City and County of San Francisco

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Collects samples of soils and construction materials in the field to measure physical characteristics; may be required to collect and test environmental media and measure environmental characteristics.

2. Performs a variety of tests on construction materials including soils, reinforcing steel, sand, aggregates, concrete, asphalt and other mixes, cement-treated bases, and other materials, using sophisticated materials-testing equipment.

3. Operates nuclear and electronic instruments to determine relative compaction of soils; calibrates and adjusts instruments to compensate for changing conditions.

4. Inspects facilities where materials are used and stored to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

5. Inspects the operations of asphalt and concrete batch plants; checks equipment, weights, temperatures and materials for compliance with specifications; tests and calculates aggregate gradings for field mix design.

6. Records and reports test results after performing mathematical calculations, making graphical solutions and graphical representations.

7. Communicates orally and in writing with supervisor and staff members, City and outside agency representatives, contractors, business and property owners, or the general public.

8. Uses a personal computer to write memos, complex operational and inspection reports, and letters; to communicate with others via e-mail (Microsoft Outlook); and to perform computer file management when storing and retrieving information related to documentation of inspections, sampling and testing activities and results.

9. Uses appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), which may include wearing a respirator, and follows appropriate health and safety practices.

10. Maintains a valid driver license and drives a motor vehicle in the course of collecting samples, performing field tests and conducting inspections.

11. Uses a two-way radio, cell phone or pager to communicate with supervisors and other staff.

12. May use field air monitoring equipment to test atmosphere or other conditions at construction and maintenance sites; may calibrate and adjust equipment in the field and interpret results.

13. May make screening level evaluations of disposal requirements for common construction and environmental materials.

14. Handles 55-gallon drums to collect samples; lifts 90-pound bags of cement with assistance; lifts 5-gallon buckets of soil samples; uses wheelbarrow, coring machine and other materials or equipment to collect samples or conduct tests.

15. Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of: technical methods and procedures used to collect and test a variety of construction materials in the field or laboratory; mathematical procedures related to the accurate performance and interpretation of a variety of calculations in the field or laboratory; and safety procedures and occupational hazards as they relate to injury prevention and safety.

Ability to: act as a lead worker and organize, prioritize, direct, and monitor the work of testing aides; promote, establish, and maintain effective working relationships; write and speak in a manner that is easily understood, and listen to or read and understand what is said or written; operate a motor vehicle and maintain a driver license free of restrictions that would interfere with employment; use a personal computer; operate a two-way radio, cell phone and pager; see well enough to read instruments in the course of performing inspections and laboratory testing; and to stand or walk for prolonged periods, to walk on hilly or uneven ground, bend the knees and back, climb up and down stairs and ladders to the second story, and lift objects weighing up to 70 lbs; may be required to wear a respirator.