HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982-0226.Sit.82-09-22Between:
Before:
UzCe=
TEE CROWN ZMPLOYES COLLi?CTIVZ &YRGAINiXG ACT
Sefore
TXE GRIEVAXCZ SETTLDEXT i3OARD
3PS2U (M-r. John Sit)
and
The Crown in Right of Ontario (Ministry of the Environment;
J.W. Samuels Vice-Chairman
J. McManus Member
K. Preston Xember
For the Grievor: 3. . ! NY<0 Grieva~ce/Classi:ication Officer
Ontario Sublic Service Employees i:nlon
For the Employer: G.S. Teelev, Xanaqer , ?ersanne: Relations
Ministry o> the Environxkznt
Iiearinq: September 13, 1982
Contents
Introduction ............
The Grievor's ?osition .......
The Class Standards ........
The Jobs done by Messrs. Charbonneau
and Skomorowski .......
Conclusions ..........
List of Exhibits ........
. .
. .
. .
?ace
1
1
a
9
1s
18
B i
G Introduction
The grievor is employed in the Ministry of Environment
as a Field Instrument Technician, which is classified as an
Environmental Technician 3. Recently, the Grievance Settlement
Board considered the classification of =Wo of the grievor's
colleagues in Charbonneau and Skomorowski, 435/80. The grievors
in that case, who are Special Surveys Technicians, were reclas-
sified as Environmental Technician 4. The grievor now argues
that he too should be reclassified to an Environmental Technician 4.
based on the reasoning in tine earlier case.
The Grievor's Position
The Position Specification for the grievor's position
provides:
Purpose of Position
To install, operate, maintain, repair, and trouble-
shoot specialized complex electronic, chemical and
mechanical instruments required for the collection
of air quality and meteorological data at field
station in the Central Region.
Summary of Duties and Resoonsibilities
Operates, maintains, recairs, and troubleshoots
field stations, and monitoring instruments, recording,
and test equipment to provide continuous data from
the air monitoring network. Installs instruments,
making connection to recording and telemetering
equipment; adjusts instruments to ensure satisfactory
operation; performs routine calibrations to ensure
the validity of the data: and maintains suPPlies of charts, tapes, ink, fuel gases, and basic rePiacement
parts.
Keeps performance records of all field station instru-
ments and evaluates all data recorded on charts, tapes,
etc.
Checks and calibrates telemetry link to computer
room and makes necessary adjustments to instruments.
Accountabilitv:
The position is accountable for the cuality and
completeness of the data collected. -It is also
responsible for the security and proper operation
of all field equipment and vehicles used.
Errors in installation, repair or modification could
cause damage to the instruments and monito:ing station.
In addition, errors in operation, calibration, or
maintenance could cause loss of data or inaccurate
data. Data becomes part of the historical record of
the Province and if lost, it is not recoverable. If
the data is inaccurate it could resuit in incorrect
abatement decisions being made which could adversely
affect the health of local people.
The results of air monitoring on occasion come under
close scrutiny by the public, industry, and others,
and consequently they must be carried out with utmost
care to prevent embarrassing the -Ministry.
Contacts:
Work requires liaison with the public regarding the
installation of monitoring stations on private property,
counselling and supervising local contractors in instal-
lation problems, and arranging contracts with local
utilities for servicing the stations. Within the
Ministry there is regular contact with the Air Quality
and Meteorology Section, the Calibration group, and
the Air Quality Laboratory to exchange information, to
discuss technical problems, and obtain supplies.
The incumbent could be called to give evidence at a public hearing, to attest to the procedures used, and
certify the samples collected.
Knowledge and Skills:
A working knowledge of the fundamental principles and
a comprehensive knowledge of the function of each
component Part of all the monitoring instrzments used
in the field is required to properly operate and
successfully troubleshoot these instruzments.
A basic knowledge of good Practise in instr.Amentation,
sampling procedures, construction techniques, industrial
wiring, air conditioning, and fcnili3riZv ;iith build,ing
codes, electrical codes, permits, and sa?ety regulations
‘.
