Class Description and Minimum Qualifications for D9B - Engineering/Physical Science Assistant

Class Description

Valid as of: July 1, 2024

This class series uses three levels in the Labor, Trades, and Crafts Occupational Group and describes work in assisting engineers, scientists, or technicians with work related to those fields. Work in this class series entails duties which are of a more physical, manual nature. The work involves performing prescribed tests or inspections for compliance with orders, procedures, or other directives. The work includes collecting data; recording measurements, readings, or quantities; preparing calculations from prescribed methods and practices; accumulating information for reports or summaries; monitoring instruments or activities for conformance with rules, regulations, or specifications; distributing supplies or equipment; and, operating instruments, equipment, controls, valves, gates, or similar measuring or control devices. The work may include preparing drawings and estimating material quantities using standard drafting techniques of computer aided design (CAD) systems. The work may also include conducting standard inspections or test procedures or steps to verify compliance with rules, regulations, or contract specifications.

ENGINEERING/PHYSICAL SCIENCE ASSISTANT I D9B1IX

Concept of Class

This class describes the entry level. Work is designed to train positions for a higher level in the class series. Although tasks are similar to those of the clearly defined level, assignments are structured and performed with direction and assistance from others. Positions carry out established work processes and operations by learning to apply and follow procedures, techniques, rules, and regulations. Once training has been completed, the position is to be moved to the next level. Positions should not remain in this class indefinitely.

ENGINEERING/PHYSICAL SCIENCE ASSISTANT II D9B2TX

Concept of Class

This class describes the clearly defined level. Positions in this level operate equipment and devices to record or measure readings or quantities and prepare records of such. The work may involve making prescribed calculations to determine follow-on actions based on set standards or requirements. Positions are expected to select from clearly defined alternatives and follow procedures outlined in manuals, guides, specifications, or instructions. This class differs from the Engineering/Physical Science Assistant I on all factors.

Factors

Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.

Decision Making 

The decisions regularly made are at the defined level, as described here. Within limits prescribed by the operation, choices involve selecting alternatives that affect the manner and speed with which tasks are carried out. These choices do not affect the standards or results of the operation itself because there is typically only one correct way to carry out the operation. These alternatives include independent choice of such things as priority and personal preference for organizing and processing the work, proper tools or equipment, speed, and appropriate steps in the operation to apply. For example, positions choose the proper equipment to perform a task or decide their own priority for accomplishing assigned tests or inspections according to established procedures. By nature, the data needed to make decisions can be numerous but are clear and understandable so logic is needed to apply the prescribed alternative. Positions can be taught what to do to carry out assignments and any deviation in the manner in which the work is performed does not change the end result of the operation. For example, positions determine if measurements are within tolerances stated in the guides.

Complexity 

The nature of, and need for, analysis and judgment is patterned, as described here. Positions study recordings, measurements, or readings to determine what it means and how it fits together in order to get practical solutions in the form of reports or adjustments to gates, valves, or controls. Guidelines in the form of specifications, procedures, limits, or charts exist for most situations. Judgment is needed in locating and selecting the most appropriate of these guidelines which may change for varying circumstances as the task is repeated. This selection and interpretation of guidelines involves choosing from alternatives where all are correct but one is better than another depending on the given circumstances of the situation. For example, positions choose the appropriate settings for equipment or test operations based on readings or measurements.

Line/Staff Authority 

The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. The individual contributor may explain work processes and train others. The individual contributor may serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system or as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team.

ENGINEERING/PHYSICAL SCIENCE ASSISTANT III D9B3XX

Concept of Class

This class describes the fully-operational level. Positions in this level perform work with decision making limited to how and what operations will be completed based on a range of alternatives. This class differs from the Engineering/Physical Science Assistant II on Decision Making.

Factors

Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.

Decision Making 

The decisions regularly made are at the operational level, as described here. Within limits set by the specific process, choices involve deciding what operation is required to carry out the process. This includes determining how the operation will be completed. By nature, data needed to make decisions are numerous and variable so reasoning is needed to develop the practical course of action within the established process. Choices are within a range of specified, acceptable standards, alternatives, and technical practices. For example, positions choose which tests will be conducted and how the required quantity will be reached.

