STATE OF ALASKA

COMPETENCY SPECIFICATION

Occupational Group: LABOR, TRADES AND CRAFTS

CAREER AREA:

MATERIALS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN   9581

9581-59

9581-57

9581-56

9581-54

9581-53

9581-52

9581-51

Definition: Performs field or laboratory tests of construction and geological materials according to prescribed test procedures.  Laboratory work is done under controlled conditions and covers a greater variety of tests than is possible at an inspection site.

Levels:

Competencies are the required knowledge, skills, abilities and work behavior demonstrated and required for the on-going essential functions of the job.  Possession of competencies alone will not  automatically advance an incumbent; rather, the incumbent must utilize and demonstrate the competency in the on-going performance of assigned  duties.

Progression will be measured in part by level of testing proficiency as demonstrated by performance and level of  National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) certification.  Level of supervision varies with degree of competency as demonstrated within each  category.

SUB-JOURNEY: ENTRY/TRAINEE:  Worker is under close supervision and review. The work is designed to provide orientation, training and familiarization with the processes of the occupational field; reinforces and supplements previous experience and education; and allows the trainee to carry out progressively more difficult and responsible tasks.

9581-59  I      entry trainee under direct supervision

SUB-JOURNEY:  Worker provides assistance to others by performing the more routine, non-specialized  and repetitive tasks that do not require the more  specialized skills.  Basic tasks are performed independently and those of progressive difficulty are performed under direct supervision until proficiency is demonstrated.. The designation of  Sub-journey does not infer that the work must be always in the company of another and/or higher level employee.

9581-57  II    assists in field materials testing, in field or laboratory setting  and demonstrates on-going competency.

9581-56  III   performs a variety of standard tests on soils and aggregates and concrete,  and assists in servicing and repair of  laboratory equipment.  This level has limited responsibility, and the sole duty may be limited to certain testing procedures.

9581-54  IV  under general supervision,  performs standard and complex tests in two or more skill areas of testing soils/aggregates, concrete/cement, bituminous mix, bituminous materials and special product materials.  Performs a minor role in laboratory accreditation.

JOURNEY:   Worker is fully proficient.  Work is performed independently, using standard methods and techniques, and consists of assignments that are typical of the occupational field.  Journey workers can use a variety of interrelated skills to independently complete work that conforms to industry standards.  The work may require proof of competence, training or certification.

9581-53        under general direction, performs standard and complex tests in three or more skill areas of testing soils/aggregates, concrete/cement, bituminous mix, bituminous materials and special products; performs  bituminous and concrete design mixes. Performs a major role in laboratory accreditation.

SPECIALIST Work routinely requires the resolution of unusual, difficult or exceptional issues by developing or modifying approaches, methods or techniques.

9581-52      under general direction performs all journey level testing functions, and in      addition performs research or materials related projects requiring additional, advanced skills.

OR

LEAD:  Worker performs the work and leads a group of other workers as defined by the collective bargaining unit contract,  by directing and reviewing tasks.  Lead worker assigns work; sets schedules and priorities; determines methods; provides training and instruction; evaluates and approves competed tasks.

9581-52      serves as a working foreman of an accredited materials laboratory   over   three or more technicians.    

FOREMAN: Worker who acts as an intermediary between workers and management to organize, assign and directly supervise the work of a labor, trades and crafts occupational group.  The worker is accountable for the quality and quantity of the work accomplished.

9581-51     supervises the test functions of an accredited laboratory over seven or more technicians; performs and directs standard, non-standard and research testing; prepares test reports, and evaluates test procedures and specifications.       

              NOTE:  A laboratory shall have no more than one materials laboratory technician foreman level.  

Essential Core Competencies: “Common  or typical”  to the career area and required for  all levels as appropriate to the specific position. These are included in the position description and performance evaluation review process.

