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:
Ability to:
Skill in:
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:
Materials Laboratory Technician Sub-journey 9581 - XX
WG as determined by level of tested proficiency.
Knowledge of
Ability to
Skill in
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:
Materials Laboratory Technician Journey 9581-53
in addition
Knowledge of
Ability to
Skill in
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Under general direction, performs designated tests in
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:
LEAD worker will be required
TO:
Materials Laboratory Specialist or Lead 9581 -52
in addition
Knowledge of
Ability to
Skill in
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:
Materials Laboratory Technician Foreman: 9581 -51
in addition
Knowledge of
Skill in
Ability to
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)