METROLOGIST

Date: May 31, 2023

Req ID: 25031

Location:

Little Rock, AR, US, 72205

Category: ARKANSAS AGRICULTURE DEPT

Anticipated Starting Salary: $36,155

Position Number: 22087855
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: Open Until Filled
Anticipated Starting Salary: $36,155
Metrology Lab

Hiring Authority

1 Natural Resources Drive

Little Rock, AR 72205

Phone: 501/823-1730

Email: jill.franke@agriculture.arkansas.gov

As the largest industry in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division.

Position Information

Class Code: B078C

Grade: GS06

FLSA Status: NON-EXEMPT

Salary Range: $36,155.00 - $52,425.00

Summary

The Metrologist is responsible for operating and maintaining the state measurement center. This position is governed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, state and federal laws, and agency/institution policy.

Functions

Calibrates working standards based upon National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) formulas and primary standards of mass, length and volume. Calibrates field standards tests for field staff, using NIST formulas and standards of mass, length, and volume. Participates in NIST quality control testing and audits process to retain laboratory certification and traceability standards. Certifies, rejects, and/or confiscates weighing equipment used by pharmacies after performing required tests. Registers individuals and companies installing or repairing scales and calibrates their test weights. Calibrates petroleum tank trunks according to NIST test methods. Tests and calibrates weighing equipment for specific tolerance levels for industries upon request. Provides technical assistance to state and federal agencies, institutions, industries and the general public regarding metrological information. Writes computer programs to perform complex mathematical calculations and generate laboratory reports. Performs other duties as assigned.

Dimensions

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of mathematical measurement formulas and procedures. Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing calibration systems. Knowledge of records management procedures. Knowledge of basic computer programming. Ability to apply metrological formulas, procedures and techniques. Ability to calibrate standards and identify error sources to determine reliability of measurement equipment. Ability to redesign or adjust measurement capabilities to minimize errors. Ability to prepare and present oral and written information and reports.

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a bachelors degree in metrology, physics, statistics, mathematics, or a related field. . Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Licenses

Must be certified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology within one year of employment.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Preferred Qualifications:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in math, physics or other related sciences or an equivalent combination of training and experience in the laboratory setting.
Familiar with working knowledge of statistical techniques and analyses.
Occasional out of state travel required for NIST and/or USDA training.
Overnight in state travel for moisture meter inspections when necessary.
Ability to follow detailed work instructions and guidelines, communicate effectively with industry personnel, public and state inspectors.
Ability to complete written reports using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software.
Ability to use electric hoists/forklifts to move and manipulate mass standards weighing up to 1000lbs, ability to safely lift multiple 50lbs/25lbs/25 kg cast iron weights (as many as 50 per day).
Assist in the operation of the metrology laboratory by providing calibration and tolerance services in mass and volume measurement for the state government and private industry.
Work involves responsibility for scheduling the workload, maintain quality control standards and documentation on the instruments used in tolerance testing.
Work in Grain moisture laboratory and conduct field inspections of the commercial grain moisture meters in the state of Arkansas if required.
Follow laboratory SOP’s, SAP’s, and QA policies to maintain the laboratory accreditation.
As required, participate in offsite NIST training seminars and webinars.