Job Description

Job Purpose 

Overall, this position requires that of a research technician mindset applied in a material testing and physical lab / research center. Typical duties include but are not limited to: 

• Setting up equipment for testing samples and/or other construction related materials. 

• Construct, prepare and keep datasets, samples, and materials organized by project 

• Material receipt and sample storage. 

• Preparation of, and /or construction of roof panels for lab testing 

• Operation of testing equipment such UTM, hail machine, ice ball cannon, steel ball dropper, COMET, and others to conduct testing 

• Material strength evaluation 

• Wind tunnel testing 

• Oversee laboratory safety and ensure that the laboratory remains in compliance with all local, state and federal regulations 

• Maintain documented policies and procedures for all lab processes, training records and user manuals 

• Create Work Instruction and/or SOPs for various testing equipment and procedures 

• Ensure data security and confidentiality at all times 

• Maintain laboratory environment including materials, information systems and equipment to allow for world-class testing and data gathering 

• Monitor and adjust priorities and workload to accommodate flux in operational changes. 

• Assist in data collection efforts for aging farm, and/or other laboratory field areas 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions 

• Think creatively about what is being asked to be tested and look for ways in which to carry out this work efficiently and accurately 

• Read and interpret ASTM, UL, and FM testing standards and how they might apply to IBHS testing procedures 

• Change course of planned work based on results and direction of the testing.  Frequent changes in direction are the norm.  Not everything will be straightforward 

• Problem solves issues that arise and provide/research solutions vs. expecting a solution to be presented 

• Work interdepartmentally to preparing specimens for property damage research, perform the test, and provide a clean data set to Researchers for review and analysis 

• Manages the operation of test equipment by direct involvement. Collaborates with vendors, mechanics, operators, and research staff to troubleshoot errors. Thinks creatively and critically to solve problems 

• Baseline normal schedule of 7:00-3:30 (if required for testing purposes). Rare shifts may be needed. Some examples of this shift in schedule are: 

• 6 AM to 2:30PM 

• 12PM to 8:30PM 

• Willing and able to learn/use hand tools and construction tools for sample preparation. 

• Team Player 

Competencies 

Problem Analysis - The ability to detect problems, recognize valuable information, and link various data; to trace potential causes and look for relevant details. 

Decision making/Problem solving/Critical thinking - Uses good judgment. Demonstrates ability to recognize, identify, clearly isolate and define problems. Weighs relevance and accuracy of information. Considers alternatives and consequences before making decisions and offers workable solutions. Seeks advice when appropriate. Makes sound recommendations. 

Adaptability Handles day-to-day challenges confidently, adjusts to multiple demands, shifting priorities, shows resilience in adversity, flexible and manages tough decisions. 

Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures. 

Builds Relationships Relates to internal and external customers in an open and friendly manner.  Values teamwork and collaboration. 

Leadership/Strategic Thinking - Fosters a cohesive, supportive work environment. Focuses on achieving results in an effective and timely manner. Communicates and executes organization policy. Clearly conveys goals and expectations. Communicates ideas persuasively. Paves the way for positive change. Formulates objectives and priorities. Implements plans consistent with the long-term interests of the organization. Capitalizes on opportunities and manages risks. 

Focus on Quality Sets high quality standards and strives for continuous improvement and quality assurance. 

Insight - Having and gaining insight into situations, problems, and processes. Deconstructing problems and systematically investigating the various components. Having a complete picture of the context and overview of the whole problem. Uses relationships to achieve objectives for the specific situation. 

Integrity Adherence to standards, values and rules of conduct associated IBHS culture. Exhibits high levels of trustworthiness with confidential information or documents. 

Learning Ability The ability to absorb new information from a variety of sources in a short time frame. Can use new information to improve processes and decision making. 

Employee/Manager Development - Takes action to address performance problems. Communicates performance standards and follows for performance. Demonstrates personal growth and learning. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

Education/Experience 2-4 years of experience working with quality control and laboratory testing, and/or technical aptitude; exposure to mathematics analysis; data testing and/or interpretation. Position competencies and KSAs are typical of a person with 2-4 years similar experience. 

Computer Skills Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office products. Ability to learn proprietary software and/or statistics or analytical software.  

Language Skills Advanced ability to read and comprehend complex written and verbal communications in English. Ability to write very clearly and with attention to grammar and substantive detail.  Documentation of data results is required. 

Mathematical Skills Ability to work with average mathematical concepts, such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. 

Reasoning Skills Ability to exercise good judgment under limited supervision. Can apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed, but uncomplicated written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving few concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to deal with best-of decision making when choices arent always black and white. Ability to multi-task and be persuasive. 

Integrity and Confidentiality Keen awareness of high level of sensitive information, unwavering commitment to confidentiality; ability to be viewed as resource to management team and employees alike. 

Working conditions 

Work is performed at a Research Center located on 90 acres of land.  Work may be indoors in a lab environment, inside of a test chamber where the climate conditions follow that of the outdoors, inside a test specimen that at times is hotter than the outdoors.  This position may need to work, at times, in awkward positions.  High level of probability of obstacles in pathways, working indoors or outdoors; working with or around heavy machinery as well as highly sensitive data collection and analytics equipment. Environment involves testing construction related materials. High probability of coming in contact with heavy objects, high powered construction equipment; nails; roofing supplies and materials. Area may be littered with construction or testing debris use of safety PPE is mandatory in the laboratory area. 

Physical requirements 

Medium work. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. 

The worker is subject to hazards. Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places. 

The worker is subject to noise. There is sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above ambient noise level. 

• Visual Acuity close visual acuity to perform an activity such as computer typing, extensive reading, preparing and analyzing reports, documenting minutes of a meeting. 

• Hearing - Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound. 

• Talking - Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly. 

• Fingering - Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling. 

• Climbing. Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized. This factor is important if the amount and kind of climbing required exceeds that required for ordinary locomotion. 

• Stooping. Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles. 

• Reaching. Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction. 

• Standing. Particularly for sustained periods of time. 

• Walking. Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another. 

• Pushing. Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward. 

• Pulling. Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion. 

• Lifting. Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles. 

Education 

• High School or equivalent 

• Some College (preferred) 

• BS in an applicable area of study is preferred 

• Technical Training in Laboratory Quality Control and/or Laboratory Testing  

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