Payroll Title: UCP VIII
Class Code: 0829-9088
Job Family: TLR
FLSA Code: E
Score: 621

TECHNICAL ASSOCIATE

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of designated supervisor an/or faculty member, provides complex technical assistance and laboratory supervision in support of the research, teaching or service activities of a department.

GUIDELINES FOR USING THE POSITION

Incumbents in this position are expected to know and apply to the completion of projects a comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures in a technical specialty. Work is often difficult or complex requires considerable planning and can vary over a wide range of technical tasks, which present new and unusual problems with some regularity. Incumbents are expected to work from broad objectives with considerable latitude for non-reviewed action or decisions. Problem solving and ingenuity are the norm. Jobs at this level normally include supervision of a small laboratory operation and/or technical staff.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Prepares or supervises preparation of samples for analysis or testing.

Selects and adapts most appropriate methods and techniques from a variety of possibilities, some of which may appear equally suitable; as needed, researches and develops new or modified methods and techniques when standard ones are inadequate.

Independently performs tests or analyses using a variety of complex methods and techniques, which may require substantial modification to achieve reliable results or may require solving problems inherent with the methodology; calculates results, evaluates findings and determines need for further analysis; prepares comprehensive reports which document methodology, evaluate findings and explain other information pertinent to the analysis

Operates, tests and calibrates analytical instruments, equipment and related components, which may be extremely delicate and sensitive; makes adjustments and resolves new and unusual problems.

Is responsible for maintaining in proper working order equipment, instruments and related apparatus, which may be highly specialized or prototype; troubleshoots and resolves problems of unusual difficulty; may be responsible for design, construction or modification of such equipment.

May manage a small laboratory operation, with responsibility for proper maintenance of laboratory conditions, safety procedures, equipment, instruments, supplies, expenditures, files and records; may supervise technicians of lower grade.

Initiates purchases of equipment and supplies; maintains contact with vendors and searches commercial market to determine availability and cost of equipment/instruments to meet needs of the department

Serves as a resource to students, staff and faculty in area of specialization; works with and advises faculty, administrators or clients to support their research, teaching or service needs.

Keeps abreast of development in area of expertise and related scientific fields through reading of scientific journals and technical papers; adapts new technology as appropriate to meet changing laboratory needs or improve effectiveness or efficiency.

Participates in discussions of research protocols and objectives.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree in specialty appropriate to department to be served and 2 - 4 years experience OR Bachelor's degree and 5 to 7 years experience.

Comprehensive knowledge of the technical specialty, appropriate to the department to be served, and proven ability to apply a wide range of concepts, techniques and practices to carry out broad laboratory objectives.

Proven ability to evaluate and produce reliable results, problem-solve and trouble shoot complex problems

Knowledge of state of the art technology appropriate to the technical specialty.

Supervisory ability

Ability to maintain and troubleshoot complex problems with laboratory equipment; design and construction capability may be required in some specialty areas.

Knowledge of computers and programming may be required in some specialty areas.