PAY RANGE: 17
(Civil)
(Electrical)
(Mechanical)
(Materials Testing)
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is technical work, of limited scope and difficulty, performing tests and inspections of construction materials or the civil, electrical, or mechanical phases of public works projects to assure that work performed by contractors and manufacturers complies with contracts, plans and specifications and meets current standards for work quality. Interpreting construction, contract, and permit requirements, and informing contractors and superiors of non‑conformity to contractual agreements and construction and permit violations are significant aspects of the work. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical superior.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following condition must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)
1. The positions in this class must perform technical field tests and inspections, of limited scope and difficulty, of construction materials or the civil, electrical, or mechanical phases of public works projects.
2. The positions in this class must be responsible for ensuring contractors' or manufacturers' compliance with contractual, specification, or permit requirements.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
ALL SPECIALTIES
Inspects a variety of construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation and alteration projects in process, and upon completion, to insure compliance with approved plans, specifications and other contract requirements; ensures that contractors have the required permits to do the construction work; determines that safety measures are taken to protect the workers and the public; observes property conditions for existing defects prior to construction, and makes necessary notes; conducts site testing of construction materials; lays out lines and grades as required.
Attends job meetings with contractors, engineers, architects, and others before a project begins, and again at specified times during the project, to work out solutions to problems and interpret contract requirements; discusses and makes recommendations with regard to scheduling and procedural matters; interprets plans and specifications, and describes special features or requirements to the contractor.
Informs contractors and superiors when requirements are not being met; advises supervisor of violations of federal, state, and local laws and regulations concerning procedures, safety practices and working conditions; confers with supervisor where violations were found to see that corrective action has been taken.
Keeps records on assigned projects; submits reports indicating the progress of such projects, including detailed comprehensive reports where advisable; records quantities of materials received or used during specified periods; maintains daily log of construction and inspection activities and prepares progress reports; keeps quantities for monthly estimates of work completed; prepares sketches of construction installations that deviate from blueprints, and reports such changes to supervisor.
Performs related work as required.
Inspects brick work, carpentry, plumbing, roofing, paving, grading, concrete work, wall and column footings, foundation walls, floors, excavations and other specialized phases of construction projects for adherence to plans and specifications; may check plumbing, heating and ventilating equipment for proper installation; checks forms and reinforcing steel before pouring of concrete; checks grades of trenches to assure proper fall.
ELECTRICAL SPECIALTY
Inspects and tests the installation and correction of a variety of wiring cables, switch gears, transformers, metering devices, circuits, panels, relays, reactors, oil circuit breakers, insulators, switch activating equipment, lighting receptacles, fan motors, and power substations; inspects conduits, duct banks, mounting and clearance for electrical components and brick work, concrete work, carpentry, grading, and structures which serve to support or protect electrical components; inspects grading and compaction of materials supporting electrical equipment or systems.
MECHANICAL SPECIALTY
Inspects and tests component parts of mechanical equipment such as high pressure water pumps and motors; inspects and tests a variety of valves, such as check and butterfly, and automatic and manual gates, water main valve chamber and appurtenances, sludge pumps and collectors, conveyer systems, fans, incinerators, grit and screen ejectors, compressors, conveyor equipment, high speed overhead electric cranes, pneumatic and electronic controls. Inspects and tests plumbing, HVAC and refrigeration systems.
MATERIALS TESTING SPECIALTY
Performs laboratory and field tests on materials and inspections of manufacturing, fabricating and quality control processes at manufacturing plants; receives instruction in the operation of specialized testing instruments; calibrates instruments; records results and resultant measurements for tests; performs mathematical calculations to convert test results into standard figures; prepares reports on test specimens including physical descriptions, test results and recommendations concerning the acceptability of materials.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
· the principles and practices used in testing and inspecting materials used in public works projects for conformance to plans, specifications and contract requirements, in the area of specialization
· the materials, methods, equipment and practices used in the manufacture, construction and alteration of public works structures and installations in the area of specialization
· the physical characteristics and approved testing methods of construction materials in the area of specialization
· mathematics necessary to calculate dimensions, and/or strength and variations of electrical current, as it applies to the area of specialization
· contractual practices relative to scheduling, and the preparation of contracts, building and material specifications
· inspectional methods and techniques as utilized in the area of specialization
· hazards and safety precautions at construction sites, manufacturing plants and/or in the laboratory
SKILL IN:
· the use and care of tools and equipment
ABILITY TO:
· read and interpret plans, diagrams, blueprints, maps, and specifications in the area of specialization
· recognize deviations, improper or faulty construction and other hazardous conditions created during the construction or alteration process in the area of specialization
· recommend corrective action regarding violations in the area of specialization
· determine conformity to quality standards, workmanship methods, material quantities and other requirements when deviations from the contract are utilized
· enforce compliance with contract specifications, regulations and standards firmly and tactfully
· learn and interpret the appropriate regulations and ordinances governing the construction of public works, structures, fixtures, and installations
· express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing
· establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, contractors, and others
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 9/19.)
CIVIL AND MATERIALS TESTING SPECIALTIES:
EDUCATION:
Completion of two years of study at an accredited college or university with major course work in building construction technology, engineering technology, civil, mechanical, metallurgical or materials engineering, or architectural design.
OR
Completion of a vocational program at an accredited technical institute with major course work in building construction technology or engineering technology.
ELECTRICAL SPECIALTY:
EDUCATION:
Completion of two years of study at an accredited college or university with major course work in electrical engineering; or completion of a vocational program at an accredited technical institute with major course work in electrical engineering technology.
MECHANICAL SPECIALTY:
EDUCATION:
Completion of two years of study at an accredited college or university with major course work in mechanical engineering or completion of a vocational program at an accredited technical institute with major course work in mechanical engineering technology.
CIVIL AND MATERIALS TESTING SPECIALTIES ONLY:
EDUCATION:
Possession of the Construction Management Certificate issued by the City of Philadelphia demonstrating successful completion of the Street’s Department 10-course Construction Management Certificate Program.
AND
EXPERIENCE:
CIVIL SPECIALTY ONLY:
EDUCATION:
Equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.
AND
EXPERIENCE:
Two years of technical experience in:
OR
Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to, and during tenure of employment as a Construction Projects Technician 1 if required by the work assignment.
CSC - 9/08; Ad. Board - 10/08
CSC – 10/15; Ad. Board – 10/15
CSC – 12/16; Ad. Board – 1/17
Spec. Revision:
CSC – 2/19; Ad. Board – 3/19
Latest Spec. Revision:
CSC – 8/19; Ad. Board – 9/19
JH