Materials Laboratory Technician

                                                      core          

Knowledge of:

• oral and written communication in order to communicate effectively with a variety of people
• mathematics to calculate, record and interpret  computations
• terminology, definitions in common use in the physical sciences

Ability to:

• learn personal and site safety practices and procedures encountered in the work
• learn basic unit weights and measures and metric units and conversion
• learn concepts of volume, ratio and proportion
• follow oral and written technical direction
• learn nomenclature and use of standard equipment  in basic material testing
• perform repetitive tasks to obtain consistent results
• work cooperatively with those encountered
• prepare accurate and legible notes, messages, reports or summaries
• measure  and weigh liquids and solids accurately
  • use standard calculators and office equipment
  • learn and apply principles, techniques and processes applicable to the job

Skill in:

• basic safety awareness and  protocols    and basic response to emergencies
• appropriate and efficient use of time and equipment
• appropriate selection of equipment, clothing,  and safety tools applicable to the task
  • working cooperatively as a team member in a variety of settings

NOTE: All  incumbents, all levels, will be expected to be proficient  in,  and perform any  duties of any lower level while preparing for higher level competencies.

SUB-JOURNEY level workers will be required to meet the following

TO:

• have the aptitude to develop, practice and use needed skills and work behaviors
• apply verbal and written instructions to individual and grouped tasks
• perform routine tasks with consistent results
  • recognize situations requiring additional supervision or instruction in order to request assistance
  • apply acquired skills, knowledge and abilities to new tasks
  • learn proper usage and care of tools and equipment of the trade or craft

Materials Laboratory Technician Sub-journey  9581 - XX

WG as determined by level of tested proficiency.

Knowledge of

• applicable procedures, standards and criteria of tests assigned
• applicable state and federal regulations and laboratory standard operating procedures
• algebra
• occupational hazards and safety practices
• basic equipment operation and maintenance

Ability to

• find,  interpret and follow detailed and technical instructions applicable to required tests
• follow test procedures and obtain and record reliable results
• measure accurately to the precision required
  • recognize questionable results and refer to higher level technician for resolution, assistance or remedy
  • inspect test equipment

Skill in

• increased proficiency and consistency in tests performed

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

 SUB JOURNEY 9581-59

Learns to prepare samples for designated test in the Soils/Aggregate skill areas.

Works in the dirt room under supervision and does gradations.

Learns laboratory procedures and trains in additional procedures.

SUB JOURNEY 9581-57

Prepares samples for testing under direct supervision, and performs designated tests in the Soils/Aggregate skill area.

Prepares samples for testing by others.

Trains in additional materials testing procedures.

SUB JOURNEY 9581 -56

Under general supervision, performs designated tests in the Soils/Aggregate and Concrete skill area.

Is accountable for recognizing questionable results and taking appropriate action.

Repairs standard material testing equipment.

SUB JOURNEY 9581-54

Under general supervision, performs designated tests in two or more of the highest sub-journey skill areas of  Soils/Aggregate, Foundation, Concrete/Cement, Bituminous Mix, Bituminous Materials and/or Special Products.

Inspects, calibrates and verifies standard test equipment.

JOURNEY level  workers will be required to meet the following

TO:

• have the required skills to handle difficult problems encountered
• have comprehensive knowledge of the subject or occupational area
• use judgment in determining actions
• exercise independence in determining actions
• plan and lay out work (i.e. determine how to do  one’s own work)
• make appropriate choice among alternatives
  • complete work with only limited instruction and/or little or no advice
  • proceed with work without having results or products generally  reviewed in progress

Materials Laboratory Technician Journey 9581-53

 in addition

Knowledge of

• construction practices to determine appropriate tests and sequence
• applicable specifications, test methods and procedures

Ability to

• assess laboratory or test needs and make recommendations on improvements

Skill in

• applying test procedures to a variety of construction materials in efficient and effective manner
• documenting  test results
• use of computer word processing, spreadsheets and databases for documentation of    results

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Under general direction, performs designated tests in

• three or more of the highest sub-journey level skill areas of Soils/Aggregate, Foundation, Concrete/Cement, Bituminous Mix, Bituminous Materials and/or Special Products.
• two or more of the journey level skill areas of Foundation, Concrete/Cement, and /or Bituminous Mix

Performs non-standard testing of all other construction materials.

Interprets and graphs tests.

Calibrates nuclear test equipment.

Demonstrates ability  to perform all procedures for laboratory accreditation.

Performs and trains others in lower field and laboratory workers.

