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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-1244.Cocking et al.91-10-24iti -- - ONT*R,O EMPLOYtx DE LA CO”RONNE ~RCJWNEMPLOYEES DE“ONT*RIO GRIEVANCE q m BOAFJD COMMISSION DE SETTLEMENT REGLEMENT DESGRIEFS BETWBEN BEFORE: THE CROWN EMPLOYEES COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ACT Before THE GRIEVANCE SETTLEMENT BOARD OPSEU (Cocking et al) Grievor - and - The Crown in Right of Ontario (Ministry of Transportation) Employer B. Fisher Vice-Chairperson I. Thomson Member F. Collict Member FOR THE GRIEVOR R. Healey Counsel Gowling, Strathy & Henderson Barristers & Solicitors FOR THE EMPLOYER P. Young Counsel Winkler, Filion & Wakely Barristers & Solicit&s HEARING January 4, 18, 25, 1991 April 26, 1991 May 17, 1991 1 This is a classification grievance involving 8 individuals employed in the Ministry’s Engineering Materials oifice at Downsview. Mr. Cocking is the representative Grievor for all the !Jrievors other that Mr. 6. Mason, whose grievance will be dealt with by this panel after this Award has been released. The grievor is presently classified as of Techniciian 4, Physical Laboratory and seeks reclassification either as a Technician 5, Physical Laboratory or in the alternative, a Berry Award. The entire Class Standard is attached as an appendix to this Award. The Union is onfy refylng on the Class Standards argument. The Engineering Materials office is responsible for testing materials that go into the construction and maintenance of roads and related structures. It is divided into five sections and each section consists of a number of different laboratories, as follows: Section Laboratam 1. Concrete Cement I - Concrete Mix Design Steel Concrete Construction Products 2. Soils & Aggregate Aggregate which is divided into the Preparation Laboratory and the Petrographic laboratory . - Proctor 3. Bituminous 4. Chemical Mix Oesiign Material,s Evaluation Extraction Emulsion Protective Coatings Chemical 2 5. Foundation Foundation At the time of the grievance the Grievor was the Foreman of the Cement Laboratory and the Steel Laboratory, both of which are in the Concrete Section. The Grievor reported to the Laboratory Operation Supervisor of the Concrete Section, Mr. Ron Hawthorne. The Grievor’s Position Specification is attached to this Award. The Grievor testified that it constitutes a very accurate depiction of his job duties as at the time of the filing of the grievance. Within the one year period prior to the filing of the grievance, the following persons were employed in the Concrete and Steel Laboratories, in addition to the Grievor; 1) .Chris Wojcik - Senior Technician Concrete classified as a Technician 3 Physical Laboratory. 2) Ed Kelly - Senior Technician Concrete classified as a Technician 3 Physical Laboratory. 3) Two Technician 2 - Physical Laboratory. 4) The occasional summer student. 5) On the odd occasion an additional Technician 2 would be assigned to the Laboratory for short periods of time. In order to analyze the evidence it is useful to compare the two Class Standards by topic. 1. Technician 4 Employees in positions allocated to this class are responsible for the operation of a Size of Ooeration Technician 5 i Employees in positions allocated to this class ~direct a maior section of laboratory devoted to invest- igating and testing in a specific field the testing programme The Grievor was responsible for 2 Laboratories, the Cement and the Steel Laboratory. This is more than is contemplated by the Technician 4 Class Standard which speak of laboratory in the singular. On the other hand, the Techniciaj 5 Class Standard speaks of responsibility for “a major section of the testing programme”, which would seem to require responsibility for the Concrete section, not merely part of a section. 3 Therefore with respect to this factor, the Grievor sieems to fit clearly into neither Class Standard. 2. Oearee of Sunervision of the Suoervisor Technician 4 “Under the direction of a supervisor of professional or equivalent status” Techniciau “Under the general direction of a senilor professional supervisor.....” The only relevant difference is between “direction” anid “general direction”. it seems that the Grievor has relatively little contact with his direct supervisor, Mr. Hawthorne. The Grievor was quite often given projects directly by Mr. Newall, the Concrete ,Engineer, although about 50% of the time Mr. Newall did go through Mr. Hawthorne first. When Mr. Newali dealt directly with the Grievor, Mr. Hawthorne complained to Mr. Newall about this,. Mr. Hawthlorne did not review the routine rep& issued by the Grievor and his laboratory, and he only occasionally saw special project reports. On the other hand the degree of technical supervision performed by Mr. Newall was fairly significant. He and the Grievor regularly dealt with each other on a number of special projects. Mr. Newali would assign projects to the Grievor, discuss their Iprogress and receive the results. Mr. Newall spent considerable time, compared to Mr. Hawthorne, actually in the Cement Laboratory with the Grievor. They spoke on a regular basis, almost every day, about work related items. in effect the Grievor received supervision of an administrative nature from Mr. Hawthorne and of a technical nature from Mr. Newall. However, the combined effect of the supervision wa,s of a nature more closely fitting the Technician 4 Class Standard than the considerable independence envisaged in the Technician 5 Standard. 