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SENIOR MACHINIST (T7)
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Revised July 1, 1999

NATURE OF JOB:
Under limited supervision, performs supervisory and highly skilled technical machine support work for the research unit within the department. May provide training and supervision to machinists, subordinates or students. The principal emphasis is on designing, constructing, installing, operating, repairing and modifying precision research instruments and related apparatus requiring familiarity with a broad range of technical instruments and equipment and on the supervision of work performed in a machine shop of five or more employees. A high level of independent judgment is required for the complete supervision of a project from the design stage to final installation. 

EXAMPLES OF WORK: 
Depending on unit assignment, the following are typical examples of work: 

* Designs, or assists in designing, and executes construction and repair of precision scientific equipment and apparatus at the highest appropriate quality standards;
* Plans, schedules, assigns and supervises all work to meet deadlines and assists in the organization of fieldwork;
* Prepares schematics and/or drawings;
* Performs precision machining operations on computer-assisted electronic and conventional machinery and/or equipment tools such as drill press, lathe, milling machines, grinders as well as hand tools and sheet metal tools;
* Devises jigs and fixtures to accomplish aim of the shop;
* Welds, brazes, solders or uses other forms of bonding materials;
* Constructs structures from concrete, steel, aluminum, polymer and composites, special materials and other metals;
* Troubleshoots, repairs or directs the repairs of precision scientific apparatus by determining the problem; purchases, machines or makes needed parts; installs parts; tests equipment for proper operation;
* Maintains sufficient shop inventory to properly support uninterrupted operation of the shop and the needs of the department including maintaining liaison with other departments and outside vendors for supplies;
* Supervises shipping and receiving of most materials purchased for research and departmental use;
* Responsible for the security and care of tools and equipment;
* Advises department chairperson, administrator or manager of machine shop needs;
* Prepares necessary records to ensure proper distribution of machine shop cost;
* Assists faculty, employees and students with projects by performing machine work or by giving instruction on use of equipment;
* Designs suitably functioning equipment instructions with good performance and accuracy;
* Assists and advises in the hiring, evaluation and promotion of employees;
* Establishes and oversees safety standards in the use of equipment, hand tools and other materials;
* Performs other related duties as assigned.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES:
Frequently required to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous materials.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES:
Requires a minimum of a high school diploma or GED with advanced machine shop experience and five years of experience in machine shop research support operations including supervision. Requires completion of standard trades school, technical training program or certified welding program and journeyman status. Additional training in physics, chemistry or basic engineering preferred. CAD familiarity or experience is beneficial. Requires technical aptitude; comprehensive knowledge of machine tools, shop math, precision measuring instruments, working properties of metals and plastics and machine shop and stockroom operations; mechanical drawing skills; ability to work independently from sketches, drawings or verbal instructions; ability to organize, assign, instruct and direct the work of others; interpersonal skills; and the ability to communicate effectively and interact well with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
With or without assistance, must be able to routinely lift up to 50 pounds. In certain positions, employment is dependent upon passing a University-specified medical evaluation related to the use of respiratory protection equipment.
 
The EXAMPLES OF WORK are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties assigned to this position.


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