GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

 The Staff Engineer or Scientist, under the direction of the management, is responsible for executing the projects assigned.  Such projects include the drafting of engineered wood standards, their test methods and associated criteria, and evaluating products produced by member companies, through testing and product evaluation.  Duties can also include performing engineering advisory services for the public, member manufacturers and the APA staff.  The Staff Engineer may also assist in or take the lead in performing the necessary research on proposed new or modified application of engineered wood products for construction and industrial markets.  The goal is to provide the best technical service to the clients of the Technical Services Division.

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

•  Provides advisory service to engineers, architects, builders, building officials, homeowners and others in the construction field, upon request, with reference to specific problems facing them in the use of engineered wood products.
•  Develops presentation of technical information in APA publications as assigned. Provides such technical data as required for new publications and for updating old ones.
•  Edits test reports and writes technical bulletins covering items of special interest or need. Reviews and updates assigned publications at intervals dictated by size of literature stock and by technical developments.
•  Reviews assigned Association promotional publications to assure technical accuracy.
•  Acts as a project leader in the development of standards, engineering design methods, design properties and fabrication specifications.
•  Acts as a project leader in the formulation of research programs leading to the development of performance-based standards, criteria and associated test methods.
•  Responsible for undertaking research projects to gain acceptance of APA members' non-proprietary products by various build­ing code authorities and government agencies. Assists APA members in obtaining regulatory acceptance of their proprietary products when requested. Represents the engineered wood products industry at hearings and proposes code changes when indicated.
• Acts as a project leader or participates in the inspection of buildings following natural disasters or as part of complaint resolution. Develops damage analysis of failures and mitigation recommendations.
•  Contributes to research programs on new or improved engineered wood product uses.
•  Conducts the testing of member mill companies' engineered wood products under association and industry performance standards, and reports the results.
•  Develops reports based on research on new or modified applications of engineered wood in construction applications to assist in gaining regulatory agency approval.
•  Devises and formulates research programs aimed at improving the appearance, serviceability and performance of member company products.
•  Assists users and specifiers of products in specific applications and situations.
•  Provides the theoretical basis for design procedures and/or recommendations for construction and industrial markets.
• Participates in and maintains liaison with appropriate professional societies within the individual’s area of expertise.
•  Undertakes special research assignments as may be required at the request of the management.
•  Undertakes and reviews proprietary testing from member companies with concern for the performance of engineered wood products in their particular end uses.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

•  May be responsible for the design of test methods to evaluate finishing materials, both old and new, on engineered wood products and on maintaining an outdoor exposure fence.
•  May be responsible for conducting work relating to the physical properties, the effects of chemicals and other materials on engineered wood, and the effects of heat, light, water, and electricity on both the physical and mechanical properties of panel products.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

 The individual in this position may occasionally be asked to fill in for the management in his or her absence, or to perform other team leadership tasks.