Materials Technician 4 - 04345

DEFINITION

Performs quasi-supervisory, highly technical work in materials inspection and plant calibration activities relating to materials used in highway construction and maintenance projects; performs related work as required.

The Work Examples and Competencies listed are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary basis for position classification decisions.

WORK EXAMPLES

Assists a supervisor by performing, in accordance with set procedures, policies, and standards, such duties as instructing employees about tasks, answering questions about procedures and policies, distributing and balancing the work load and checking works; may make occasional suggestions on appointments, promotions, and reassignments.

Inspects the manufacture of asphalt concrete and Portland cement concrete at contractor plants by sampling, grading, and analyzing raw materials used in the materials manufacturing process for highway construction and maintenance projects within a Highway Division field district.

Plans and performs materials sampling, inspection, and testing activities in the central laboratory or assigned field area in order to assure compliance with all requirements for sampling and testing through the use of complex plans and specifications.

Performs mathematical calculations necessary to detect errors in computation made by lower level technicians and to establish standard deviations or other data required to assure the precision of test data.

Recommends revisions to established sampling or testing procedures in order to obtain special information concerning material characteristics.

Interprets and resolves technical problems encountered by lower level technicians relating to specifications, sampling, or testing procedures and techniques.

Evaluates new equipment, procedures, products, and/or techniques used in the analysis and sampling of materials to evaluate the effectiveness of such methods as compared to present methods.

Compiles, prepares, and presents periodic and special reports for materials administrative staff relating to materials testing, inspection, and/or sampling activities performed for specific projects or programs.

Assures accurate and complete performance of complex testing, inspection, and/or research by coordinating operations within a major laboratory section or field unit; disseminates information to assure each member of the work team is informed of expectations; handles complaints and refers matters beyond delegated authority to proper supervisors.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Knowledge of the requirements and intent of applicable codes, standards, and specifications for materials used in the construction and maintenance of highways.

Knowledge of the contemporary principles and practices relating to the training and direction of subordinate employees.

Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions applicable to the work, such as the proper use of safety equipment (i.e. shoes, hard hats, goggles, etc.), equipment operation, and materials handling.

Knowledge of the basic principles of physical science as required by specific work assignments.

Knowledge of the standard principles, methods, procedures, and policies related to the sampling, inspection, and/or testing of materials used in the construction and maintenance of highways.

Knowledge of the equipment and procedures used by materials producers.

Knowledge of basic engineering principles and practices as applied to the use and production of materials used in the construction and maintenance of highways.

Ability to read, understand, and apply complex design plans, shop drawings, codes, standards, specifications, and guidelines in order to plan, direct, and enforce testing and inspection procedures.

Ability to receive, record, and communicate data or observations accurately and legibly.

Ability to operate, maintain, and calibrate equipment used in the materials sampling and analysis process.

Ability to understand oral and written instructions and apply them to practical work situations.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations such as algebraic equations, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Ability to relate abstract ideas to actual needs and adopt an effective course of action in resolving technical problems relating to the adaptation of policies and/or procedures to new equipment or methods.

Ability to perform basic scientific tests to determine the physical properties of materials used in highway construction and maintenance projects.

Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Refrains from dishonest behavior.

Works and communicates with all clients and customers providing polite, quality professional service.

Displays a high level of initiative, effort, attention to detail and commitment by completing assignments efficiently with minimal supervision.

Follows policy, cooperates with supervisors and aligns behavior with the goals of the organization.

Fosters and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, group identity and team spirit throughout the organization.

Exchanges information with individuals or groups effectively by listening and responding appropriately.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Experience equal to five years of full-time work in the sampling, testing, and/or inspection of materials used in highway construction and maintenance projects;

an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting 30 semester hours of accredited post high school education in engineering, metallurgy, geology, or chemistry for each year of the required experience to a maximum substitution of two years;

employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes one year of full time work as a Materials Technician 3.

NOTE

Possession of a valid chauffeur’s license may be required at the time of appointment.

Certain positions in this classification require that the incumbent be available for extensive overnight travel throughout the state.

Effective Date: 04/10 DDF