Construction Materials Inspector

Class Specification

Definition

Under general supervision tests soils and highway construction materials in the field and laboratory to insure compliance with City CalTrans and industry norms specifications and safety standards; performs related duties as required.

Class Characteristics

This is a technical classification describing work performed in the Construction Unit of the Development and Environmental Services Department. Assignments time lines and objectives are established but the employee has flexibility in the selection of steps and timing of work. Review is occasional during progress or upon completion with the incumbent responsible for suggesting alternative solutions.

Takes field and quarry samples of base sub base and quarry mix materials.
Assists inspectors of construction projects with field measurements and sampling.
Determines test sites.
Sketches location of tests sample sites.
Determines and conducts appropriate tests of material samples such as nuclear density test to determine relative compaction of soils and aggregates; sand equivalent test; sieve analysis; oven moisture; cement sampling; Kelly-Ball cement testing; and slump cone.
Performs mathematical calculations related to testing.
Prepares technical reports on test results.
Collects and distributes reports to construction inspectors.
Coordinates with State Highway Testing Certification Inspectors in taking and conducting joint sampling and testing of materials to assure continued adherence to State Materials Testing Standards.
Performs routine cleaning maintenance and servicing of assigned equipment.
Prepares budget recommendations for related materials and supplies.
Files and maintains lab records.
Prepares routine correspondence and reports.
Serves as the Citys Radiation Safety Officer.
Researches locations and mark City facilities in the field for Underground Service Alert reports.
May be required to assist Survey crew with rod and chain survey instrument work.

Marginal Functions

Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: Types and grades of commonly used construction materials; techniques of gathering materials from the field for testing; principles practices and techniques of laboratory testing; symbols used in design drawings; appropriate test results; mathematics through algebra and trigonometry; principles of physics; first year college level chemistry; high school level mechanical drafting.

Skill in: Operating an automobile on city streets and construction sites; to use laboratory testing equipment such as a Nuclear Moisture Density Gauge sieves and CalTrans Impact Tube.

Ability to: Obtain samples of construction materials; determine and conduct appropriate tests; learn characteristics and provenance of local soils and gravels; make accurate computations; read blueprints; gather data and prepare accurate reports; keep accurate records; learn and apply standard practices and procedures; follow oral and written instructions; establish and maintain cooperative working relations with individuals from a variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds; learn and apply new/changed standards policies and procedures; learn rod and chain and surveying work; comply with common safety procedures; communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Incumbents must possess the physical and mental capacity to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position.

Education/Experience

Any combination of education and/or experience which has provided the knowledge skills and abilities necessary to satisfactory job performance would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge skills and abilities would be: Graduation from high school and college course work in chemistry or two years experience assisting in construction related soils and materials testing.

Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements

Possession of a valid Class C California Drivers License. Possession of or ability to obtain by completion of probation a CalTrans Certificate of Proficiency for an Acceptance Inspector and completion of the Basic Training Course on Radiation Safety and use of Nuclear Soil Gauges. Failure to maintain the requisite certificates shall result in discipline up to and including termination.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Rare < 10% Occasional 11-33% Frequent 34-66% Constant >66%

Sitting: Occasional
Walking: Occasional
Standing: Frequent
Bending (neck): Occasional to Frequent
Bending (waist): Rare
Squatting: Rare
Climbing: Rare
Kneeling: Rare
Crawling: Never
Jumping: Rare
Balancing: Never
Twisting (neck): Rare when/if driving
Twisting (waist): Never
Grasp - light (dominant hand): Occasional
Grasp - light (non-dominant): Occasional
Grasp - firm (dominant hand): Occasional
Grasp - firm (non-dominant): Occasional
Fine manipulation (dominant): Occasional
Fine manipulation (non-dominant): Occasional
Reach - at/below shoulder: Rare
Reach above shoulder level: Rare

Push/pull:
up to 10 lbs. Rare
11 to 25 lbs. Rare
26 to 50 lbs. Rare
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
over 100 lbs. Never

Lifting:
Up to 10 lbs. Rare
11 to 25 lbs. Rare
26 to 50 lbs. Rare
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never

Carrying:
Up to 10 lbs. Occasional
11 to 25 lbs. Rare
26 to 50 lbs. Occasional
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never

Coordination:
Eye-hand: Required
Eye-hand-foot: Not required

Driving: Required

Vision:
Acuity near: Required
Acuity far: Required
Depth perception: Required
Accommodation: Required
Color vision: Required
Field of vision: Required

Talking:
Face-to-face contact: Required
Verbal contact w/others: Required
Public: Required

Hearing:
Normal conversation: Required
Telephone communication: Required
Earplugs required: Not required

Work environment:
Works indoors works outdoors exposure to extreme hot or cold temperature being around moving machinery exposure to dust fumes smoke gases odors mists or other irritating particles exposure to radiation or electrical energy exposure to slippery or uneven walking surfaces working below ground using computer monitor exposure to vibration works around others works alone works with others.

Class Code: 5450
FLSA: Non-exempt
EEOC Code: 3
Barg. Unit: OE3
Probation: 12 months
Rev.: 11/15