SCIENCE TECHNICIAN

General Definition

This is technical work performing a variety of assignments in support of engineering, scientific and medical projects in an assigned department. Employees perform such assignments as water quality investigations, collecting and evaluating water, wastewater and sludge samples, preparing preliminary mechanical, electrical or electronic designs and plans and making minor changes to designs and plans when necessitated by operational efficiency and field conditions for Water Department specialty. Employees perform a variety of testing and present evidence in court in support of police investigations for Police Department positions. Employees in the Health Department positions perform a variety of microbiological, serological, biochemical, microscopic, parasitologic, hemotologic and other diagnostic tests and examinations or sample extraction and preparation. The employees perform these assignments in support of engineering or technical staff in a water or wastewater plant, or in support of engineering, scientific, medical or technical staff engaged in laboratory testing and analysis for a Health, Police or Water Department laboratory, or in research and development or a related function. This class differs from similar classes by the diversity of the assignments. Work may involve shift work and disagreeable aspects. Work is performed under the supervision of an engineering, scientific, medical, administrative or technical superior.

Allocating Factors:

(The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)

Positions must perform a variety of assignments in support of engineering, scientific and medical projects appropriate to the assigned department.

Typical Examples Of Work (Illustrative Only)

GENERAL

ALL SPECIALTIES AND ASSIGNMENTS

Operates and maintains a variety of laboratory equipment; performs simple maintenance, adjustments and inspection of equipment; calibrates laboratory equipment utilizing a variety of controls and prepared samples; maintains laboratory environment in a sanitary condition.
Performs statistical analysis of data, using mean, standard deviations and various other formulae; compiles and enters data; performs calculations; prepares written reports on projects, tests results, and basic interpretation for engineers, scientists, medical and technical staff; prepares a variety of charts, graphs and tables for the presentation of collected data; distributes reports to city, state and federal agencies.
Performs various quality control functions in the laboratory as required.
Maintains a written log of field observations and writes reports of relevant findings, including the results of samples.
May test the operation and condition of plumbing backflow prevention devices.
Participates in training new technicians by demonstrating techniques.
Performs related work as required.
WATER SPECIALTY

WATER QUALITY ASSIGNMENT
- Performs water quality surveys; gathers data and water and wastewater samples and performs standard field and laboratory, physical, chemical or biological tests to determine water quality contents; performs standardized tests a variety of environmental samples; prescribes, on the basis of established tests, the amounts of chemicals to be added to the treatment process; notifies plant operators of test results requiring changes in chemical treatment; performs strategic sampling of watersheds, treatment plants, water distribution systems, reservoirs and large industrial facilities; reads maps and diagrams in order to determine appropriate sample locations and problem sites; collects water samples involving the sanitizing of water mains and storage facilities and coordinates the activity with affected department units.
- Assists in the coordination of the laboratory's scheduled sample collection routes;, reviews their field data, performs sampling and evaluates scheduling of routes; logs samples; prepares sample bottles, including specialized cleaning, adding special reagents, and labeling.
- Responds to customer complaints of water quality problems; reviews inspectors' drawings to identify the problem location; collects samples and reports findings; coordinates with field inspector or other personnel in the resolution of complaints; makes inspection of conditions; interacts with customer and collects appropriate water samples; performs simple tests and prepares written compilation of results.
- Performs standard tests on a wide variety of materials and products purchased by the City of Philadelphia in order to determine adherence to specification or to determine unknown content or properties.
- Researches historical records and data in order to locate plans, or pertinent field conditions; compiles lists of plumbing permits; uses computer terminal, maps and plans in locating operational devices and sampling and problem sites; assists in the coordination of vehicle and field equipment maintenance.
- Enters data into Laboratory Information Management System or other programs; runs established reports.
WATER OR WASTEWATER PLANT ASSIGNMENT
- Prepares preliminary sketches, designs, plans and specifications; reviews designs prepared by design engineers and consultants to determine compatibility with field conditions; may make minor modifications to designs and plans; performs field inspections to determine if work complies with plans and specifications; reviews manufacturers' parts and equipment manuals, industry handbooks and other literature applicable to water engineering and support assignments.
- Monitors, studies, modifies and makes improvements to mechanical, electrical and electronic equipment and components; updates wiring schematics and drawings; provides technical support for electronic engineering projects in areas such as instrumentation, automation, computer and communications systems by testing equipment and support systems and recommending minor modifications; researches and participates in training on new methods and technologies for improved mechanical, electrical and electronic programs and systems.
- Coordinates special mechanical, electrical or electronic projects; provides technical support on a variety of projects; researches historical records in order to locate plans of problem sites pertinent to project assignment.
GENERAL