3.
is applied on the job. fianual dexterity and aptitude
are required to assemble instrument sub-assemblies
and components, sampling manifolds, meteoroloqicai
equipment, and instrument containers. The ability to operate a wide variety of calibration, testing, and
safety equipment, and she? and hand tOOiS is necessary.
In the area of personal aptitude, an enquiring mind and
a logical approach is required to resolve 2roblem.s and
troubleshoot malfunctioning equipment. Alertness to
detect instrument problems; flexibilitv to adapt to
new technology, procedures, and situations; .and cre-
ativity to modify existing instrumentation for use in
adverse conditions; are also prime requisites. Ability
to co-operate with calibration staff, co-workers, and
other government employees is essential. Accuracy
and precision are needed in maintaining records, com-
municating technical information, interpreting tech-
nical literature, and in preparing reports. This
knowledge and skill is acquired through graduation
from a recognized institute of technology or community
college in,a course providing basic and advanced know-
ledge of instrumentation, plus several years of ex?er-
ience in assembling, operating, repairing, and trouble-
shooting complex instrumentation and recording e&g-
ment, preferably including air monitoring and meteoro- logical equipment. _~
Judgement:
Initiative, perserverance, and judqement are required
to maintain field stations under adverse conditions,
eq: summer and winter temperature variations, electrical
interference, ice and snow conditions, hydro failures, vehicle breakdown, interference by humidity, other
pollutants, etc., and to detect and troubleshoot mal-
functions in a wide variety of complex electronic and
chemical analyzers using many different detection principles. The incumbent works under the quidance and
direction of the Supervisor, Air Monitoring Operations,
Central Region, and follows the policies and procedures
given in the Technician's Drocedure Nanual, manufacturer's
instructions, calibration criteria, electrical codes,
building codes, safety codes, etc. 'recuently infor-
mation is obtained by consulting handbooks, technical
publications, or the supplier directly. The operation,
repair, maintenance and modification of instruments
and stations is normally accepted as being performed
competently.
From the grievor's testi;nony at our hearinq, we know
that this description of the position is accurate. aasically, he
:
: i 4.
rj
services complicated monitoring equipment at various stations
established in the alinistry's Central Reqion. He visits the
spot, and brings equipment into the shop for major repairs.
Some of these major repairs are done by him, in particular he
services the recording equipment from all the stations, because
he has a special facility in this repair. On several occasions,
he has been involved in the establishment of a new station, or
the modification of equipment. Xe has no regular contact with
members of the public, except by accident when people happen on
a station he is visiting and he is asked to show them around. 3e
has good qualifications for the job, and has been employed by
the Government of Ontario since 1969. He appears to do his job
well and works largely without supervision.
The Class Standards
The Class Standards for the Environmental Technician
series provide:
PREAMBLE
ENVIRONMENTAL TECXNICIAN 1-4
INCLUSIONS:
This series covers positions responsible for investigational,
inspectional, data collection and preli&ary evaluative and interpretive
work on matters relating to environmental assessinent and pollution
control in the natural environment.
Data Collecti6n refers to tie function of 03taining inf6rnation by, for
e.xaL?tp1e, collecting water styles or operz.tinq water quality Lnd quaYcity
recording equi_oment and meters (e.g. veloci:y, soil noist-:e azd
conductivity meters), conducting on sit e analysis and deteninatioz
(e.5. dissolve oxygen, pH), nakinq meteor3loqicz.l observations, and
research literature.
c,
5.
Inssection refers:to duties involving the observation of, for exmPle,
private sewage disposal system installations, construction of water wells,
small (under 1 million gallons per day] comma1 water 01‘ sewage
t:ea*Lment facilities, waste nanagement sites, or non-com.plex incinerators
such as those found in apartment buildiqqs, to ensure that the
installation or operation conplies wi th est&lished practices and
standards. Appropriate data is collected in conjunction with such
inspections.
