Geotechnical Engineering Technologist

Department:	Civil and Environmental Engineering	Effective Date:	October 8, 2009
Grade:	USG 7/8	Reports to:	Chair, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

General Accountability

The Geotechnical Engineering Technologist is under the supervision of the Chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The technologist is expected to carry-out tasks and assignments independently, and in a team environment. This position provides technical support for undergraduate, graduate and faculty instruction, and research related activities.

Nature and Scope

The Geotechnical Engineering Technologist’s main responsibilities are to:

Prepare the facilities for the required undergraduate laboratories
Supervise undergraduate and graduate projects/tests
Provide laboratory instruction for undergraduate course requirements
Maintain and/or upgrade laboratory equipment
Ensure that safety practices are followed for all laboratory users

Statistical Data

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is currently comprised of 38 faculty, 8 administrative staff, 6 technical staff, 12 research staff, 800 undergraduates, and 260 graduate students.

The Geotechnical Engineering Technologist provides technical support specifically to the Geotechnical area and global support within the department.

Specific Accountabilities

Undergraduate Laboratories

Prepare laboratory handouts for distribution to students
Prepare laboratory schedule and notify students
Prepare staff and teaching assistants for undergraduate laboratories
Laboratory instruction in Geotechnical, Geological Engineering, and Pavement Analysis
Back up laboratory instruction for Concrete, Fluids and Hydraulics

Supervise Graduate and Undergraduate Students:

Instruct and supervise students on the proper and safe usage of mechanical and/or electronic equipment, and instrumentation techniques for student projects and research activities
Instruct and supervise faculty, staff and students (graduate and undergraduate) concerning new analytical methods, equipment performance and safety

Laboratory Equipment and Testing Procedures:

Provide up-to-date information on laboratory equipment and testing procedures
Sourcing and ordering specialized equipment
Review product bulletins and contact vendors for detailed information
Review technical publications
Develop and design specialized equipment to meet application requirements
Perform elaborate analyses and experiments requiring advanced knowledge of equipment and procedures, trouble-shooting and analytical problems
Fabricate and assemble research and test apparatus using various machines and techniques

General Laboratory Maintenance:

Repair, maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment
Modify equipment to meet specific requirement and safety standards

Public Relations:

Provide laboratory instructions and demonstrations to external visitors (for example: Explorations and Campus Day activities, industrial visitors and/or consultants)

Equipment Inventory (E2 & E3 Labs):

Maintain an inventory database of equipment in the E2 and E3 labs

Liaison:

Interact with the Engineering Machine Shop (ordering materials, repairing of equipment, modifying and/or designing new equipment)
Interact with the Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, and plant operations for services and modifications required in the laboratory
Interact with laboratory equipment and material vendors
Interact with other technicians and faculty members in the department

Working Conditions

The job involves working in both indoor and outdoor environments. The work within the laboratory setting involves reading, writing, working at computer workstations and operating advanced testing equipment. Some tasks may be physically challenging requiring reasonable strength and endurance; use of hand and power tools; lifting of heavy materials/equipment; extended non-regular work hours. The outdoor work involves exposure to outdoor elements year round. The workplace environment may sometimes be off-site at a remote research location where standards and practices may be undefined. The technologist must use best judgement in establishing safe, responsible working practices for all of the participants at external workplace environments. There is some occasional use of a personal or department vehicle.