POLICE ASSIGNMENT
- Prepares specimens for examination following standard procedures such as centrifuging samples, prepares standard solutions, reagents, and other laboratory materials; observes and records test results.
- Performs a wide variety of serological testing to determine the content of various substances in body fluids by chemical, macroscopic and microscopic examination; prepares rape kit samples for the microscopic examination of spermatozoa and performs microscopic examinations; performs DNA extraction, quantification, amplification and typing of reference standards for DNA cases; aids in the testing of physical evidence; tracks evidence via the computer.
- Testifies in court as to the results and nature of testing in civil and criminal cases; explains the meaning of tests results, and describes in lay person’s terms testing procedures and techniques to court members; explains laboratory results to investigators and attorneys as required.
- Initiates vendor orders and prepares supplies for laboratory use.
MEDICAL LABORATORY ASSIGNMENT
Logs in and labels specimens; prepares specimens for examination following standard procedures such as centrifuging samples, incubating specimens, and preparing serial dilutions; dissects and extracts brain tissue samples from animals suspected of rabies; prepares standard solutions, reagents, and other laboratory materials; observes and records test results.
Performs a wide variety of biochemical, microbiological, serological and other clinical testing and determinations; determines the content of various substances in body fluids, water, and food by chemical, macroscopic and microscopic examination; streaks various specimens on the proper media and isolates, counts and identifies various microorganisms by microscopic, macroscopic, and chemical examination; identifies antibodies in blood by examining titrated blood sera; determines the content and characteristics of body fluids; prepares samples and isolates parasitic organisms, larvae, and eggs; disposes of laboratory wastes; performs inventory; transports, dates and stores supplies; subcultures control specimens; monitors and maintains incubator, refrigerator and freezer temperatures.
Selects collection site and extracts venous blood from patients; discusses extraction with patient to reduce fear and distress, particularly with pediatric cases; maintains appointment records and prepares reports and logs of laboratory activity; maintains adequate supply levels in laboratory; tracks status of tests sent to central laboratory; arranges transport of samples. Explains clinical procedures to patients in order to gain informed consent documents.
Performs standardized chemical tests to determine the extent and content of pollutants in the air, water, food and air.
Enters patient demographic, test order and test result data into information systems.

FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY ASSIGNMENT

Retrieves autopsy specimens from the morgue on a daily basis; logs in and labels samples; organizes specimens for short and log term storage; organizes, stores and disposes of specimens according to biohazard safety practices; performs simple wet chemistry testing following standardized procedures; prepares a wide variety of chemical solutions, reagents and buffers for laboratory testing use; performs extractions of drugs and other substances from blood samples; conducts immunoassay testing, including preparing samples, calibrating and operating computer driven instrumentation for immunoassay testing

Operates a gas chromatograph and reviews results collected; troubleshoots and maintains gas chromatograph; prepares samples for DNA paternity testing; prepares fluoridated blood specimen and brain jars for City morgue; may prepare samples for further analysis following standardized procedures; maintains appropriate records and documents all procedures to assure proper chain of custody for specimens and samples; arranges the transfer of samples to outside laboratories for additional tests.

Maintains Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) while working with hazardous or toxic solutions or specimens; follows all applicable written laboratory procedures and may participate in the creation and validation of new procedures.