1r.vestigatior.s are more extensive and tec.hnically involved than
inspections or data collection. These include such functi0.u as making
extensive studies of the:operation of Kate= or sewage treataent
facilities conducting water quality, biological or wastewater
assimilation studies on a watercourse, ascertaining whether or not
contminatinq seepage is occurring from a municipal 3.5te management
site, checking on and reacting to the spillage of hazaxdow materials,
conducting on-site pilot or experimental studies or sarxyifig out
hydrometric,, hydrologic or hydrogeologic site invesxiqations in relation
to environmental assessment studies. Inspection, data collection, data
processing and data interpretation duties are inherent in investigations.
EXCLUSIONS:
Excluded from the series are:
. i. Positions requiring the analysis and testing of samples
conducted primarily in a laboratory setting.
2. Positions requiring full professional status for the
applications of scientific and engineering principles
found in such disciplines as engineering, biology or
chemistry.
COMPSNSABLE FACTORS:
There are four levels in this series and the assignment of
positions to the !appropriate levels will be based on the consideration
of four compensable factors: knowledge, contacts, judgement and
accountability.
1. The knowledge factor describes both the fonal education
and skills normally required to perform the responsibilities
of the position. The formal education is usually acquired
through attendance at a recognized educational institution
or through recognized technical associations. The skills
element of this factor refers to the approaches, practices
and techniques, normally gained through experience, which
are required to adequately perfor?, the duties.
2. The judqement factor refers to the discretion required and
the freedoin for making decisions within variable parameters.
To be considered are such matters as the nature of
I f : i
supervision received, the availability of guidance from
such sources as statutes, legislation, technical standards,
specifications, and previously established procedures and
prece,dent;s, the requirement for new and innovative '
approaches and the variety of alternative cbooi& of action.
3. The accountability factor refers to the scopeof.responsihility,
decisions made and the result of errors.
4. The contacts factor refers to the significance and extentof
internal and externai relationships which are a necessary
part of the work. The two elements ace (a) the nature and
purpose of the contact, and (b) the level and authority of
the person contacted.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN 3
This class covers positions involving inspections and
investigations of the full range of activities in the environmental
assessment and pollution control field. In sane positions, they conduct
investigations of pollution of air (stationary and mobile sources), land
or water, including noise, and plan, organize and conduct assessment
surveys and clonitorinq of the natural environxnt. Others in the
environmental monitoring function involve responsibility for the sel&tion,
operation and maintenance of specialized, complex electronic, chemical or
mechanical air, water or wastewater monitoring equipnent,in field locations
resulting in the production of validated data for use in environmental
assessment programrnes. In still other positions, employees in this
classification may assist professional staff or senior technicians in the
clean up of hazardous spills, or in conducting applied research projects
or surveys to evaluate new technology and methods, assess the natural
environment, effect corrective action in the case of malfunctioning
pollution control equipment, or in the processing of ~provals. The
coxnpensable factors at this level are typically reflected as follows:
1. Knowledqe:
Work requires the technical wertise, approaches and
practices to deal effectively witi a wide variety of
environmental matters such as inspection of newly
installed or malfunctioninq private sewage disposal
systems of all sires (e.g. seming sc!~3ls, nursing
hones, etc.), industrial air:ard i;ater pollution
control and monitoring equipment, ccrzunal water and
sewage treatnent projects, baste zw.a9ement sites and
systems, and vehicle emissisr.s :o exxre that they
corrply with established practices axd standxds, or to
qualitatively assess the effects of polluting discharges
on the surrounding enviro.zr.enr (e.g. deteti-:?
WaStewater loading guidelines for municipal/industrial
discharges). Such knowledge is nomally acquired
through graduation from a recognized institute of
technology or cornunity college plus several years of '
related experience.
2. Judgement:
Work is performed usder minimm supervision with
considerable fcnctional independence. Mature judgement
is exercised in decision-making when unusual or
unIxedictable situations k-ise. !4atters deviating f:on
established practices and precedents are dealt with at
this level and only sensitive or contentious matters aze
referred to supervisors. Independent judgment is
exercised in the preparation of consrehensive technical
reportson all investigations, inspections or other
projects, including the interpretation and analysis of
physical and field data and laboratory results, making
recommendations where necessary.
