Class Code: 04353

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –

HUMAN RESOURCES ENTERPRISE

MATERIALS TECHNICIAN 5

DEFINITION

Under general direction, performs limited administrative, and advanced highly technical work in the planning, organizing, and coordinating of a materials inspection and/or materials testing program related to 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.

Assists a materials engineer in coordinating and directing materials inspection and testing within multiple sections of specialized areas in the central materials laboratory transportation center or a satellite office.

Reviews and interprets reports and specifications related to materials testing and inspection activities; recommends changes in reporting requirements, specification revisions, testing methods, and/or procedures and equipment.

Reviews and evaluates materials inspection reports and test results for accuracy and credibility; advises staff on methods for improved effectiveness of reporting requirements and record keeping procedures.

Reviews equipment and vehicle maintenance, usage and needs; makes recommendations to the Transportation Center Materials Engineer.

Plans, directs, and participates in training seminars and short courses in a specialized materials area.

Plans, directs, and schedules the work of lower level technicians in specialized pavement and bridge testing operation.

Conducts field reviews of production or fabrication plants, quarries, project job sites, or the Transportation Center offices in order to correlate field inspection techniques or procedures, resolve technical problems, insure specification compliance, and make recommendations to supervisors, inspectors, and/or design engineers.

Participates in various quality control programs conducted by the National Institute for Standards Technology; reviews and recommends the use of American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) specifications and/or American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications.

Calibrates testing machines and equipment; maintains records; inventories testing supplies and repair parts; makes recommendations regarding equipment upgrades or replacements to improve efficiency or create a safer work environment.

Reviews and evaluates materials inspection reports and test results for accuracy and credibility; advises staff on methods for improved effectiveness of reporting requirements and record keeping procedures.

Advises technical and engineering staff in the testing and use of materials within a specialized area such as welding and metals fabrication procedures, electronics and instrumentation, bituminous mix design, nuclear testing, and/or the coordination of Transportation Center laboratories, materials inspection, and testing.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Knowledge of principles and practices of materials inspection and testing in order to perform specialty technical training for materials personnel.

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 techniques, methods, procedures, and policies involved in the sampling, testing, and inspection of materials used in the construction and maintenance of highways.

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 principles of physical science.

Knowledge of the equipment and procedures used by materials producers and manufacturers and by fabricators of structural elements.

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 plan, train, and coordinate the activities of lower level technicians.

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

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

Ability to read and effectively communicate in English.

Ability to read and understand engineering plans and specifications.

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 operate and evaluate various types of sampling, testing, and inspection equipment used in the materials analysis process.

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.

Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Exhibits honesty and integrity. Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or unethical behavior.

Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner. Committed to quality service.

Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Works with minimal supervision. Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.

Responds appropriately to supervision. Makes an effort to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors.

Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the organization.

Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit.

Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. Listens to others and responds appropriately.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The equivalent of seven years of full time experience in the sampling, testing, or inspection of materials used in highway construction and maintenance projects;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year (30 semester hours or equivalent) of college, university, or technical school course work with an emphasis in engineering, metallurgy, geology, or chemistry for each year of the required experience;

OR

employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes the equivalent of eighteen months of full time experience as a Materials Technician 4 or Materials Fabrication Inspector 2 or the equivalent of thirty months of full time experience as a Materials Technician 3.

Effective Date: 6/94 DK