Overview
Term : 1 year
The Structures, Materials, Concrete, and Fatigue Technologist will be responsible for the effective delivery of undergraduate teaching laboratories, graduate student research, and data acquisition. In supporting undergraduate teaching, the position involves planning, developing, and delivering undergraduate laboratories, assisting students in carrying out projects and supporting undergraduate capstone projects. With respect to graduate testing and research, activities include application of appropriate health and safety measures, quality assurance and quality control. Other activities include assisting graduate students in the assembly, construction, deployment, and troubleshooting of research apparatus / instrumentation, and participating in testing and data collection.
Responsibilities
Undergraduate Laboratory Instruction and Maintenance
- Responsible for the safety of all users of the Structures, Materials, Concrete, and Fatigue labs. This includes ordering safety materials, cleaning up work areas, removal and proper disposal of refuse, and overseeing user clean up
- Provide laboratory instruction, when required, for undergraduate teaching labs
- Prepare lab equipment and order supplies required for conducting teaching labs
- Make improvements to existing experiments and exercises so they are more suitable for achieving educational goals in the context of a civil engineering education
- Work with other technical staff and teaching assistants to ensure that all experiments in all courses work properly before classes meet
- Assist and instruct undergraduate students and teaching assistants (TAs) in the use of specialized testing equipment within the Structures, Materials, Concrete, and Fatigue, and other CEE labs
- Train users in the correct use of servo hydraulic test systems, calibration of sensors, and verification of proper equipment operation, so that predetermined operational standards are maintained
- Provide testing and data acquisition training to undergraduate students, TAs, and faculty, as required, so that simple modifications to data acquisition programs may be performed
- Undertake construction, fabrication, test set-up, repair, trouble-shooting, problem-solving, test modification, equipment calibration, evaluation and handling of research and test equipment
- Provide technical assistance in all CEE labs, as required
- Keep current with test standards, teaching methodologies, and modern equipment
- Assist in equipment procurement planning and evaluation, maintenance, and upgrades in the SMCF labs, including the set-up, repair and maintenance of the servo hydraulic system
- Co-ordinate and liaise with other technical staff on laboratory activities
Assist with Research Activities
Provide technical support for graduate students and researchers in the construction, deployment, troubleshooting, and analysis of field and laboratory experimental test setups and data collectionTrain users in the correct use of servo hydraulic test systems, calibration of sensors, and verification of proper equipment operation, so that predetermined operational standards are consistently maintainedUndertake construction, fabrication, test set-up, repair, trouble-shooting, problem-solving, test modification, equipment calibration, evaluation and handling of research and test equipmentPeriodically complete field assignments, acting as onsite safety officer, technical lead, and assisting in data collectionProvide instruction and technical guidance in the application of QA / QC protocols for specific test methodsManufacture and fabricate research apparatus / instrumentationMaintain continuity of activities during transition periods from one grad student to anotherReview technical literature, identify, and help select laboratory and field equipment / software that will satisfy present and future research needsHealth, Safety & Environment (HSE)
Act as the HSE supervisor for undergraduate laboratories and field tripsResponsible for the establishment of safe field and laboratory practices for all lab users, working closely with the Departmental HSE CoordinatorUnderstand and manage the hazards of the lab and field environment and ensure that students are implementing appropriate safety measures, and when applicable, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)Assist with and maintain laboratory safety inspectionsDevelop and review job hazard analyses, standard operating practices (SOPs), field risk assessments, and laboratory risk assessmentsComplete and maintain all HSE training required for the position, including first aid certificationOther
As requested, participate on departmental, faculty and university committeesAssist with the setup and running of departmental competitions and special events : Capstone Design Symposium, Design Days, Explorations, open houses, and student design teamsWork collaboratively with the other technologists on the teamUndertake other duties as assigned by their managerQualifications
3+ year Technologist diploma in Civil, Mechanical, or Instrumentation Engineering Technology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience3-5 years of experience in a research or related industrial settingKnowledge and experience in destructive structural testing and materials testingProficient knowledge of instrumentation and data collection systems and methodsStrong computer skillsAbility to manage multiple, competing prioritiesAbility to maintain attention to detail in a fast paced, multitasking environmentFlexible in assisting with new tasks as assignedExcellent written and oral communicationsExcellent organizational, time management, interpersonal, and analytical skillsExperience working with hand and power toolsValid G Driver’s License requiredExperience in lab course development and instruction an assetFirst aid certification is an asset