3. Accountability:
These positions tie acoountable for the accuzacy and
completeness of the data collected and of the
investigations or inspections conducted. Decisions
involve the nature and amount of data to be collected,
actions taken, recommendations made, and can usually be
based on precedent or established pfactice. Errors may
cause inappropriate action and expense by the Ministry,
industry, or private individuals.
4. contacts:
Contacts may be with private individuals, small business
proprietors or professional, technical and operational
staff of industry, municipalities, their own or other
Ministries and/or the Federal Government.
The propose of the contacts will be to exchange or
collect information and data, give advice, r&e
recommendations or enforce regulations. On occesion,
it may be necessary to appear as a witness providing
technical evidence and/or information before p;;blic
bodies such as environmental hearings, municipal
councils, ratepayers' associations, or colirts of law.
In all contacts the ensloyee is assuaged to officially
represent the Ministry and present Xinistry policy.
7.
a.
EfNVIRONYENTAL TE;CHNiCIAN 4
This class aovers positions of employees involved;in conductinq
and co-ordinatinq technically complex and specialized work in
environmental assessment and pollution control. They either function as
recognized experts in specialized work such as the inspection/.
investigation of complicated malfunctioning municipal or industrial
water, wastewater or emission control installations, or co-ordinat*
the investigation and clean up of spills of hazaxdous materials,
investigating fish kill-s, or conducting studies of the natural
environment, etc., OR they exercise advanced responsibilities across a
range 0: several areas in the environmental and pollution control field,
functioning as group leaders providing technical dlkection, co-ordination
and training to other technical staf f,~ including instructing in technical
training programme*. The compensable factors at this level are typically
reflected as follows:
1. Knowledge:
Work requires the technical expertise, flexibility
and depth of background to deal independently with a
wide variety of '&predictable environmental problems
or with specialized problems where the individuals'
knowledge may be the only guide to action. Such
knowledge is n&nally acquired through graduation
from a recognized institute of teChnOlOgy or COmxUnity
college plus many years of progressively respxsible
related experience.
2. Judgement:
Work is performed under general direction. Judgement
is employed to marshal the necessary human; material
and/or information resources and to organic studies,
surveys, investigations or inspections independently.
referring to supervisors only in the event of very
unusual circumstances, and periodically to advise on
progress. Judqement is exercised in applying general
technical principles to new problems which do not
respond to precedents= established practice.
3. Accountability:
These positions are fully accountable for the technical
accuracy and quality of data collected or produced and
for comprehensive technical resorts vith recozxendations
as a result of their decision oz necessary infozxation:
format and content of repoorts; and a?prc?:iateness Of
recorzxndations. SLICh re301't.s are suitlbie for
distribution outside the Hizisrry after only general
review by the su?e_-visor. Poor recc:zv?nda:ions cocld
result in considerabie monetary loss fo the XL~istry
or others and in d&?aqe to the ui,is:ry's credibility
and prestige.
9.
4. contacts :
Work involves a wide variety of continuing contacts
with governmental and iodustrial officials at the
operational, technical, professional and.management
levels such as Chief Operators or Superintendents of
water and sewage treatment plants, industrial plant
superintendents, technical, scientific and engineering
officials of their own Ministry, other Provincial
Ministries, the Government of Canada and international
agencies.
The contacts are ifor the puqmse of exchanging
information, giving advice, publishing interpretative
data, making recoimnendations, planning co-operative
studies, or enforcing regulations. It may be necessary
occasionally to appear as a witness or technical expert
before public hearings, such as the Environmental Hearing
Board, or a court of law. In all contacts, the employee
is assumed to officially represent the Ministry as M
expert, and to present Ministry policy.
The Jobs~done bv Messrs. Charbonneau and Skomorowski .
We learned about the jobsdone by Messrs. Charbonneau .
and Skomorowski from their Position Specification, the award of
this Board in their case, and the testimony of their two superiors,
Messrs. Cgner and Austin.