3. Technician 4 4 Dearee of SuoeNision by the Grievor Technician 5 These employees usually supervise a number of technicians and/or trainee technicians by assigning, scheduling and ; checking work and by providing advice and assistance when i problems develop. Employees in positions allocated to this cl&s direct a maior section of the testing programme involving the supenrision of a number of technicians through a number of subordinate supenrisors. The Union’s position is that Mr. Wojcik is himself a supenrisor. The Grievor conceded in cross- examination that Mr. Kelly did not supenrise any Technician 2’s. The Union however states the phrase “through a number of subordinate supenrisors” can mean one subordinate supenrisor, Le. Mr. Wojcik. Websters Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, 1989 edition, contains the following definition of the word QumbeP “is, a certain collection, company, or quantity not precisely recorded, but usually considerable or large: I’ve gone there a number of times” Moreover,. the preamble to the Class Series containing the following statement, ! “incumbents in positions classified as Technician 5 are responsible for a major testing program and supenrise a large staff through a number of subordinate supenrisors.” in the context of this Class Standard it is not reasonable to read “a number of subordinate supenrisors” as including the number one. Generally speaking supenrisors supeivise more than one individual, and it is in that context in which we interpret the Technician 5 Class Series as requiring the supenrision of at least two subordinate supenrisors. Therefore it is not necessary to decide if in fact Mr. Wojcik was a subordinate supenrisor, for even if he was, it would not bring the Grievor into the Technician 5 Class Standard. Furthermore the preamble indicates that the grievor must be supenrising “a large staff”. The evidence indicates that the Grievor supenrised a total of 4 regular staff and occasionally one or two 5 other people. This does not constitute a ‘large Staff”. Therefore on this particular factor, the Grievor’s duties fit better in the Technician 4 category. 4. Decree of Technical Judaement and Skill Technician 4 xchnician 5 in addition they may perform I In most positions, in addition more demanding tests themselves ) to the technical supervision and assist their supervisor in of laboratory operations, they the initiation of new or ! perform complex evaluative experimental test techniques. or developmental engineering They supervise a number of sub- ; or scientific studies ordinates in the performance ; requiring the utilization of a variety of difficult tests of a high degree of skill where the methods are fully and judgement in the selection prescribed and results are ; of use of reference sources; readily recognized but some the application of judgment is required in the ,; mathematical techniques to selection of alternatives and complex problems involving sensitive laboratory equipment 1 the use of sophisticated is often utilized. formulae for calculations; i the compilation and analysis of data, and the preparation 1 of detailed reports. in reference to the Technician 4 category, Mr. Co:cking clearly does the following tasks contained in that standard: 1) He performs the more demanding tests himself. 2) He supervises a number of subordinates in a variety of difficult tests. However he does not assist his supervisor in the initiation of new or experimental test techniques, rather to a iarge’degree he does this himself, with perhaps some guideline from Mr. Newall, the Concrete Engineer. The question really however is whether the sort of tests the Grievor himself performs fits better into the Technician 4 or 5 definition. 6 In the Technician 4 category, it is envisaged that the Technician 4 is supervising a number of subordinate who themselves are performing “difficult tests”. The category of “difficult” is defined in the preamble as being the highest of the three categories of tests, ranging from “simple” to “standard” to “difficult”. The Technician 4 however is personally performing not “difficult” tests, which are handed by his subordinates, but rather “the more demanding tests”. This term is not defined but it can reasonable be inferred that “more demanding tests’ is of a higher category than “difficult tests”. “Difficult” tests are defined in the preamble as being those tests “which require a steps in their performance according to prescribed procedures: the use of sensitive equipment, the exercise of some judgement in the selection of alternatives and variations in procedures: and the detailed and accurate recording of observations and results”. Therefore the Technical 4 periodically performs tests that are more complex and require more judgment than a difficult test, but constitute less than the Technician 5 Standard. The Technician 5 ,Standard consists of the following components; a) performance of complex evaluative or developmental engineering or scientific studies requiring the utilization of a high degree of skill and judgment in the selection of reference sources. in essence, the Technician 5 must exhibit a high degree of sophistication in doing academic type research. The Grievor testified that he has visited industrial sites to learn of other test procedures and utilized the’Ministry library to consult various industrial standards associations specifications and test procedures. After consulting these sources he would then adapt a test procedure to fit a new product or process. He also consulted equipment manuals issued by manufacturers in order that his laboratory staff would understand how to use new test equipment. in our opinion the sort of research performed by the Grievor does not fit within the Technician 5 standard as this selection of reference sources is quite limited and it does not require a high degree 7 of skill and judgement to select these sources. This aspect does not speak to the skill and judgement required to physically perform the tests, but rather speaks of i:he utilization of reference sources only. b) “the application of mathematical techniaues to comolex problems invoivina the use of sophisticated formulae for calculations. Very little evidence on this point was presented, and we are therefore unable to conclude that the Grievor exercises this particular skill as a core duty of his job. Although the Grievor testified that he used certain math formulae in his work, no evidente was presented by which this Board could judge whether or not these formula were “sophisticated” or not. cl “The comoilation and analvsis of data. and the! oreoaration of detailed reoorts”. The Grievor clearly compiled data and to some degree analyzed the data, however, based on the evidence presented to the Board, it cannot be said that the reports he prepared were “detailed”. Exhibit 5 was an example of a typical report the Grievor prepared, based on work performed by his subordinates. A copy of that report is attached to this decision. The Grievor is responsible for filling in the blanks on the second page, as the report is already formatted. The opinion as to whether or not the cement colmplies with the requisite standard is a simple visual decision as all of the test results are expressed in numerical terms and the decision making process consists simply of ascertaining whether (111 not the test results fall within the acceptable parameters. Exhibit 6 is an example where the Grievor was involved in the preparation of a more detailed report. This was a study entitled “Durability of Low Cement Content Concrete”, which undoubtedly became an instant best seller at the Government book store. The Grievor’s involvement however consisted entirely of preparing the data for one Table used in the report,as he was not involved in anyway in writing the commentary on the conclusions. ,i . 5. NeDort ResDonsibility 8 Technician 4 They are responsible for the recording of all test results and they prepare periodic reports in which laboratory test results are summarized and preliminary conclusions are drawn. Technician 5 Their work is reviewed on the basis of results obtained and ; final reports are evaluated on the basis of scientific i adequacy. This category is somewhat related to the comments in the category of Deoree of Technical Judqement and Skill referred to above. The Grievor’s work clearly fits within the Technician 4 category in that he prepares reports on a regular basis in which test results are summarized. Furthermore, when he does offer conclusions, they are either of a routine nature, as illustrated In Exhibit 5, or if of a more complex nature, are preliminary conclusions or recommendations subject to the final authority of either Mr. Hawthorne or Mr. Newail. The Technician 5 Standard seems to involve g more hands-off approach in which the method by which the work is done is not questioned until the final result has been achieved and at that time the whole process is subject to the test .of scientific adequacy. Although the Grievor undoubtedly changed test procedures and developed new ones, he did so while in constant communication and subject to the ongoing approval of either Mr. Hawthorne, or more often, Mr. Newall, the Concrete Engineer. This subtle, but important difference in the Boards opinion ‘means that with respect to this particular category, the grievor fits snugly in the Technician 4 category. 6. Professional Level Technician 4 Technician 5 No specific reference. 