RESEARCH INSTRUMENT OPERATOR8357C3 Pay Grade: 22 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is technical work in the operation of scientific instruments in the analysis of materials and interpretation of test results. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction..." Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average... Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation. Consequences of Actions and Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant. Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required. Physical Demands - LEVEL B: The work requires light physical exertion. The employee may be required to perform handling activities with lightweight or easily moved items (e.g. books, file folders, boxes of office supplies, small machine parts, etc.); perform moving activities for brief periods; operate light equipment; perform repetitive motions for brief periods; confined to a work area. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive clientele and patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL B: Involves functional leadership responsibility. As a "senior worker", performing essentially the same or similar work as those overseen, responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling and reviewing. As a "project leader" may be responsible for a phase(s) of a single project which includes planning, coordinating and reviewing the work of others. This level may also involve limited administrative responsibility such as participating in the evaluation of work performance. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Laboratory Technician III class which does not involve the interpretation of test results, in-depth collaboration with researchers, or the regular use of the more sophisticated range of scientific instruments such as the resolution electron microscope, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, Raman spectrometer or the x-ray diffraction apparatus. Differs from the Research Technologist class which involves work in design, fabrication, installation, in addition to operation and maintenance of highly specialized laboratory equipment. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Prepares samples of material and operates instruments such as the multi-purpose mass spectrometer, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, Raman spectrometer, X-ray diffraction apparatus, resolution electron microscope, with related attachments, ultrasonic cleaner, high vacuum evaporator, and other scientific instruments to analyze samples. Tests prepared samples to determine acceptable form, consistency and quality. Reprocesses unacceptable samples to further purify them and obtain the quality required. Isolates components of material samples by use of chemicals or laboratory instruments and uses various techniques to secure the desired form and consistency necessary for analysis. Reads charts, monitors instruments, and records and reports data produced by the instruments and interprets the information; utilizes computer application software where possible to enhance instrumentation or analysis capabilities. Collaborates with faculty, research scientists, and graduate students on specific research projects and attempts to achieve research goals and problem resolution. Instructs faculty, research scientists, graduate and undergraduate students and staff on the correct protocol used in the laboratory including the operation of research equipment, specimen preparation, and safety procedures. Consults with research instrument technicians concerning major malfunctions of instruments. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of the functions, operative techniques, technical components and maintenance procedures for the instruments used. *Knowledge of electronics, mathematics, chemistry, biology or other standard scientific methods and procedures, and laboratory techniques for preparation of samples. Abilities *Ability to prepare samples and interpret results of analyses. *Ability to perform minor maintenance and repair tasks and to isolate malfunctions of complex scientific instruments. *Ability to communicate effectively with scientifically trained people. *Ability to use hand tools. *Ability to operate multi-purpose mass spectrometer, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, Raman Spectrometer, x-ray diffraction apparatus, resolution electron microscope, ultrasonic cleaner, high vacuum evaporator, and other sophisticated scientific instruments. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Two years of experience in laboratory procedures and analysis. Education in natural sciences and/or engineering may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency. NC: 06/93 |