Job Description

Staff - Union

Job Category CUPE 116

Job Profile CUPE 116 Salaried - Engineering Technician 3

Job Title Engineering Technician 3

Department Administrative Leadership | Department of Zoology | Faculty of Science

Compensation Range $6,162.00 - $6,604.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date April 29, 2023

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary
The primary responsibility is the manufacture of components for research and teaching purposes. Working independently under the overall direction of the Director of Administration and Operations, the technician assists shop clients to develop specifications, and produces machined and fabricated parts according to specification. In addition, the position supports the ongoing operation of the machine shop facilities. The job function requires carrying out complex and precision tasks which require comprehensive technical knowledge, skills and capabilities in the fabrication of custom parts and providing consultative services with respect to feasibility and/or alternatives for fabrication. The job requires expertise in custom part production, excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and knowledge of safety issues in the workshop. It also requires the ability to provide reasonable estimates of the machining effort required to produce a part and a diligent tracking of work time for the purposes of cost recovery.

Organizational Status
Reports to the Director of Administration and Operations

Work Performed
Develops machines and fabricates custom apparatus for research or teaching, assembles mechanical units and instruments by applying a wide spectrum of established techniques with an innovative approach. Consults with users and designs experimental equipment, instrumentation and systems, including selection and ordering for appropriate components, parts and materials. Performs welding, woodworking or machining. Works from oral and written requests, sketches, drawings and samples. Guides faculty and others, providing comments on designs to find a cost-effective solution to fabrication problems. Produces work in a timely manner and of a quality commensurate with machinists working in a similar capacity.

Tracks the expenses for work performed, both in terms of hours worked and all expenses incurred (e.g. raw material, machine tools). Initiates and records all work orders and their subsequent charges

Operates all machine shop equipment, including lathes, milling, drilling, grinding, and sawing equipment to fabricate complex and precision equipment and devices

May perform sheet metal work, various welding techniques and operates basic woodworking and portable power tools. Maintains the inventory of consumables, materials and tools used in the support shop to ensure an ongoing availability

Shares equipment maintenance responsibilities with other technicians and repairs, upgrades, and maintains various instruments and machines, including vacuum equipment and instrumentation

Maintains, repairs and modifies equipment in the laboratories and workshop including dismantling, replacement and repair of parts and reassembles

Regularly demonstrates up to date knowledge of and takes responsibility for working according to WorkSafeBC OH&S regulatory requirements

Fabricates apparatus or devices to address safety concerns in the department

Assist the Director of Administration and Operations with maintenance of facilities within the Department

Carries out any other reasonable task assigned by faculty/staff/students within Zoology. May be requested to move or rearrange office furniture. Assists with the relocation of scientific equipment within the department as required, such as setting up offices for new professors and students.

May perform lab clean-outs, arranges for chemical disposal and disposition of lab equipment and materials

On occasion, may provide support for shipping and receiving by acting as backup in case of absences. May assist in unloading trucks and moving equipment or furniture in unusual circumstances. Assist with set-up for department events

Performs other work as required by the departmental needs, including carpentry, equipment and furniture relocation and other related tasks

May be required to supervise and coordinate the work of other technicians

Other duties as required

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors could cause delays to, or impair quality of, teaching or research, or result in extra costs related to material waste and damage to equipment. Errors in maintenance or procedures could result in injury to self or others or damage to equipment and facilities.
Mistakes in the repair of scientific equipment would impact significantly on the financial resources of the researcher and the department. If swift repair of equipment is not done, research would suffer. Extreme care and attention to detail is required to maintain accurate and up-to-date records on both the equipment and chemical inventories. Errors in the equipment inventory would have serious financial impact on the department \xe2\x80\x93 equipment could be paid for twice, incorrect warranty records could result in repairs being unnecessarily paid for. Also, the department is liable for all expenses incurred if equipment is damaged in transit and damage is not duly noted on the packing slips at the time of the receipt. Errors in the departmental chemical inventory could result in very steep fines from the Worksman\xe2\x80\x99s Compensation Board. Failure to initiate correct safety procedures in the labs and to keep all faculty and staff members informed about SHMIS regulates would also results in hefty fines from WCB.

Supervision Received
This position works independently exercising initiative and judgment and the application of technical knowledge in resolving complex design and operational problems; provides expertise in machining and fabrication; works in cooperation with faculty and other staff; overall direction and supervision is received from the Director of Administration and Operations.

Supervision Given
This position may involve the supervision of other technicians or apprentices for a limited period of time. Extent of responsibility is in demonstrating, advising, and ensuring proper safety procedures are followed.

Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from a technical college or institute or completion of a recognized apprenticeship and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one\xe2\x80\x99s own

• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one\xe2\x80\x99s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications
Graduation from a technical college or institute or completion of a recognized apprenticeship required or a combination of education and experience.
Thorough and systematic training in all aspects of machining, common production and application of materials, as acquired through a recognized apprenticeship in instrument or tool and die making (precision mechanics), or graduation from a technical college or institute such as B.C.I.T in mechanical or machining discipline.
Ability to independently carry out design and experimental work and to apply engineering technical knowledge and specialized techniques in resolving complex design and operational problems under broad direction.
Ability to execute welding, sheet metal work and basic woodwork. Skills in plumbing, freshwater and seawater systems are preferred.
Ability to effectively provide advice/guidance in technical matters related to submitted projects.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to relate well to others in a teaching capacity would be an asset. Knowledge of Government/WCB regulations and policies related to the safety and handling of hazardous materials. Good organizational and time-management skills. Ability to interpret and apply engineering specifications
Experience with WHMIS and WCB regulations is an asset.
Experience with PC computers, databases and spreadsheet programs.
Able to lift up to 50 lbs.