Technologists and technicians are sometimes assumed to be solely engaged in ‘front-line’ technical work. In reality their activities embrace a wide variety of job functions including management, technical support, consulting, research and development, marketing and sales, and contract administration.
Within a working organization, these individuals are to be found in a wide range of positions, depending on their experience. These are, with increasing levels of responsibility:
- Receives on-the-job training in a variety of new environments while working under close supervision as they gain experience, typically working on small tasks within larger projects.
- Performs technical procedures with occasional direct supervision.
- Performs technical tasks with limited direct supervision and solves problems based on principles of applied science technology. Also makes some decisions for which they assume responsibility.
- Works in a complex technological area without direct supervision. Receives broad task objectives, is responsible for significant technical decisions and may train other professionals.
- Holds a senior position and may act as a manager or consultant. Independently conceives programs and defines problems to be studied or objectives to be achieved. Involved in long-term planning for the organization.
- Performs a senior management role with overall responsibility for projects while supervising teams of professionals.
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