Their position specification provides:
Purpose of Position
To implement monitoring equipment for new and special
surveys designed to collect appropriate, valid and
accurate air quality data; to troubleshoot a wide variety of monrtoring equipment and identify and
resolve technical or methodological problems related
to this equipment: to design and/or modify existing
equipment in response to special needs or routine
operating deficiencies.
Summary of Duties and Resoonsibilitias
10.
50% 1.
-
30% 2.
Implements air quality monitoring equipment
used in new and special surveys; prepares and sets up equipment in she? and
arranges for calibration by Instrumentation
Unit of the Air 3esources 3ranch;
designs stations according to available
snace and location and directs installation
0% equipment;
designs and installs in-take manifold in
consultation with supervisor;
specifies utility requirements (e.g. Hydra,
air conditioning, phones, heating, etc.) and
arranges for or oversees installation;
drafts instrument and utility layout for
record keeping purposes;
installs and sets up safety equipment (e.g.
gas detectors) in monitoring stations;
debugs equipment when installed to ensure
proper operation of entire station:
instructs field technician and prepares
written procedures on proper operation and
unique feature~s of the station when trans-
ferred for routine operation;
checks stations periodically to ensure con-
tinued proper operation.~
Troubleshoots monitoring equipment and identifies.
and resolves technical or methodological problems
related to sampling and equipment.
investigates and corrects problems with monitoring
equipment either in the field or in the she?
utilizing complex Frecision testing equipment
(e.g. oscilloscope, signal generator, logic
probes, DVMs, etc.) to identify and isolate
equipment malfunctions;
consults with equipment manufacturers concerning
design problems, to up-date instrumentation
manuals and to arrange warranty repairs;
sets tolerance levels for test points when not
identified in equioment manuals;
gives advice and direction to other staff and
outside parties on the operation and trouble-
shooting problems associated with the equipment;
prescribes optin.&m operating parameters and procedures fqr new equipment to ensure maximum
life and economic operation;
evaluates and bench or field tests p.ew equixcen:,
compares with existing equipment and endorses
or disclaims for purchase;
ensures adequate supply of s?are Sarts and
consumables in light 01 prospective futxe availability and bcdqet co~s~derstions.
11.
3. Designs new or modifies existing equipment in
response to special needs or routine problems;
- develops specirlcations for new equipment to
be developed by outside manufacturers for
Ministry use;
- streamlines station operation and data collection
to reduce operating costs;
- modifies and refines existing equipment;
- operates machine shop equipment to fabricate
special parts used in custom installations.
4. Conducts mobile surveys including stack sampling
tests for Industrial or Municipal and Private
Abatement and prepares reports indicating
findings.
3. Responds to emergency situations.
Knowledge & Skills:
A comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental principles and an intimate knowledge of the actual workings of each
sub assembly and component part of all monitoring
instruments used in the field is required to properly
operate and successfully troubleshoot these instruments.
Skill is required to plan the layout and the needs in
the implementation of monitoring apparatus, arrange for
work by local contractors~ and utility companies, direct
field staff, specify and obta~in required materials and
_
supplies, and make final arrangements for the use of
private property. A working knowledge of construction
techniques, industrial wiring, air conditioning, and
familiarity with building codes, permits and safety
regulations is used on the job. Manual dexterity and
aptitude are required to assemble instrument sub-assembly and components, sampling manifolds, meteorological equipment and instrument containers. The ability to operate a wide variety of calibration, testing, and
safety equipment and shop and hand tcols is necessary. In the area of personal aptitude, an enquiring mind and
a logical approach is required to resolve problems and
troubleshoot malfunctioning equipment. Alertness to
detect instrument problems, flexibility to adapt to new
technology, procedures and situations, and creativity
to modify existing instr-umentation for cse in adverse
conditions are also prime requisites. Tac'fulness and i diplomacy are required in dealing with the public,
equipment suppliers, industrial abatement staff, caii-
brators, co-workers and other government employees.
