Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 00092135	Description Activated On: 1/28/2026 4:04:50 PM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively.

This position description does not include every duty of the position and other duties outside of this position description may be asked.

Performs a full range of testing procedures in the Asphalt Laboratory Unit including research testing on many types of asphalt materials according to American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Standards, ASTM International Standards or Pennsylvania Test Methods (PTM). Provides accurate and timely testing on asphalt materials to ensure International Organization for Standardization/ International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) 17025 accreditation and AASHTO re:source accreditation are maintained.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

Prepares samples for testing, performs testing in accordance with established procedures and reports test results on the following types of asphalt including, but not limited to: asphalt concrete pavement core samples, asphalt mixture samples, liquid cutback asphalt samples, liquid binder samples, and emulsified asphalt samples.

Performs routine testing in accordance with AASHTO, ASTM, or PTM standards and specifications. Research testing is performed as directed by the supervisor, a lab manager, or the lab unit manager.

Performs tests accurately and in a timely manner to meet the established Quality Management System (QMS) Objectives and turn-around times.

Performs all duties in compliance with PennDOT Laboratory Testing Section (LTS), and QMS established procedures to maintain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and AASHTO accreditation.

Participates in AASHTO resource Laboratory Assessment Program on-site laboratory inspections.

Performs testing on various Asphalt Proficiency Samples distributed by the AASHTO Accreditation Program (AAP), AASHTO resource. Performs proficiency sample testing and reports test results to maintain high ratings on assigned AASHTO resource proficiency test samples.

Verifies test equipment, including scales, and sieves are calibrated and in acceptable condition before use. Ensures test equipment produces results within established test method, quality procedures or specification sensitivity tolerances by performing routine equipment checks and equipment maintenance at the minimum frequencies established in the test methods, QMS objectives, or specifications. Documents equipment maintenance and sensitivity checks in the Equipment Logbook as required by the QMS procedures. Notifies the supervisor or manager immediately when equipment is not working, not performing properly, out of calibration, or does not produce results within established sensitivity tolerances.

Ensures test equipment including scales, and sieves are calibrated and are in acceptable condition before use. Notifies the supervisor or manager immediately when equipment is not working, not performing properly, out of calibration, or does not produce results within established sensitivity tolerances. Document equipment maintenance and sensitivity checks in logbooks.

Cleans and maintains laboratory test equipment, laboratory test areas, and laboratory storage areas on a routine, daily basis.

Works overtime, as required, to meet testing turnaround times established by QMS Objectives.

Performs other laboratory related duties as required.

Safety
1. Assess your environment and be responsible for your safety, the safety of co-workers, and the public.
2. Attend required safety training and adhere to the requirements of all safety manuals, policies, and laws.
3. Immediately report to your supervisor any incident, unsafe practice, or near miss.
4. When in an enclosed environment (office buildings, confined spaces, flagger stations, equipment pinch points, etc.), know your evacuation process and escape route, your communication protocols, and appropriately react in the event of an incident.
5. Evaluate contractor operations:
•Immediately stop unsafe actions.
•Engage in outgoing safety dialogue with the contractor’s leadership.
6. Promote a CULTURE that emphasizes SAFETY as a core value:
-immediately stop any unsafe actions.
-Incorporate safety into all discussions, deliberations, and decisions.
-Continuously communicate the safety direction.
-Inspire employees to be a MODEL for safety.
-Encourage and support safety initiatives and programs by participating and involving staff.
-Recognize safety daily.
-Acknowledge EXTRAORDINARY achievements.
-Learn and improve through After-Action Reviews (AAR's)
-Enforce accountability.

Succession Planning
Take an active role in succession planning by completing a Career Development Plan in collaboration with the supervisor. In conjunction with the supervisor, participate in knowledge management/transfer by identifying key aspects of the job and sharing explicit and tacit program/technical knowledge with other employees.

Department Green Plan Policy
As part of PennDOT's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) obligations including National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NEDES) Permit compliance and stockpile good housekeeping, commit to following the Departments Green Plan Policy (Pub 712) and the associated principals. Failure to comply with Department Green Plan Policy shall be documented in employee’s performance review.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Unless directed otherwise by your supervisor or manager, comply with stated work hours for the 7.5-hour day.

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

Technician determines what tests need to be performed and in what order tests are run when samples are assigned. Also, makes decisions if test results are valid. Sends test results to Supervisor for review and final approval.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1.   N/A

2.   N/A

3.   N/A

4.

5.

6.

Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.

1.	Effectively communicate orally and in writing.
2.	Operate standard office equipment (computer, copier, programs).
3.	Comprehend technical manuals.
4.	Follow verbal and written instructions and written test procedures.
5.	Maintain clear written reports. Perform basic mathematical computations.
6.	Operate a Motor Vehicle (only if Driver’s License is required for the position)
7.	Lift material samples weighing up to 50 pounds. Stand for long periods of time (for several hours).
8.	Works with hot asphalt material.
9.	Wears Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while performing tests.
10.	Maintains effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and managers.