GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The MACHINIST performs skilled and precision machine and bench work in the maintenance, repair, alteration and fabrication of machinery, machine parts, tools and equipment in a well equipped machine shop, and when necessary, in the field.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a single classification and not currently part of a series of classes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Fabrication. Typical tasks: designs, fabricates and shapes objects such as tools, machine parts, containers and experimental equipment out of metal, wood, plastic and sheet metal, using precision tools such as a table saw, engine lathe, vertical milling machine, radial arm saw, drill press, hydraulic press, honing machine and a variety of welding equipment; selects or recommends the material best suited for the projects.
2. Machine Repair. Typical tasks: disassembles, cleans, repairs and adjusts woodworking, metal working and electrical machinery and equipment in the shop and in the field to maintain operating standards; overhauls motors, pumps, engines, compressors and power transfer machinery, fabricates needed parts where possible, otherwise orders them.
3. Special Project Design and Fabrication. Typical tasks: some positions in this class assist graduate and undergraduate students and staff in the design of special projects and experimental equipment, e.g., special containers to transport frozen soil from Alaska, a special drill bit to put the soil into the container, a special container to hold ice in a centrifuge, a self-propelled vacuum harvester and a four-wheel drive Plot Forage Harvester; working from drawings and blueprints, fabricates objects from wood, metal, plastics, sheet metal, etc., and if necessary fabricates special tools to produce objects.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class are in regular contact, either in person or by telephone, with student and staff members to clarify job orders and work on blueprints. Employees are in occasional contact, either in person or by telephone, with salespeople to purchase machine parts. Some employees in this class may instruct, train, and/or coordinate the work of assistants, heavy equipment mechanics, automotive mechanics or other machinists.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees in this class receive general supervision from an administrative superior. Employees receive written and verbal work orders on a daily basis from their supervisor, and in addition initiate much of their maintenance work. Work is reviewed for professional workmanship and compliance with work orders and specifications. Employees in this class use departmental shop policies, safety practices, various technical manuals and electrical codes in the performance of their job.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Positions are found in central and remote locations throughout State government (e.g., general government agencies, human or natural resource agencies, correctional, mental health, or higher education institutions, hospitals, etc.). They require the willingness to work within the environment associated with the position's location. They require the willingness to work in an environment containing dust, odor, and high levels of noise. They require the willingness to stand for extended periods.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Some positions in this class may require one or more of the following:

• Skill in use of the tools and equipment used in the woodworking trade such as table saws, radial arm saws, jointers, drills, etc.