Accuracy and precision are needed in maintaining rSCOr<S,
communicating technical information, interpreting
technical literature, and in preoaring reports. This
knowledge and skill is acquired ;~zcc~!? ;raduation fr,zm
_ ‘:
i. :
12.
a recognized institute of technology or community
college in a course -Jroviding basic and advanced.
knowledge of instrumentation, 31~s several vears of
experience in operating, repairing and tro&lesiooting .
complex instrumentation and recording equipment,
preferably including air monitoring and meteorological
equipment.
Judgement
The incumbent works ilnder the guidance and direction of
the Supervisor, Air Monitoring Operations and follows
the policies and procedures given in the Technicians
Drocedure Manual, manufacturers instructions, caiibration
criteria, electrical codes, building codes, safety codes,
etc. Frequently information is obtained by consulting
handbooks, technical publications or suppliers directly.
Judgement is required to detect and troubleshoot mal-
functions in a wide variety of complex electronic and
chemical analyzers using many different detection
principles. The operation, repair, maintenance and modification of instruments in stations as normally
accepted as being performed competently. Independent
decisions requiring good judgement are made frequently
and under different circumstances to implement surveys
and projects. Judgement is applied not onlv to ohysical
conditions associated with work but in dealing with
people to coordinate their efforts.
Accountability:
The position is accountable for the successful and ti;neiy
comoletion and the quality of various data collected in mobile and stack sampling surveys. is also responsible
for'the security and proper operation of all field
equipment and vehicles used in these surveys. Srrors
in installation, repair or modification could cause
damage to the instruments and monitoring station. Data
becomes part of the historical record of the ?rovince
and if lost is not recoverable. If the data is inacc-rate
it could result in incorrect abatement decisions being
made which could adversely effect the health of local
people.
The result of special survey* free-uently come uncer close
scrutiny by the public, industry and others and ,conse- quently,they must.be carried out with -Lmost care to
prevent embarrassment to the Xinistry.
Contacts:
work requires contacting the S,ublic to make fi=al '=r'y,q'-
."*..e,- i,..- ib.^ :"r+3i12L:e.. ni -n-: --r-i ..- .-a-,-:,-- ,__
13.
private propertv, counselling and supervising local
contractors in installation problems, arranging
contracts with local utilities servicing &he staticns
and contacting equipment suppliers. Wi':nin the L
Xinistry there is regular contact with the Air Quality
and Meteorology Section, the Calibration Group, and
the Air Quality Laboratory to exchange information,
to discuss technical problems and obtain supplies.
The incumbent could be called to give evidence at a
Dublic Bearing to attest the procedures used and
certify the samples collected.
The evidence before us seems to indicate that this
Position Specification actually covers two different jobs.
Mr. Charbonneau is primarily responsible for the establishment
of new stations. He.sets them up, assists in writing the operating
manuals for the equipment and station, and then turns the station
over to a Field Instrument Technician to keep it operating.
Mr. Skomorowski evaluates new equipment and works on equipment
modification to ensure that the machine~ry meets the needs of the
Ministry. These differences in jobs are explained clearly in
the earlier award.
Concerning Mr. Charbonneau, the Board said (at pages
6 to 8):
'As the grievor put it: Once the decision to establish
a station is made, his is the total responsibility for
creating it "from the shell until it is on the air".
This responsibility commenced in 1975 and has grown to
the point where it took up approximately 90% or his
time when the grievance was filed.
Involved in bringing the site "on air" are:
(a) Effecting necessary changes to existing str2ct"res
which are not subject to standardized specificatisns:
(5) Communications with owners, if zhe site is ?ri:.3tel?
owned.
(cl Evaluating oroblems relating to iheat loss and
effecting alterations necessary to reduce them.
Cd) Insuring the security of the site. '
(e) Dealing with problems of accessibility.
(f) Arranging for construction on the site, if there
are no existing structures.
(g) Some stations are trailers and the grievor is
responsible for passing on the trailers to see
that they meet specifications. The grievor also
has a role to play in the designing of soeci-
fications for trailers which must be modified bv
the manufacturers to accommodate the requirements
of the Ministrv. Once he has received tne speci-
fications, it 1s his resuonsibilitv to "shoe
around" for the most sui‘table trailer and he may
or may not check with supervision before making
the final decision with respect to a trailer
acquisition.