ABOVE JOURNEY / ADVANCED level worker encompasses in addition the requirement

TO:

• complete unusually difficult work
• adapt and modify procedures, operations or processes required to complete the work
• work in absence of available or applicable guidelines
• consistently apply skills of a higher level of difficulty required

LEAD  worker will be  required

TO:

• assign, monitor, train and evaluate daily tasks
• make decisions and set and balance priorities
  • coordinate tasks of others and work efficiently
  • ensure adherence to work schedules, quality standards,  safety and security rules
  • give clear instructions
    • recommend appropriate solutions to difficult situations
    • motivate others

Materials Laboratory Specialist or Lead  9581 -52

in addition

Knowledge of

• plans and specifications for complex sampling and  special testing procedures
• geotechnical investigation and construction requirements and practices to determine test programs
• applied statistics
• administrative and technical report writing

 Ability to

• prepare detailed oral and written explanations of findings or reports
• plan, schedule and provide training sessions on laboratory processes and procedures
• interpret test results
  • explain and demonstrate complex test procedures

 Skill in

• accurate test measuring, documentation and verification
• the resolution of mix design problems and trouble shooting test problems
• computer database management

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Evaluates new test methods  Performs tests and writes result reports.

Performs research on, and makes recommendations for use of new products.

Develops, recommends new lab processes or procedures.

Calibrates, sets up, repairs and inventories test equipment.

FOREMAN  in addition will be  required

TO:

• apply knowledge of individual and team behavior to the workplace
• display knowledge of supervisory principals and methods in dealing with employees
• utilize knowledge of  best practices to  maximize staff potential
• plan and manage resources to meet quality and quantity goals
• coach, mentor and counsel staff to meet competencies
• formulate training plans
• create and maintain an atmosphere of teamwork
• manage staff and resolve conflicts
  • organize, set priorities, assign, evaluate and direct work of staff and/or contractors
  • prepare and maintain records, correspondence and reports
  • ensure safe work environment
    • display skill in problem solving

Materials Laboratory Technician Foreman:  9581 -51

in addition

Knowledge of

• construction project administration
• procurement and supply procedures
• national and state accreditation requirements
• effective training techniques

Skill in

• effective scheduling and operation of laboratory in time efficient manner
• maintaining cooperative work relations with project engineers, contractors, vendors and employees
• complex test procedures, mix designs and laboratory management

Ability to

• formulate training plans
• review laboratory work products and procedures and determine and correct deficiencies
• select technicians for appropriate level work and training opportunities
• prepare administrative and laboratory documentation
• coordinate inspection, calibration of equipment and certification requirements
• administer health and safety program
  • advise on or propose modifications to manuals

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Evaluates testing processes  of lower level research efforts and writes reports.

Selects appropriate tests for material samples.

Reviews and implements new test methods.

Assigns and reviews test accreditation process and submits  required documentation.

Monitors technician training progress and addresses competency issues.

Competencies and Certifications:

CORE:

 Alaska Drivers license

TECHNICAL:

 first aid/ CPR certificate

 May be required to pass designated examinations as competencies progress

 NRC nuclear densometer certification

Environmental  Conditions and Physical Requirements :

Exposure to

  dirt, dust and fumes

  hazardous materials and toxic chemicals

  heat, ovens

  heavy equipment and vehicular traffic

  high voltage electricity

  ionizing radiation

  heavy equipment and vehicular traffic

  noise

  ovens  up to 1000 degrees F. and heated materials

  sharp edges and instruments

Physical stamina to

  stand or walk for long periods

  lift 100 pounds regularly

Equipment:

[    ] OFFICE:

  hand radio

  PC computer using applicable software, e.g. Dbase, SuperCalc, Lotus 1,2,3,

       WordPerfect

  plotter

  printer

  scanner

  programmable hand calculator

  other

[    ] SAFETY:

  dust masks

  gloves

  hard hat

  hearing protectors

  safety glasses

  vests

  other

[   ]  VEHICLES:

  pick up truck

  other

[   ] HAND TOOLS

  masonry saw

  sledge hammer

  other

[   ] MATERIALS TESTING:

  aggregate splitters

  air meter

  asphalt gauge

  Atterberg limit apparatus

  Gilson and rototap  shakers

  Nuclear asphalt content gauge

  Proctor hammer

  propane and electric ovens

  slump cone

  Thermolyne furnace

  unit weight bucket

  weigh scales (electronic and mechanical)