1 in most cases these employees ; are performing at the level of a professional scientist i or engineer and the allocation of positions to this class usually results from a lack of qualified professional staff. - 9 In addition the preamble contains the following stateiment: “In most cases incumbents of positionls classified as Technician 5 are performing at the professional level1 and such allocations may be due solely to the lack of qualified professional staff. The Grievor admitted In his cross examination that he does not work at the level of a professional engineer or scientist. Moreover, Mr. Robert Newall, the Senior Concrete Engineer with whom the Grievor deals with testified that the Girlevor does niot operate at the level of a professional engineer as he is not conducting a formal evaluation of tests results, stating conclusion, or making policy recommendations which will effect policy in a sl gnificant fashion. Therefore on this particular item, the Grievor fits better in the Technician 4 category. Of the 6 categories of differentiation between the Technician 4 and 5 category, the Grievor has been found to properly fit into the Technician 4 In all but one category, namely the size of the operation. This one item Is not sufficient to justify a finding i:hat the Grievor Is Improperly classified. Moreover even if it could be said that the absence of this one component took the Grievor out of the Class 4 Standard, he clearly fits better into Class 4 than, Cla:ss 5. Furthermore, although the Board has a discretion to order a Berry Award where the Grievor does not fit Into either category, we would be extremely reluclant to do so in a case like this because the factor of size of operation Is not an extremely slgnificalnt one compared to the other factors. Furthermore the Class Standard of Technician, Physical Labor,atory already has 5 subdivisions and we would be reluctant to create a new category of 4.5 where the distinctions between the ClaSSeS are already so minute and detailed in the first place. The Berry remedy is a useful tool especially where the Grievor’s job really falls within a different series than the one he finds himself, but should be used sparingly to create more steps within 10 an established series that already has numerous steps. The grievance is therefore dismissed. Dated: at Toronto this 24th day of October, 1991. &-A/ SON - MEMeER F. COiW&- MEMBER . Cateuorv 4 TECHNICAL SERVICES CATEGORY This Category Includes: - posltlons Involving the Lnstallatlon, operation, servicing, repalr, modlftcation and maintenance of electronic systems and equipment: and the planning and cc-ordination of telephone and radlo communications inetworks ased for transmttting work asslgnments and dispatching equipment and materials: - positions Involving such duties as the preparation of sketches, drawings and spacfftcations for new buildings, alterations, bridges, highways, Interior layouts, exhibits and models, and mechanical and electrical systems: the compilation, plotting or drafting of survey plans, topographic or planimetric maps, land use maps, profiles, contours, cross-sections, mosaics, and slfe plans relating to aerlal, ground and legal land surreys, architecture, engineering, community’pl8nning, firestry, soil research and conservation: the review and recommen- datlon on types of construction, materials, etc., and the preparation of estimates and sp&clflcations for tendering purposes: ‘- positions involving sub-professional support services In such areas as highway planning, pre-construction engineering, construction, engine+.ng and legal surveys, entaIling s lnspectlo I? ti duties as scheduling, expediting, and controlling constructia’n prolects, ensuring quality standards and coinpll.ance with bullding specifflcatlons related to construction projects; - posltlons Involving the filming of still or motion pictures ln blaak and white or colour, the developing, printing and enlarging of film, the retouching, scrlLbIng and strippIng of positive and negative film and pdpe!r prtnts and the edltlhg, cutting and splicing of film. - positlons involved In the prwlslon of such sub- professional support services as agricultural testing and. inspection,’ gelogical testing, and ln the support areas of conservation and natural resources management. - posttlons lnvolvlng the, development and promotion of trades tralntng programmes, including counselling In --’ - ~711s Category also Includes: fie conduct of sub-professional applted sctentlftc work and the provision of support services to professional staff. entalllng such iesponsiblllties as: - the observation, calculatidn.‘recording and lnterpretatfon of tests, analyses, experiments, fleld surve.ys and fnvestlgatlons: .k - the operation of,equtpment such as electroencephalographs, electrocardiographs, atidlometers, X-ray and flourlscopes In support of programmes for the’dlagnostsr treatment, and prevention of human dlseasesand hazardtis physical conditions: - pditlcipatlng In the management and conduct of speclallzed programmes or units In arboriculture, horticulture, landscape, .d.eslgn. agrlculttire. parks, hatcheries, fish and wildlife and forest protectioh: - positlbns lnvolv.tig the identiflcstlon, classification, clrculatlon, organizatlon and compilation of Faterials ln suppqrt of such soclal~.science are& as museums, archive&and .lIbrciries.. This Caiege does not ‘Include: - posltlons lnvoived primarily ln the operatlcn of tedio transmltters or telegraph ehlpment, telephories or teletype equlpment and electronic data prccesslng equipment: ; positions ‘pilmarlly Involved ln the operation of prolectlon equipment: ,’ - positions In which a untverslty degree and teaching certlfldatlon 1s required td teach the subject mattert - posltfons iequlrlng the applIcaclon’of prdfesslonal knowledge Ih the.soclal areas: : .’ . . l l . . c . MEDICAL AND CHEMICAL LABORATORY TECHNICLAN CLASS SERIES KINDS OF WORK COVERED: positions covered by these class series provide technical assistance to the medical, scientific; engineering, chemical a.nd other professions in a variety of medical and chemical labora,tories throughout the service. Incumbents of positions in these classes perform a variety of tests and procedures of varying complexity, all of which require careful attention in their performance and accuracy in the recording of data, for quality con.trol purposes; to provide a diagnostic aid to the medical profession; as an aid in forensic chemistry; in support of a scientific research programme: as a service to industry, etc. CLASS ALLOCATION AND DEFINITION OF TERMS: While the technical complexity of the work performed at related levels may be the same, the field of analytical laboratory technology has been separated into two class series in order to more clearly differ- entiate wo~rk areas, to provide an equitable evaluation of related positions and to facilitate classification procedures. It is recognised that some tests. in each field may be essentially the same; that a chemical analysis function may occur in medical laboratories and a bio-chemical, bacterio- logical or a related function may occur in chemical laboratories. However, the bulk of procedures and tests in one kind of laboratory will differ from the bulk of those encountered in the other. The separation may be defined as follows: - TECHNICIAN 1 - 5, MEDICAL LABORATORY: -This class series covers positions of technicians engaged in the anams of predominatly biological materials such as blood, sera, tissue, bacteria. viruses, etc., by chemical, bacteriological or related techniques. The purpose is to provide technical assistance to the professions of medicine (including forensic and public health medicine), veterinary science, and teaching, and to experimental projects; as an aid to diagnosis for medical or medico-legal purposes or as a check on conditiona affecting public health. TECHNICIAN 1 - 5, CHEMICAL LABORATORY:- This class series covers positions of technicians in the analysis, - usually for the identification and/or quantation of chemicals or substances of predominantly organic materials suet as soils, plants, rocks, metals, plant products, gas. air, manufactured products, etc. The purpose is to provide tfechnical assistance to research projects, as a service to the public, for quality control purposes or to detect contaminants affectine health. .1--Y .W”“” -2- I These poaitions encompass a wide range of technical duties. Technic& complexity, technical competence and the ability to supervise subordinate staff are aspects to be considered in the allocation of poaitione. Super - vision of technicians and other laboratory staff is an influential factor in allocations to the upper level of the class series. In both cases the tests performed are classified generally into three catagories of “common”, “complex” and “specialty. ” “Common” tests and procedures are defined as those which do not require exceptional knowledges, skills or judgment in their performance because the methods are fully prescribed, the manipulations are not difficult to perform and the results ar.e readily recognized. Such tests are learned after brief instructional demonstrations and the employee’s performance improves as manipulative skills and familiarity with work processes are acquired through experience. This category may be further sub-divided into “simple” and “standard” tests and procedures. As a general rule the perfdrmcce of a limited number of “simple ” tests on a production line basis, following prescribed procedures, would result in allocations to the Technician 1 level. The performance of a number of “standard” tests where the methods are fully prescribed but the variety is more dispersed, - some elementary judgments are made.and supervision is not, closely applied except when new procedures are used or problems develop will generally result in allocations to the Technician 2,level. “Complex” tests and procedures are define’d as those which require highly developed skills, judgment and experience in their performance because results may be confused with others of simila~r qualities. Procedures may require modification due to differences in.batches of ingredients as determined by results with controls. Tests may be ‘-for different reasons, thus this category may be sub-divided into “difficult” and “intricate” tes_ts and procedures. “Difficult” in this context refers to tests and procedures, .the performance of which require judgment in the selection of alternatives and variations to standard procedures, the cateful execution of a series of exacting manipulations of materials and apparatus, the operation and minor maintenance of sophisticated and sensitive laboratory instruments and the accurate recording of procedures and results. The performance of a, Mriety of difficult tests would generally result in such positions being allocated to the Technician 3 level. “Intricate” in this context means those tests* and procedures which require a large number of operations with many possible I”’ sources of .error at various stages and require a high degree of skill and judgment in such functions as:- utilizing reference sources to determine modifications of apparatus and variations of procedures: selecting, modifying . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 ._“__ --_-_ - 3 -. and adapting test procedure6 to obtain optimum results; recognizing and interpreting r_eactions which a.~e-di.ff~~.r-t.~.~~b-~.er,, and whic:h can significantly affect the outcome of the test; and computing or interpreting interim and final test results which require the application of advanced mathematical techniques and a sound knowlezdge of scientific methodology. The proper performance of *‘intricate” testa and procedures requires an understanding of scientific processes at the profesai&exeLand employees performing such test6 would normally be a Scienttst, but tli6y‘may, in the absence of qualified professional staff, be performed by a highly skilled and experienced Technician. “Specialty ” tests and procedures’ are defined as those which are carried out without definitely outlined .methods, usually requiring frequent. ___ : -. modifications, and where spectal or modified apparatus or equipment is utilised. Interpretation of results is based on knowledge and experience or on a comison with standards from reference laboratories. Tests and procedures.of this nature are usu&y found in research settings and normally are closely directed’ by professional personnel but the technical work of a sub-professional nature is conducted by’ experienced technological staff. Employees in positions of this nature would normally be allocated to the Technician 3 level. Supervisory responsibility may be a function of some positions at the Technician 3 level. Both demonstrated supervisory and spe+list techno- logical abilities play an important part in allocations to the Technician 4. and 5 levels. In most case’s the allocation of positions to the Technician 5 level is due solely to a lack of qualified scientific staff. EXCLUSIONS FROM THESE CLASS SERIES 1. Laboratory positions, fiiled by fully qualified personnel, involving the interpretation of analytical test results which require a pro- fessional knowledge of the work area. Such positions would be allocated to the Scientist, Research Scientist, Physician or other professional class series. 2. Laboratory positions involving non-skilled staff performing non- technical taaks. Such positiona would be allocated to Laboratory Attendant, Caretaker, Labourer or other classes depending on the duties performed. 3. Laboratory positions involved with the (determination of the strength, durability, composition, resistence, etc. of the materials or equipment by visual examination and standard test procedures. Such positions would be allocated to the Technician, Physical Laboratory class series. DESIGINATION OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, HEALTH LABORATORIES 1. Class “A” Laboratory - a regional laboratory processing over 500., 000 units, specimens and examinations per annum. 2. Class “B” Laboratory - a regional laboratory processing over 250,000 but less than 500,000 units, specimens and examinations per annum. 3: Class “C” Laboratory - a regional laboratory processing less than 250.000 units, specimens and examinations per annum. July 1965 TECHNICIAN 1, CHEMICAL LABORATORY CLASS DEFINITION: Employees in positions allocated to this class are in training to become chemical technicians. They are instructed in the basic lab- oratory techniques and, under eupervision, they perform a variety of common tests and may assist technicians or scientists in complex tests or procedures. Under direction they perform common tests and procedures which are readily learned and tihere the manipulations and processes are straight-forward such as:- p.reparing yea.sta and moulds for microscopic examination; preparing standardised aolu,tions; determining the percentage content of ingredients in prepared paints; preparing samples for organa- leptic classification; the detection of chlorinated compounds, etc. They assist more senior .technicians and scientists in a Mriety of more complex tests and procedures such as:- measuring deneity, of samples by photometry; preparing microscopic slides of plant and other materials; performing water analysis by millpore fil.ter and other similar methods; determining fatty unaaturation by iodine laumber method, etc. They may be required to maintain the cleanliness of the work area; wash and dust apparatus and equipment; prepare simple reports; and perform other re- lated duties as may be assigned. This class is terminal for those post- tiqns where the full time duties are of a less demanding nature and less varied than those normally assigned to trained technicians. In such pobitions the incumbents perform a few si,mple tests on a volume basis following fully prescribed methods and pr,ocedures with little variety in test.9 performed or techniques used. QUALIFICATIONS: . 1. Junior Matriculation, including Grade 12 courses in mathematics and science. 