What are the responsibilities and job description for the METROLOGIST - 05252023-46386 position at State of Tennessee?
Job Information
State of Tennessee Job Information
Opening Date/Time
Thur 05/25/2023 12:00AM Central Time
Closing Date/Time
Wed 06/07/2023 11:59PM Central Time
Salary (Monthly)
$4,450.00
Salary (Annually)
$53,400.00
Job Type
Full-Time
City, State Location
Nashville, TN
Department
Agriculture
LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSUMER AND INDUSTRY SERVICES DIVISION, DAVIDSON COUNTY
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience: Education equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, math, or chemistry and two years full-time laboratory metrology experience.
Substitution of Education for Experience: None.
Substitution of Experience for Education: qualifying full-time metrology laboratory experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of four years.
Other Requirements
Necessary Special Qualifications: A valid motor vehicle operator’s license may be required for employment. Attendance and successful completion of applicable National Institute of Standards Technology metrology training must be completed in the first year of employment.
Examination Method: Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.
Job Overview
Summary: Under general supervision, is responsible for technical metrology laboratory work and performs related work as required.
Distinguishing Features: An employee in this class administers the statewide program for precision calibrations of mass, volume, and length standards. May function as the lead worker over a small staff.
Work Activities
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment:
- Ensures balances and standards are accurately calibrated and the TN Metrology Laboratory maintains traceability to NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) by employing recognized testing procedures, performing a variety of statistical measurements, development and maintenance of control charts, and other NIST mandated documentation.
- Weighs and/or measures mass, volume and other standards according to NIST, USDA, and related procedures to ensure Tennessee measurement results are in compliance with those of other laboratories participating in regional and national “round robin” measurement testing.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment:
- Stores mass and volume standards safely in metrology laboratory for 24 to 48 hours to acclimate the standards before testing.
- Mass standards are tested to determine if they are in/out of tolerance using NIST standard operating procedures.
- Makes appropriate adjustments to bring mass standards back into tolerance by opening cavity of mass standard and adding or removing material.
- Marks mass standards to certify compliance with NIST standards by applying appropriate seal.
- Volume standards are tested to determine if they are in/out of tolerance based on NIST standard operating procedures.
- Makes appropriate adjustments to bring volume standards into tolerance by adjustment of reference line.
- Certifies volume standards are in tolerance by applying appropriate seal.
- Tests length standards to determine if it is in/out of tolerance based on NIST standard operating procedures.
- Grain moisture standards (e.g., corn, soybeans, wheat) utilized to test grain moisture meters are prepared according to NIST and GIPSA (Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyard Administration) guidelines.
- Tests timing standards (e.g., stopwatches, etc.) to determine if it is in/out of tolerance based on NIST standard operating procedures.
- Tests thermometers to determine if they are in/out of tolerance based on standard operating procedures.
Performing General Physical Activities:
- Manually lifts and carries weights up to 60 lbs. and moves to/from appropriate work station - heights of approximately 3' - often using precise movements. Maintains constant vigilance for safety by utilizing appropriate methods.
- Climbs stairs and works on ladders and elevated platforms, to a height of up to 20'.
- Sits for extended period of time while conducting laboratory procedures.
- Stands and works on concrete surfaces.
- May perform testing procedures in a variety of environmental conditions - climate controlled environment as well as outdoor conditions.
- Complies with all recommended safety procedures - such as use of goggles, gloves, back brace, protective clothing, etc.
Interacting With Computers:
- Utilizes Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access and custom software for record keeping, creating certificates, maintaining documentation, date the standard(s) was/were calibrated.
- Enters calibration certificate number, date, status and type of agency, description of standard into database to create reports as requested (e.g., number and type of tests performed, revenue generated, etc.).
- Enters lab data into spreadsheet to determine if corrective action is needed for compliance with NIST tolerance requirements.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others:
- Interprets meaning of information on calibration reports or letters, as requested.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings:
- Monitors environmental conditions of metrology laboratory including temperature, humidity and barometric pressure to ensure compliance with NIST Handbook 143.
- Determines possible vibration and its effect on measurement accuracy by using appropriate instruments.