Complexity 

The nature of, and need for, analysis and judgment is patterned, as described here. Positions study recordings, measurements, or readings to determine what it means and how it fits together in order to get practical solutions in the form of reports or adjustments to gates, valves, or controls. Guidelines in the form of specifications, procedures, limits, or charts exist for most situations. Judgment is needed in locating and selecting the most appropriate of these guidelines which may change for varying circumstances as the task is repeated. This selection and interpretation of guidelines involves choosing from alternatives where all are correct but one is better than another depending on the given circumstances of the situation. For example, positions use judgment to select the appropriate drafting procedures to use or select the most appropriate means of estimating quantities needed for materials listings.

Line/Staff Authority 

The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. The individual contributor may explain work processes and train others. The individual contributor may serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system or as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team. This level may include posit- ions performing supervisory elements that do not fully meet the criteria for the next level in this factor.

Entrance Requirements

Minimum entry requirements and general competencies for classes in this series are contained in the State of Colorado Department of Personnel web site.

For purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the essential functions of specific positions are identified in the position description questionnaires and job analyses.

History of Changes Made to Class Description

The​ ​following​ ​is​ ​a​ ​summary​ ​of​ ​changes​ ​made​ ​to​ ​this​ ​class description.

June 30, 2015

Updated and removed the purpose of contact 6.30.2015

July 1, 1999

Effective 7/1/99 (DLF). LTC consolidation study changed class title and codes. Draft published 3/31/99 and proposed 5/24/99.

Sept. 1, 1993

Effective 9/1/93 (DLF). Job Evaluation System Revision project. Published as proposed 6/1/93.

Jan. 15, 1991

Revised 1/15/91. Changed class codes, titles, nature of work and entrance requirements; added options Engineering/Physical Sciences Technical Assistant (A3037-39).

Dec. 1, 1986

Revised 12/1/86. Changed nature of work, entrance requirements, and examples of work, Drill Operator (A4564).

Nov. 1, 1979

Revised 11/1/79. Changed entrance requirements, Engineering/Physical Sciences Aide (A3037-39).

Aug. 1, 1977

Revised 8/1/77. Changed overtime status, Water Commissioners (A6401-04).

Jan. 1, 1975

Created 1/1/75. Engineering/Physical Sciences Aide (A3037-39), Water Commissioners (A6401-04), Drill Operator (A4564).

Summary of Factor Ratings

Minimum Qualifications

Valid as of: July 1, 2024

This​ ​document​ ​includes​ ​the​ ​following​ ​levels:
 

ENGINEERING/PHYSICAL SCIENCE ASSISTANT I (D9B1IX)

Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
   

Substitutions

• No Substitutions

ENGINEERING/PHYSICAL SCIENCE ASSISTANT II (D9B2TX)

Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• One (1) year of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position
   

Substitutions

• Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis

ENGINEERING/PHYSICAL SCIENCE ASSISTANT III (D9B3XX)

Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• Two (2) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position
   

Substitutions

• Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis
   

History of Changes Made to Minimum Qualification

The​ ​following​ ​is​ ​a​ ​summary​ ​of​ ​changes​ ​made​ ​to​ ​this​ ​minimum​ ​qualification.

July 1, 2017 (Whole Document)

• Part of the 2017 MQ Project
• New Format
• Standardized language regarding education and experience requirements
• Removed special requirements/qualifications. Special requirements or qualifications can appear as a special qualification in the job posting, if justified in the position description and job analysis.

July 1, 2017 (D9B2TX, D9B3XX)

• Standardized language regarding substitutions for experience
• Removed ‘Specific experience related to the option/specialty may be required.’ language.

July 24, 2017 (D9B3XX)

• Removed “One year of the experience must have been at the Engineering Physical Sciences Assistant II level.”

Oct. 18, 2017 (Whole Document)

• Made formatting changes

Nov. 9, 2023 (Whole Document)

• New format (updating to adhere to accessibility standards)