GENERAL DEFINITION

This is administrative engineering management work, directing a city-wide materials testing and engineering program. The employee in this class directs and coordinates, through subordinate engineering supervisors, technical staff engaged in laboratory and field testing of a wide variety of materials to determine their chemical and physical properties and the inspection activities of vendor facilities, manufacturing processes and products for conformance to City and project specifications. The employee in this class is responsible for providing advice on the suitability of materials and products for engineering applications to design, construction, planning and operations engineers and project managers. Contact with department officials , industrial plant representatives, vendors, and others, appearing as expert witness in court regarding failure of materials to meet standards are significant aspects of the work. Work is performed under the general direction of the Water Laboratory Services Director.

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

1. This position must be responsible for directing laboratory and field testing of a wide variety of materials to determine their physical and chemical properties and certification of vendors to insure conformance to specifications.

2. This position must be located in the Water Department's Bureau of Laboratory Services.

3. Only one position will be allocated to this class.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

Plans, directs and coordinates, through subordinate engineering and technical supervisors, laboratory and field testing of a wide variety of materials, including such items as cement, concrete, asphaltic materials, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, paints, lubricants, liquid and solid fuels, soaps and detergents, paper products, textiles, agricultural and construction soils, valves and other mechanical products, structural steel, cast iron, ductile iron and steel pipes, plastic products and industrial chemicals to determine their physical and chemical properties.

Directs, through subordinate engineering and technical supervisors, the activities of field crews and laboratory personnel performing quality control evaluations of construction techniques, manufacturing and fabricating processes and non-destructive evaluation of structures erected for the City by outside contractors; oversees a program of predictive maintenance; evaluates infrastructure of plants to determine priorities and assess conditions.

Interprets complex specifications; formulates procedures for testing materials submitted without specifications; analyzes and evaluates test reports for final approval; prepares specifications for material and equipment to be used by operating departments; confers with representatives of government and industry regarding policies, procedures, programs, and the resolution of problem areas; recommends purchase of new equipment to improve testing techniques.

Submits test reports with recommendations for approval or disapproval of companies and their products as sources of supply; appears as an expert witness in court on failure of materials to meet standards; inspects testing equipment to assure the highest degree of accuracy is maintained.

Participates in the development of design standards for capital improvements; confers with operational, design and construction management personnel to ensure proper use of materials and specifications.

Directs development of policies, standards and manuals for compliance with established standards and implementation of materials evaluation programs; monitors work progress and develops strategies to meet departmental goals; prepares reports for department management and other agencies.

Represents the department at professional conferences and meetings; directs the preparation of the operating budget; determines the number and kind of personnel and equipment needed to complete testing functions; establishes work standards, procedures and policies; participates in planning for the development and expansion of major engineering projects.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

· modern engineering methods and techniques as applied to the engineering review of specifications for construction materials and other projects

· engineering theory, principles and practices as they relate to materials testing, applications and manufacture

· the construction materials standards and approved testing methodologies established by the American Society of Testing and Materials, American Concrete Institute, American Society of Quality Control, and other standards' organizations

· the principles and practices of budget and personnel administration pertaining to a water utility

· municipal procurement methods

· supervisory methods and techniques

SKILL IN:

· coordinating the activities of the material testing laboratories with intra- and extra-departmental agencies

· evaluating the effectiveness of programs in area of specialization

ABILITY TO:

· plan, organize and direct, through subordinate supervisors, a city-wide program of materials testing

· direct the development of standards for inspections of vendor facilities to assure the provision of quality products

· set standards to establish satisfactory levels of employee performance.

· evaluate and formulate test procedures

· interpret regulatory requirements and standards as they apply to design and construction engineering projects and programs

· apply administrative, planning and engineering knowledge to complex engineering and operational problems

· develop and enforce divisional policies affecting engineering operations

· express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing

· establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, vendors, manufacturers, and departmental officials

· apply engineering and administrative knowledge to resolve major engineering, design and construction problems.

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 9/22.)

EDUCATION:

Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in chemical, civil, metallurgical, mechanical, or materials engineering.

AND

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:

Four years of engineering experience in a water utility planning, design, construction, materials testing, or a water resources program function.

AND

SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:

Two years of experience as a Materials Testing Laboratory Supervisor

Two years of experience as a Design and Construction Project Manager.

Two years of experience as an Engineering Supervisor 2 of a water resources program in the Planning and Environmental Services Division.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources, which has included the completion of a bachelor's degree program in an acceptable area of engineering as an educational minimum.

Civil Services classes that typically meet the specific experience requirements:

· 3B57 Materials Testing Laboratory Supervisor (combined with education requirements)

· 3B79 Design and Construction Project Manager

· 3B82 Engineering Supervisor 2 (Civil, Mechanical, and Water Resources specialties)

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

Class Established 1/59

Spec. Revision:

CSC - 9/95

Ad. Board - 12/95

Spec. Revision

CSC – 9/14

Ad. Board –11/14

Latest Spec. Revision:

CSC – 7/22

Ad. Board – 9/22