(h) In the case where a building~is on the site and
requires modification or where a new building is
to be constructed on the site, his responsibilities
include the obtaining of estimates from contractors.
In such cases he consults supervision who is aware
of the specifications and.who could overrule his
conclusion as to what ought to be done, but he
could not recall any instance during the last year
and a half where his recommendations had not been .
followed. The ultimate decision to make a purchase
or enter into a building or renovation contract is
that of the Purchasing Depar*Jnent which issues the
purchase order. Once the decision is made to instal
a station the grievor is not formally involved in
the process of supervision, but does engage in some
informal supervision.
(i) In the case where physical changes are to be made
to recording equipment, the grievor's responsibilities
include:
(i) engaging the contractor.
(ii) instructing the contractor as to what work he
is to perform.
(iii) Arranging for the instalation, ?iacemt?nt and support of instruments in order to avoid distortions in the results obtained, caused
by extraneous forms of interference.
(iv) keeping costs down through the espe-iv..; ii'snL of
avoiding a multiplicity of manufacturers.'
Concerning Mr. Skomorowski, we find:
"Evaluating new equipment for Fotential use by the
Xinistry. He estimated that he devoted between 40
and 50% of his time to this function at the time
his grievance was filed. While he did not choose
which new equipment was to be evaluated, he has been,
since 1978, solely responsible for carrying out the
evaluation procedures. once he is advised that a
piece of equipment is to be evaiuated, he is respon-
sible for making arrangements to acquire it for this
purpose. (at page 14)
. . . . .
in describing the approximately 50% of his work
devoted to servicing field instruments in the she?,
the grievor stated that he was required to:
(a) Repair defective parts. In describing his
functioning in repairing equipment the grievor
stated that 70 to 75% of his time, in this area,
was being taken up with modular repair work, the
balance of his repair function being involved
with what he referred to as, repairs of a
mechanical nature.
(b) Realign parts.
(c) Calibrate equipment.'
(d) Operate equipment in the shop to insure that the
problem which led to its being sent to the shop
would not recur." (at page 16)
Conclusions
We turn now to the question of the proper classification
of the grievor's job. The Class Standards are very generalized,
and there is considerable overlap in the language employed to
characterize the Snvironmental Technician 3 and 4. 303 classi-
fications involve highly skilled personnel. T'he essent;ai difference
*ppe*rs to be that the Environmental Technician : does either
specialized work, or t:hey f,unction across se-era1 areas. The
person in this position must be able to deal with new prcblems /
where there is little guidance frcm his supervisors or operating
manuals.
In the earlier award dealing with Messrs. Charbonneau
and Skomorowski, their special expertise was emphasized (at ?age
36):
Mr. Ogner emphasized that while he and his counter-
parts in supervision had the knowledge to completely
assess the work performance of Field Instrument
Technicians, the supervision of the grievors' work
required heavy reliance on their expertise because
he and other persons supervising them did not possess
the technical expertise to do so:'
In our view, the grievor in our case is not doing the
same type of job as is done by Messrs. Charbonneau and Skomorowski.
It is only rarely that he is involved in the establishment of new
stations! in special surveys, or in the evaluation or modification
of new equipment. His primary role is to keep equipment functioning
in established stations. It is likely that the grievor has the
ability to do the same jobs as his colleagues Charbonneau and
Skomorowski, however his classification depends on the job he
required to do, not the job he could do.
The grievor's position falls well within the Class
is
Standards for Environmental Technician 3. :Se is -rocerlv .I - _ ciassifisc,
and therefore his grievance is denied.
17.
Done at London, Ontario, this JT.-jday of .13Z2.
I J. McManus, Member
_.__. .
K. Preston,~ >lember
13.
LIST OF EXHIBITS
1. Grievance Fo,?, etc.
2: Position Specification, Field Instrument Technician
3. Position Soecification , Special Surveys Technician
4. Class Standards
5. Organization Chart