2. Alertness; accuracy; nbatnesa; manual dexterity; ability to work co-operatively with other technical staff; good judgment. July 1965 TECHNICIAN 2, CHEMICAL LABORATORY CLASS DEFINITION: Employees in position allocated to this class conduct a variety of common tests and procedures, under supervision, with responsibility for the a-ccuracy of techniques and the reliability of results. In addition they may assist more senior technicians or scientists in conducting a variety of complex tests and in technical ‘demonstrations for trainee technicians. They conduct a variety of common tests and procedures such as: - the extraction of silver by fusion methods: the extraction of gold by acid method; determination of mineral and pigment content in paints; alcohol and nitrogen freezing of semen; the preparation of samples of tocopheral extractions for analysis by chromatogiaphic methods; determing the water absorbency of paints; theobarbituric acid test for fatty acid peroxides; soivent fractionation; the preparation of samples for the quantitative determination of knzyme activity: the determination of energy or chromic oxide content in feedstuffs; the determination of specific gravity and absorption of fine and course aggregates; measurement of free silica in samples by chemical means: the measurement of radium in water by Radon de-emanation method and aipha counting, etc. . . They may assist senior personnel’technical or scientific, in the performance of complex tests following laid down procedure or verbal instruction. ~The level of-the tests and procedures in which they assist are exemplified by the following; testing acids by filtration and paper chromatography; chemical analysis of meat to determine content of moisture fat; protein, and acidity: preparation of electrodes containing materials for spectrographic analysia;,observlng and recording bio-chemical reactiona in inoculated media; nitrogen determination by kjeldhal techniques; etc. Under Benera supervision they clean and set up laboratory equipment and prepare specimens, reagents, plates, tubes, etc., for common laboratc tests.Theykeep detailed records of results of tests, noting variations from expected results. They aasist in the training of trainee technicians and other laboratory staff and may supervise a small number of subordinates performing common tests on a production basis. ~They maintain the cleanlin of their work area and perform other duties as may be assigned. . . . . . . . . . . 2 -. 16052 - 2- QUALIFICATIONS: - 1. Junior Matriculation, including Grade 1.2 courses in mathematics and science and a minimum of four years’ experience in laboratory work, or An acceptable combination of education, practical experience and self teaching recognized by Civil Service Commission as being the equivalent. 2. Alertness; keen powers of observation; skill and care in the operation. of laboratory equipment; accuracy; integrity; neatness; ability to work co-operatively with other ataN; good judgment. July 1965 y 16054 TECHNICIAN 3. CHEMICAL LABORATORY CLASS DEFINITION: Employees in positions allocated to this class, as experienced laboratory technicians conduct a variety of complex tests, under general supervision, with responsibility for the reliability of results and the maintenance of associated records. They may make assignments to junior technicians and instruct trainees in~the conduct of a variety of common tests or act as a group leader in the’performance of such tests. In some positions they may be, respon,sible for the supervision of a group of Labora- tory Attendants and Technicians engaged in conducting common laboratory tests and the preparation of standard chemical compounds, for test purposes. _.. .,~ .~ .Y_.Y --____ _~ Under general supervision, these employees conduct complex tests and’ procedures such as: - analysis of soils for moisture and mineral content using leaching, kjeldhal and flame photometric methods; quantitative ana- lysis of herbicide mixtures, wood preservatives, .solvent mixtures, anti- freeze, etc; chemical analysie of equine saliva and ur.ine for drugs; extracting fractions with solvents and purifying through paper chromate- graphic techniques; chemical analysis of water and coal; qualitative and quantitative determinations of chemical compounds in agricultural .crops; chemicai and fire assay of precious metals; making specialised cultural media for research purposes; determination of plant nutrients, pH and salt concentrations in soils by extraction , calorimetric or gravimetric measurement; chemical analysis of materials to evaluate quality by deter- mination of specific gravity, organic and inorganic components, acidity, absorbencyi etc; equipment for emission spectroscopy or for spectrographic analysis, etc. In addition to tests representative of those above they may conduct a variety of, routine common tests necessary to the operation of their work area. In some .positions these employees assist professional or scientific personnel in direct support of an experimental or research programme. Insuch positions they are required to perform a variety of “common”, “cbmplex”. and “specialty ” tests and procedures, modifying techniques as necessary; srt up an_d modify laborator ; and ,mahtai* detailed and acme records of They are responsible. for the maintenance in good working order of laboratory. equipment and the cleanliness of the equipment and work area. They may be,required to perform related duties as required. -2 - QUALIFKCATIONS: - 16054 1. Junior Matriculation, including Grade 12 courses in mathemati,cs and science, plus a minimum of seven years’ experience in laboratory work. OR. -_ An acceptable combination of education, practi.cal experience and self teaching recognised by Civil Service Commission as being the, equivalent. 