Materials Testing Technician

Job Description

Materials Testing Technician (575)

Education and Experience

Education equivalent to completion of an Associate degree in engineering technology from an accredited community college, college, or university, and five (5) years of experience in paraprofessional engineering or engineering construction, including construction testing and inspection; or graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in civil or mining engineering, geology, or an approved related field, and three (3) years of experience in paraprofessional engineering or engineering construction, including construction testing and inspection; or graduation from high school, and ten (10) years of experience in paraprofessional engineering or engineering construction, including construction testing and inspection. Must have at least three years field and laboratory experience with nuclear density gauges.

License & Certification

Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver's license is required.

Certification of completion of a course as radiation safety officer for nuclear gauges is required within ninety (90) days of appointment. Certification of proficiency in construction materials testing and/or special inspection by organizations such as California Department of Transportation, ASTM, or NICET is desirable.

Typical Duties

Under general supervision: operates as City’s Radiation Safety Officer; is responsible for the operation of the materials testing laboratory; inspects, samples, and tests constructional materials for compliance with plans and specifications on all types of public works projects; performs field and laboratory physical tests and limited chemical tests on street, highway, and building constructional materials; designs asphalt and concrete mixes including use of additives; performs independent research and investigation work on new and existing street and structural building materials; analyzes material failures to determine cause and recommends corrective action; prepares technical reports, including a wide variety of drafting and mapping work; sets up and maintains technical record and filing systems, including City rainfall records and laboratory procedures manual; performs the duties of a Public Works Inspector as required; prepares laboratory equipment; trains, supervises and directs personnel as assigned; and performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of: the operation and safety requirements of nuclear density gauges; the physical properties and characteristics of materials, methods, tools, and equipment used in street, structural, highway, storm and sanitary sewer, and building construction work; proportioning and handling Portland cement concrete and bituminous surfacing materials; the handling and application of asphaltic oils and bridge construction materials; and of the approved methods and equipment used in the physical testing of such materials. Working knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry and physics. Good ability to: make accurate engineering calculations and draft neat geometric diagrams; inspect construction work for compliance with contract documents; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; prepare comprehensive technical reports; make complicated special engineering materials studies for engineering projects that include considerable independent collection, evaluation, and analysis of data. Satisfactory ability to train, supervise, and direct assigned personnel.

Supervision Received

Works under the general supervision of a Principal Engineer or other supervisors as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

Supervises personnel as assigned.

Other Requirements

Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment.

Approved, October 2000