County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

This series specification describes three levels of Materials Testing Technician. Incumbents receive close supervision at the lower level and work under general direction at the upper levels performing field and laboratory testing of construction materials; reading and interpreting plans and specifications relating to quality control and guarantees from developers and contractors; sampling water and inspecting the destruction of wells; acting in support of inspectors in the other options of Public Works and Facilities Inspection; and performing other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Materials Testing Technician I is the trainee level classification for the series. Incumbents work under close supervision and as experience is gained incumbents will be expected to perform duties with greater independence, and with satisfactory performance and, where required, the appropriate certification will be expected to promote to the journey level of Materials Testing Technician II.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Takes field samples of construction materials; conducts required test such as:

a. Sample Preparation
b. Sieve Analysis – coarse and fine
c. Crushed Particles
d. Specific Gravity
e. Los Angeles Rattler
f. Loose Weight of Aggregate and Unit Aggregate
g. Relative Compaction (lab density)
h. Sand Equivalent
i. Specific Gravity – Saturating Surface Dry
j. Over Dried Moisture
k. Cleanliness Value
l. Utilizing Nuclear Gauges
m. Portland Cement Concrete Unit Strength
n. Compressive Strength of Concrete Cylinders
o. Kelly Ball
p. Sampling Fresh Concrete
q. Fabrication of Concrete Cylinders
r. Slump Test
s. Air Content of Mixed Concrete by Volumetric Method
t. Temperature of Freshly Mixed Concrete
u. Air Content by the Pressure Method
v. Film Stripping of Bituminous Mixture
w. Approximate Bituminous Ratio

2. Compares the finished product against predetermined specifications for possible usage.

3. Performs a variety of field and laboratory testing on construction materials such as paint, steel and concrete pipe.

4. Maintain laboratory files, records and supplies.

5. Assists in maintaining laboratory equipment for good working order and yearly calibrations.

6. Gather engineering information and data for projects and programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of eighteen months full time experience in the materials testing laboratory in the class of Engineering Aide in the Alameda County service.

OR II

Possession of an Associate Arts Degree in Civil Engineering Technology or a closely related field.

OR III

The equivalent of two years full time experience in the field of Materials Testing.

License and Certification:

· Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

· Possession of a valid Grade I – Field Technician certificate from the American Concrete Institute.

· Possession of a valid Nuclear Gauge Certificate is desirable . (However, candidates are usually required to complete an approved training course after employment, in order to obtain the Nuclear Gauge Certificate as mandated by the licensing authority in conjunction with the State of California).

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

· Standards methods and equipment used in making physical tests of construction materials
· Laboratory safety procedures.
· State of California codes, rules and regulations relating to materials testing.
· Basic design and construction methods.
· Raw materials and their proper usage in construction.
· Engineering mathematics.


Ability to:

· Perform a variety of tests both in the field and laboratory.
· Examine and analyze materials test results.
· Follow written and oral instructions.
· Maintain effective working relationships.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

PR:lfm/3/12/82
TAT:pb/Revised 1/25/89
TAT:pb/Revised 7/31/90
BS:jc/Revised 3/27/91
DF:lm/Revised 2/29/96
DF:jc/Revised 3/17/97
DF:cla/Revised 4/30/97
TT:jc
6/4/99
Old Document/Cadssec: 0333h
New Jobspec: 2181

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.