction materials; and ability to lift up to 70 pounds.

License:

Possession and maintenance of a valid class C driver license and good driving record.

JOB CODE: 5305

Business Unit: COMM

Special Requirements:

Nature of work involves physical effort and heavy lifting; use of radioactive testing equipment; exposure to noise, dust and unpleasant odors; must be able and willing to use appropriate personal protective equipment; may be required to wear a respirator; may be required to work in inclement weather, and evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.

Effective Date: 6/03/68

Amended Date: 11/21/02; 9/27/04

Reason for Amendment:

To reflect accurately the current tasks, knowledge, skills, and abilities defined in the most recent job analysis conducted for this job code.

Standard information

Disaster service work

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Historic and future compensation