Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To conduct standard and highly specialized tests on a variety of engineering materials and related products (e.g. asphalt and bituminous materials, concrete, soils, aggregates, pavement markings, metals, geotextiles) used in the construction and maintenance of provincial highways, for purposes including design, dispute resolution, quality assurance, product evaluation/approval, and investigation/research. To assist Senior Materials Technicians in development and evaluation of new analytical systems, test methods and equipment. To provide technical assistance and training to junior staff.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1) Performing tests, in the laboratory and on occasion at field sites, using specified testing methodology, recording data and calculating test results, reporting results and relating this information to other team members in a timely fashion.

2) Performing sampling of materials and preparation of test specimens according to standard or other specified procedures, as required for testing.

3) Maintaining current knowledge of standard testing methods (e.g. MTO Laboratory Testing Manual, AASHTO, ASTM) relevant to the materials being tested, and of internal laboratory protocols. Discuss requirements of non standard testing procedures with senior staff to ensure understanding of test or project requirements and test methodology.

4) Providing technical training and assistance to junior technical staff and reviewing test data generated by them for accuracy and completeness.

5) Organizing own work, setting up testing schedules and arranging for required materials and equipment to meet schedule requirements.

6) Calibrating high-precision testing equipment (e.g. rheometer, gyratory compactor) and other laboratory equipment (e.g. scales, ovens) to ensure accuracy of measurements. Calibrating test procedures through use of reference/control materials.

7) Assisting senior technical staff of the Section in: the evaluation, development and implementation of new analytical systems, test methods, and test equipment; development of detailed test procedures and protocols; planning and carrying out correlation and proficiency sample testing programs (e.g. asphalt mix extraction and volumetric properties); performing the testing component of research and development projects; ensuring requirements of accreditation and certification programmes are met; carrying out inspections of private sector laboratories; providing technical training to ministry staff and to external parties.

8) Delivering and picking up test samples or other materials, receiving and processing testing samples, shipping test samples or other materials, and handling all materials including hazardous materials according to applicable safety guidelines.

Staffing and Licensing :

Certification as an Asphalt Technician by Canadian Council of Independent Laboratories (CCIL) must be obtained within 9 months of employment.

Possession of the following, while not required, is an asset: valid Class G drivers' license; equipment operators' permit for the operation of a forklift; certificate in first aid or CPR or both.

Knowledge :

Position requires knowledge of established testing procedures (e.g. MTO Laboratory Testing manual, AASHTO, ASTM) and laboratory protocols, and of the scientific principles and practices applicable to test protocols, procedures, methods and analytical system, in order to set up and operate equipment and conduct testing on engineering materials and related products, to produce accurate and valid test results (e.g. to ensure that engineering materials and related products used in MTO construction contracts have met established criteria such as specification requirements).

Job requires knowledge of engineering materials and their use in highway construction, and basic understanding of construction technology and design methodologies, in order to understand the implications of test results on material performance in highway applications.

Job requires knowledge of the operation, capabilities and limitations of automated and manual testing equipment for the materials under test, to troubleshoot procedures and equipment and to operate and maintain it safely, to avoid injury and damage to equipment.

Job requires knowledge of laboratory quality control systems and procedures.

Job requires computer competency and fundamental knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software applications, to input and retrieve data, summarize and evaluate test results.

Job requires knowledge of testing procedures and standard practices to analyse critical test results, identify deviations and recommend remedial actions, to avoid improper testing that could result in inappropriate use and acceptance of materials for construction, added expenses, possible repair costs and embarrassment to the office and ministry.

Job requires knowledge of laboratory health and safety practices and guidelines, including WHMIS, SDS , and TDG, to perform duties safely in the laboratory and field.

Skills :

Job requires technical skills to carry out test procedures accurately and consistently (e.g. standard tests on asphalt mix and cores) and assist in the development of new test procedures.

Job requires analytical skills to interpret test results.

Job requires problem solving skills to determine appropriate use of equipment and application of scientific methods.

Job requires diagnostic and evaluation skills to assess impact of results when comparing expected versus actual outcomes (e.g. failure of QA samples); response may require resampling, retesting, calculation verification.

Job requires manual dexterity and visual acuity to carry out test procedures and operate test equipment

Job requires ability to establish own work schedule and set priorities to complete a variety of tasks within deadlines; to organize work, testing procedures, and availability of required materials and equipment, in order to meet requirements.

Job requires written communication skills to record test results accurately and present test results and related information in understandable technical and descriptive formats e.g. test reports, graphs.

Job requires oral communication skills to communicate with team members, to explain and interpret test results, to instruct and guide junior staff, and to respond to queries from internal head office or regional staff and, in consultation with Senior Materials Technicians and Laboratory Operations Supervisor or senior technical staff of the Section, from outside agencies, and to make presentations to small groups or obtain information, (e.g. obtain prices and place orders).

Job requires interpersonal skills to work as part of a team with technical and professional staff, and to understand the sensitivity and broader implications of test information (e.g. impact of test results on payment and contract operations) Job requires ability to work with minimal supervision.

Freedom of Action :

Job requires working within established laboratory procedures, standards and techniques, and ministry policies and procedures. Job requires making decisions by applying scientific and technical principles to the interpretation of test results, and in the selection of alternatives to standard testing procedures e.g. retesting using same/different method. Job requires dealing with problems and issues (e.g. crucial equipment failures, difficult test conditions, conflicting priorities, hazardous material samples) in consultation with Senior Materials Technicians and Laboratory Operations Supervisor or senior technical staff of the Section, and selecting courses of action from established alternatives. Job receives technical assistance from Senior Materials Technicians, Laboratory Operations Supervisor or senior technical staff of the Section, and other staff, on unusual test results or deviations from expected results. Job requires discussing deviations from standards or written procedures, and any resulting problems, with supervisor or senior staff. Work may be reviewed by Laboratory Operations Supervisor and senior staff for accuracy of results. Job requires consultation with Laboratory Operations Supervisor or Section Head prior to dealing with external agencies and private firms. Job requires decision making in the absence of senior laboratory personnel.