County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under direction, to supervise the operation and staff of the Materials Testing Laboratory providing field and laboratory testing of construction materials and soils for the various departments of the Public Works Agency; and performing other related duties.


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This class is distinguished from the next lower one of Materials Testing Technician II in that the latter performs field and laboratory testing of construction materials and acts as a lead worker in the absence of the Supervising, while the former is the first-line supervisor having overall responsibility for the operation of and provision of services from the Materials Testing Laboratory.

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. Supervises, orients, trains, counsels the staff of the Material Testing Laboratory and assists in hiring and disciplinary decisions; schedules staff and makes work assignments coordinating inter-department testing requirements; monitors and evaluates staff and quality of work performed; writes employee performance evaluations.

2. Compiles and prepares the laboratory budget request; determines material and staffing needs; maintains the inventory of supplies and equipment necessary to the functioning of the lab; disseminates technical information and departmental policies and procedures to staff; recommends changes to policies and testing procedures ensuring that the material testing conforms to State and other requirements; schedules pick up of samples for testing in the lab.

3. Performs independently or supervises the performance of a variety of soil, field and laboratory tests on such construction materials such as plant, steel and concrete pipe ensuring the proper evaluation of materials, tests and preparation of reports for construction, design and research projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, parks, sewers, drains and other related public works projects; provides materials quality control on a variety of public works projects; maintains laboratory equipment; ensures that all required lab tests meet ASTM (American Society of Testing Methods) and CALTRANS standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of two years of experience in the class of Materials Testing Technician II in the Alameda County classified services. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II

Education:

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

AND
Experience:

The equivalent of three years’ full-time increasingly responsible and varied materials testing experience.

Or III

The equivalent of four years’ full-time increasingly responsible and varied materials testing experience (possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, or closely related field, with emphasis in soil mechanics and laboratory testing may be substituted for two years of the required materials testing experience).

License and Certification

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

Possession of a valid Nuclear Gauge Certificate is desirable. (However, candidates for Materials Testing positions 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:

• Principles and methods of supervision.
• Standard methods and equipment used in making physical tests of construction materials.
• Laboratory safety procedures.
• State of California codes, rules and regulations related to materials testing.
• Engineering mathematics.
• Maintenance procedures for testing equipment.

Abilities:

• Management control.
• Examine and analyze materials test results.
• Coordinate inter-departmental test requirements.
• Technical report writing involving the analysis of material
tested.
• Read detailed engineering plans and specifications.
• Decision making.
• Planning and organization.
• Analysis and problem solving.
• Oral communication.
• Budget analysis.
• Leadership.
• Interpersonal sensitivity.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

TAT:pb
6/27/86
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CSC Date: 10/22/1986

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)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• 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
• Management Paid Leave**
• 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.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.