- Ensures proper disposal of potentially hazardous materials (e.g., petroleum products, lead, etc.).
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards:
- Standards found to be in compliance are marked appropriately and approved for use.
- Standards found to be out of compliance are adjusted, if possible and marked appropriately and approved for use.
- Standards found to be out of compliance and are not able to be adjusted, are rejected and marked appropriately so standard will not be used.
Controlling Machines and Processes:
- Safely operates shop equipment (e.g., drills, grinders, spray painter, air compressor) according to manufacturer's recommendations.
- Operates office equipment (e.g., fax machine, copy machine, cameras, scientific calculator, computer) according to manufacturer's recommendations.
- Uses lab testing equipment for its intended purpose according to manufacturer's recommendations.
Analyzing Data or Information:
- Determines appropriate tests and/or procedures to perform on the standards received by visual inspection or physical inspection, or customer consultation.
- Determines approximate time needed to complete test and respond to owner.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work:
- Receives a request from customer/industry requesting calibration services by mail, phone, electronic message, etc.
- Notifies regulated customer by mail, phone or electronic message of need to calibration services.
- Prioritizes work to be completed so that resources of staff and materials are used efficiently, taking into account the need of the customer.
Documenting/Recording Information:
- Electronically logs in standards by recording the customer name, number of items, date received, date of appointment, condition of standard(s), method of delivery to lab.
- Records return date of standards on electronic calendar and method of return.
- Utilizes Edison to record daily attendance and leave.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates:
- Communicates with field inspectors via phone, e-mail, direct conversations to provide additional information, enhance skills, status of equipment, etc.
- Communicates with compliance auditors to provide data on amount, type and quality of work.
- Communicates with financial auditors to provide data on revenue generated.
- Communicates with program administrator regarding status of calibrations, pending calibrations, etc.
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization:
- Effectively communicates with laboratory customers via telephone, direct contact, e-mail, etc. regarding testing process, capabilities of lab, fees, etc.
- Provides requested data and information to NIST and GIPSA as necessary.
- Contacts vendors and potential vendors to obtain information about maintenance, operation of lab equipment and request price information of equipment.
- Develops contacts with peers at national meetings for the purpose of acting upon non-routine measurement situations, finding referrals for specialized equipment/supplies, etc.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge:
- Attends required NIST-sponsored metrologist training.
- Gains information on round-robin testing results and procedures for future round-robin testing.
- Participates in training on new procedures, protocols and other technical requirements.
- Participates in webinars regarding technically related subject providing on-going training, opportunity to update/refresh skills.
- Receives technical papers and journal updates.
Performing Administrative Activities:
- Maintains files containing testing results performed in-state and out-of-state, copies of letters to notify customers of need for renewal.
- Maintains records of calibration results of Metrology Lab's equipment.
- Works with office personnel on inventory of lab equipment.
- Verifies an adequate supply of commodities (e.g., gloves, wipes, cleaning solvents) is maintained.
- Responds to e-mails, phone calls, and other correspondence as required.
Competencies (KSA'S)
Competencies:
- Functional/Technical Competency
- Intellectual Horsepower
- Problem Solving
- Technical Learning
- Planning
- Time Management
- Managerial Courage
- Presentation Skills
- Customer Focus
- Integrity and Trust
Knowledge:
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
- Physics
- Public Safety and Security
Skills:
- Critical Thinking
- Mathematics
- Science
- Speaking
- Writing
- Complex Problem Solving
- Equipment Maintenance
- Equipment Selection
- Operation and Control
- Quality Control Analysis
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Time Management
Abilities:
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Number Facility
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Control Precision
- Finger Dexterity
- Multi-limb Coordination
- Dynamic Strength
- Static Strength
- Depth Perception
- Far Vision
- Near Vision
Tools and Equipment Used
- Mass Comparators/Analytical Balances
- Mass/volume/length standards
- Thermometers/thermistors
- Humidity/temperature/barometric measuring equipment
- Grain moisture meters/drying oven/grinding mill
- Various shop tools
- Various office equipment
TN Driver Standards
State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:
- A valid driver's license
- For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.
Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.
**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.
