3A30

PAY RANGE: 7

ENGINEERING AIDE AND SCIENCE TECHNICIAN TRAINEE

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is engineering and science technician work at the trainee level.  Employees in this class learn to perform a variety of assignments in support of various engineering, surveying and scientific tasks and projects.  Employees develop knowledge, skills and abilities required to promote to full performance level Engineering Aide, Science Technician, and Water Treatment Plant Operator classes.  Employees perform basic tasks in their area of assignment under the guidance of a higher-level technician, surveyor or engineer. Employees in the Streets Department participate in a training program to assist in highway construction inspection activities or to support civil engineering projects involving transportation facilities and traffic control devices.  Work assignments expand in complexity as the employee's training progresses.  Work is performed under the close supervision of an engineering, scientific or technical superior.

ALLOCATING FACTORS (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.):

1. Employees must learn appropriate methodologies for their assignment.
2. Employees must perform basic tasks in the area of assignment under the guidance of a higher-level technician or engineer.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

Participates in an training program that may include but is not limited to:

· Regular evaluation of progress and review of progress with technical supervisors

• The use of computer software to document, track and evaluate water quality or operations, traffic, or surveying.
• The use of tools and equipment used in the area of assignment
• Performing basic calculations; preparation of written reports on projects, tests results, and basic interpretation for engineers and scientists; distribution of reports to city, state and federal agencies.
• Performs related work as required

Learns to perform a variety of basic tasks in support of the following functional assignments:

Architectural and Drafting Assignment

Learns to:

• Prepare preliminary sketches, designs, plans, schematics and specifications;
• Review and understand field survey books and sketches
• Review manufacturers' parts and equipment manuals, industry handbooks and other literature applicable to engineering and support assignments.
• Interpret dimensions, locations and sketches of architectural structures, water mains, sewers, highways and bridges

Operations Assignment

Learns to:

• Maintain a written log of field observations and write reports of relevant findings, including the results of samples.
• Inspect a variety of construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation and alteration projects in process, and upon completion, to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications and other contract requirements;
• Review sketches, plans and specifications for driveways, underground utility construction, street occupancy and street closures
• Review and issue street opening permits
• Provide PA One Call utility notifications

Surveying Assignment

Learns to:

• Determine exact field measurements in marking and staking the project area for a variety of surveys assignments;
• Locate, mark and stake survey areas;
• Use survey tools and equipment, including the transit, in taking exact measurements and notes, and in making sketches;
• Take accurate notes at field sites concerning line location and topography on preliminary surveys, contour profiles, slopes and grades on construction surveys, and related information for use in design and construction work;
• Prepare sketches, plans and drawings from field notes and make necessary calculations for revised lines, grades and arcs;
• Perform calculations and drafting of survey data as required.

Traffic Assignment

Learns to:

• Identify existing traffic regulatory and control signs, signals and markings for malfunctions, need, damage, inaccuracy, etc.
• Draw area sketches showing physical features and tape measurements
• Investigate complaints related to traffic conditions

Highway Construction Assignment

Learns to:

· Assist in the inspection of construction work of City streets, sidewalks, curbs, gutter, and driveways.

· Observe road paving materials being laid, finished and compacted to insure proper quantity and quality, and adequate workmanship.

· Assist in making inspections to see if previous errors have been corrected and to reject unsatisfactory materials.

· Make recommendations to supervisor as to whether lines and grades of paving operations conform with plans and specifications.

· Take notes, document and sketch conditions, and complete necessary reports.

Laboratory/ Science Technician Assignment

Attends training to learn about aspects of engineering technology, science technology, laboratory processes, or water/wastewater treatment processes.

Learns to:

· Read and follow standard operating procedures

· Collect, preserve, and analyze water samples in the field; document sample collection and provide communications following written procedures

· Retrieve and analyze samples in the laboratory, following all quality assurance protocols

· Perform general calculations related to water quality

· Simple routine maintenance, adjustments, and inspection of equipment used to monitor and evaluate water quality

· Complete written and electronic documentation of laboratory activities such as sample pick-up, analysis, Quality Control, log books and records;

· Document and communicate results to higher-level technical staff

Treatment Plant Operations Assignment

Learns to:

· Monitor and adjust water treatment processes and emergency response systems to maintain a safe and efficient water treatment operation

· Monitor treatment plant processing equipment and systems to identify malfunctions and their probable cause following prescribed procedures

· Operate semi-automatic or manual control when the computer control system is not properly controlling the treatment process

· Calculate the amount of chemical to be added for the amount of water, wastewater, or sludge to be treated

· Take periodic samples of treated residuals, biosolids processing products and byproducts, clean water or wastewater for laboratory analysis

· Perform routine mechanical maintenance such as packing valves, adjusting belts, and replacing shear pins and air filters

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF: 

• Basic, high school level algebra, geometry, arithmetic
• High school level chemistry if required by assignment
• Basic computer word processing and spreadsheet software

ABILITY TO:

· Learn how to read and interpret technical plans, layouts, charts, diagrams, schematics, maps, estimates, specifications and field and tests reports

· Learn how to read and following standard operating procedures, safety protocols, and laboratory policies

· Learn how to prepare and interpret reports showing test results and analyses

· Learn to use computer software

· Learn the use of instruments, tools, materials and equipment used in the various assignments

· Communicate effectively with associates, both orally and in writing

· Understand and follow oral and written instructions

· Perform tasks requiring mechanical aptitude

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 10/23.)

EDUCATION

Education equivalent to completion of twelfth school grade.

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 appointment and during tenure of employment if required by work assignment.

Class Established: CSC - 2/08; Ad. Board - 3/08

Spec. Revision: CSC – 12/16; Ad. Board – 1/17

Spec. Revision:

CSC – 5/17

Ad. Board – 6/17

Spec. Revision:

CSC – 1/19

Ad. Board – 2/19

Spec. Revision:

CSC – 4/22

Ad. Board – 5/22

Latest Spec. Revision:

CSC – 9/23

Ad. Board – 10/23

JL