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Knowledge Of:

Basic principles and practices of engineering or engineering technology as required by assignment
The basic principles of chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, parasitology, hematology, microscopy and serology as required by assignment
The principles and practices of water and wastewater treatment for the Water Department specialty
The principles, practices, techniques and instruments related to drafting and plans revision for the Water Department specialty
The preparation of preliminary design and specification writing for the Water Department specialty
Mathematics and its application to basic chemistry, biology and engineering calculations
The nomenclature, technical symbols, equipment and materials used in chemistry, biology and/or basic engineering
The principles and techniques for setting up and operating analytical and monitoring instrumentation
The principles, practices and methods used in basic chemistry, biology and/or hydraulics
The principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
The techniques used in conducting basic chemical testing
Computer software and hardware required by the assignment
The hazards and safety precautions of laboratory work

Skill In:

The use and care of instruments, tools, materials and equipment used in basic chemistry, biology and/or engineering
Venous and capillary blood extraction for the Medical Laboratory assignment

Ability To:

Learn the applicable City, State and Federal regulations and department procedures and policies
Learn the fundamental causes and effects of water quality degradation and improvement for the Water specialty
Learn the principles of stream and estuary flow and natural runoff for the Water specialty
Prepare, read and interpret technical plans, layouts, charts, diagrams, schematics, maps, estimates, specifications and reports if required by assignment
Operate chemical and biological laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation
Install and operate water sampling and flow measurement equipment for the Water specialty
Perform a wide variety of medical laboratory tests in accordance with prescribed procedures and instructions for the Health assignments
Make accurate observations of test results and to prepare accurate reports and records
Prepare and interpret reports showing test results and analyses
Learn how to run basic computer programs
interact effectively with co-workers and clients

Minimum Acceptable Training And Experience

(The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 10/11.)

WATER SPECIALTY

Education

Completion of a two year program at a technical institute or an accredited college or university with major course work in water, engineering, construction, architectural or medical technology, engineering, biology, chemistry, or environmental studies. OR
Completion of a one year course (30 credits) in the areas named above at a technical institute or an accredited college or university which has included satisfactory completion of a minimum of six credit hours in one of the areas listed above. AND

Experience

One year
- Performing chemical or bacteriological tests, operating and maintaining water chemical laboratory instrumentation, or
- Full performance level drafting work, preparing detailed maps, drawings, plans and designs.
OR

Education

Education equivalent to completion of twelfth school grade and satisfactory completion of a formal internship program designed by the City of Philadelphia. AND

Experience

Two years of engineering and sciences technician work at the trainee level.

OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources which has included completion of one year of post high school training at an accredited technical institute or college as specified above or an internship program specified above as an educational minimum.

GENERAL SPECIALTY

Education

Completion of an Associate’s Degree program from an accredited college or university in a qualifying scientific or medical field. *
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Registry certification as a Medical Technician (MLT) is preferred.

* Qualifying scientific and medical fields include:

Medical Laboratory Technician Studies, Biology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Forensic Chemistry or a closely related field.

NOTE:

Selective Factor Certification may be utilized, as needed, to fill specific positions. In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 11.032 - Selective Factor Certification - the appointing authority may request certification of eligible candidates with one or more of the required degrees to fill specific positions in this class. Certification to fill such positions will be made from of the two highest ranking eligible candidates on the eligible list who possess the specified degree.

Physical And Medical Requirements

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

Licenses, Registrations And/Or Certificates

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Science Technician if required by work assignment.

PAY RANGE:

Class Established:
- 3G32 - 4/74
- 3G12 - 5/67
- 3G30 - 11/66
Spec. Revision (3G32):
- 5/87
- 11/07
Spec. Revision and Consolidation with 3G12 and 3G30:
- CSC: 2/08, Ad Board: 3/08
>
Latest Spec. Revision:
- CSC: 9/11, Ad Board: 10/11

CBJ/jl

City Of Philadelphia Office Of Human Resources

3G32