2. Keen powers of observation; proven ability in the care and operation of laboratory equipment; technical versatility; manual dexterity; good judgment. I July 1965 c ’ 16056 Tl%HNICIAN 4, CHEMICAL LABORATORY : CLASS DEFINITION: .; Employees in position allocated to this c1as.s supervise a large group of technicians who perform a variety of “common” tests or super- vise a number of technicians who perform “complex” or “specialty” tests or a combination of the two. They ark responsible for assigning and scheduling the work performed by their subordinate staff and for the validity of the results obtained and they provide technicd guidance to junior staff in each phase. They assist in compiling reports, keep detailed records of test results, draw conclusions and pass to their supervisor for consideration. They are usually responsible for the control of all equipment and supplies used in the laboratory and the requisitioning of additional supplies or equipment as required. Ia addition to their normal supervisory function these employees usually perform the unusually “complex” or “speciality” tests or procedures; setting up the special apparatus necessary, recording of procedures followed and interim results, and the preparation of the test report: and they are responsible for the reliability of the results obtained. In other positions, these employees , as non-supervisory specialists, perform difficult and demanding microscopic, spectrographic or other speciallzed and intricate examinations to identify samples, to determine the presence of unstable or difficult, to isolate elements, etc., where the procedures followed and the techniques employed require a sound knowledge of scientific methodology, and they usually provide an interpretation of the test results obtained. They have final respon- sibility’for the validity of the results obtained and they may be required, in some positions to appear in court as an expert witness. QUALIFICATIONS: . 1. Junior Matriculation, including Grade 12 courses in mathematics and science, plus a minimum of ten years’ laboratory experience? preferably completion of advanced training in a specialioed field or a general advanced training course, OR An acceptable combination of education. practical experience and self teaching recognised by the Civil Service Commission as being the equitilent. 2. Supervisory ability; analytical ability; integrity; keen powers of observation. - -- 16058 TECHNICIAN 5, CHEMICAL LABORATORY : 1. CLASS DEFINITION: This class covers responsible and highly skilled technical positions, in which the incumbents, under the general direction of a senior professionai supervisor, perform complex scientific work at ‘the professional level involving the application of skills and knowledge normally possessed and exercised by a professional scientist. Employees in positions allocated to this class, as Technician-in-charge of a major laboratory installation, usually supervise and train a’number of technicians and other laboratory staff, including in some cases junior scientists. :in the conduct of ana- lytical laboratory tests and practical experiments. They are responsible ‘for the accuracy of all tests performed. in their work area; they consolidate and interpret results obtained; and they prepare reports for submission to their supervisor. They prepare duty rosters, holiday schedules, etc., and outline duties, assign staff and check work progress. In addition to the technical supervision of laboratory ope:rations, these employees, working at the professional level, perform complex evahmtive and developmental scientific studies requiring the utilization of a hig:h degree of skill and judgment in the selection and use of reference sources; the application of scientific techniques to complex problems requiring a professional knowledge of all aspects of the work area; the compilation and analysis of data, and the preparation of detailed reports. Their work is reviewed on the basis of results obtained and reports are evaluated on the basis of scientific adequacy. These employees are perfor:ming at the level of proSessional 1: scientists and the allocation of positions to this cla,ss usually results from lack of qualified professional staff. QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Junior Matriculation, including Grade I2 cou.rses in mathematics and science. Preferably the completion of ad,vanced courses.in subject matter related to the work area. 2. Many years of increasingly responsible laboratory experience as a Technician, Chemical Laboratory or the equivalent. 3. Alertness; keen powers of observation: accuracy: supervisory ability; reliability; good judgment. July 1965