State of Connecticut Executive Branch

In the Department of Transportation, Division of Materials Testing this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of field and/or laboratory tasks in the physical and chemical testing of construction, maintenance, and other materials.

Works under the general supervision of a Transportation Materials Technician 3 or other employee of higher grade.

May lead lower level employees as assigned.

• Reviews requests for and performs more advanced chemical and/or physical tests and analyses of the following materials: paints, asphalts, petroleum, concrete, and plastic products, expansion joints, cable fittings, rope, fuel oil, grease, varnish, bituminous mixtures, guide rail posts, sand, stone, steel, cement, seeds, soils, fertilizers, and herbicides; 
• Inspects the manufacturing procedures, equipment, and final products of such sources of supply as quarries, steel fabrication plants, concrete pipe plants, and bituminous and prestressed concrete plants; 
• Calibrates and maintains testing machines and laboratory apparatus and equipment; 
• Standardizes solutions and reagents; 
• Determines whether materials conform with state, federal, and project specifications; 
• Reviews shop drawings; 
• Performs calculations and maintains records of observations and test results; 
• Assists in researching new materials or modifications of old materials; 
• Discusses problems, changes, and new procedures with producers; 
• Prepares reports and graphs of completed tests; 
• Performs related duties as required.

• Knowledge of
  • the principles and practices of physical and/or chemical testing of construction materials; 
  • research methods; 
  • manufacturing procedures and properties of construction materials and their uses; 
  • standard laboratory equipment and techniques; 
• Skills
  • interpersonal skills; 
  • oral and written communication skills; 
• Ability to
  • perform materials tests; 
  • calibrate and maintain testing equipment; 
  • standardize reagents; 
  • utilize computer software; 
  • perform mathematical calculations.

Four (4) years of experience in chemical and/or physical testing, analysis, or inspection of construction or maintenance materials including independent performance of tests such as extraction gradation, slump and air content for cement and concrete cylinder tests.

• College training in natural sciences, construction technology, civil engineering or other related fields may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of two (2) years for an Associate's degree.
• For state employees one (1) year of experience in materials testing at the level of a Transportation Technician may be substituted for the General Experience.

• Incumbents in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties.
• A physical examination may be required.

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to some risk of injury due to toxic fumes, dust, or heavy machinery or equipment; may occasionally be required to lift heavy objects; may be exposed to environmental conditions such as noise and heavy traffic.

Classified/Competitive

(11)-Engineering

(15)-ENG, SCIEN, TECH P-4

(2)-Professional