Design

Class code: 003677
Bargaining unit(s): 207
Classification title: Transportation Specialist
Function: Design
Kind of work: Senior level technical and/or specialized work.

Nature & purpose

Under limited supervision, an employee in this class performs advanced duties, such as performing technical detail designing and drafting of construction plans according to MnDOT design standards; performs related work as required.

This level is different from the Transportation Generalist Senior in that at the Transportation Specialist level, an employee plans and organizes work based on deadlines, procedures and standards. An employee determines what shall be done and how it will be done and continually improves work processes.

An employee resolves most problems using theoretical principles and concepts of a specialized field as well as knowledge of and impact on the department’s programs. Some employees may be considered the technical expert in a specialized area and provides technical support and expertise to others. An employee is responsible for completing or leading multiple complex project and/or work activities and has a substantial degree of authority in planning, organizing and completing work. Some employees at this level may perform as lead worker having considerable freedom to organize human, equipment, material, and other resources as well as prioritize, schedule, assign, direct, guide, and report on the work activities of other state employees.

Examples of work

A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.

May serve as a detail design squad leader in the preparation and review of construction plans.
Accomplishes plan development in accordance with MnDOT policy and design standards by directing the work of other designers.
Incorporates all aspects of Americans with Disabilities Act into construction plans.
May serve as an expert in the application of design practices and their relationship to other functions.
Completes computer-aided drafting and designing (CADD) functions and ensures finished construction plans are complete and accurate in accordance with MnDOT design standards and CADD data standards.
Looks for opportunities to improve work methods within the squad and between other functions.
Prepares detailed technical drawings making engineering computations, preparing special provisions and completing necessary forms for use in final construction plans.
Generates cross-sections and determines construction limits and earthwork computations
Determines construction limits to purchase right of way in a timely manner.
Conducts background research on assigned issues.
Reviews reports, previous plan information and layouts to ensure general knowledge of the project and to ensure that information is made available for plan preparation.
Uses and maintains project information in an efficient manner so information is readily available for plan preparation and other uses.
Maintains CADD files, back-ups, and related project archives.

Knowledge, skills and abilities required to be proficient at the job

Knowledge of:

MnDOT policies and procedures; Highway Project Development Process (HPDP), and other State and Federal regulations pertaining to the development of projects; and knowledge and ability to prepare studies that document the social, economic and environmental effects of proposed projects.
MicroStation and GEOPAK, MnDOT, FHWA and AASHTO design standards sufficient to create documents and perform advanced design functions.
Working knowledge of English sufficient to read, write, speak and understand oral and written information; communicate with employees and the general public in-person or via two-way radio and other electronic devices; and to maintain routine written logs and simple records.

Skill in:

Use and operation of motor vehicles requiring a Class D Driver’s License sufficient to drive to various on-site locations.

Ability to:

Information Technology

Create and edit computer files, such as letters, memos, spreadsheets, EDMS, PPMS, PowerPoint presentation files and use CADD software – MicroStation and GEOPAK sufficient to do more advanced technical detailed designing and drafting; prepare construction plans and enter timesheets into computerized program(s).

Interpersonal

Work cooperatively with peers.
Able to receive verbal instructions and direction.
Interact with customers and stakeholders sufficient to resolve interpersonal and workmanship conflicts
Work with others of diverse backgrounds
Use tact and diplomacy.
Train others to perform tasks or operate equipment.

Leadership

Take responsibility for quality and timeliness of work.
Respond to unplanned requests.
Complete assigned work and report progress.
Demonstrate behavior consistent with department direction.
Lead others and look for opportunities to improve processes.

Math

Solve advanced geometry and trigonometry problems.
Calculate area, volume, and geometric characteristics of design elements sufficient to perform engineering calculations and cross sections.

Oral Communication

Participate in open group discussions, and negotiate in order to make or change decisions.

Problem-Solving

Work independently sufficient to solve advanced technical process or complicated people related problems.
Advise, direct or teach others.
Determine when an issue warrants a creative departure from normally followed processes, practices, or guidelines.

Reading

Comprehend white papers, proposals, departmental forms and instructional manuals.
Read construction plans, MnDOT manuals and specification books.
Understand written materials, plans, charts, and technical drawings.
Apply MnDOT design standards, manuals, guidelines, policies and procedures.
Comprehend legal documents such as contracts, policies and statutes.

Written Communication

Generate technical documents such as letters, memos, and reports.

Licenses, Certifications:

Some positions may require a driver’s license, as well as endorsements, specific to position demands and/or equipment required to perform the job within the work area posted.

Technical certifications may be required specific to position demands and will be documented on the posting as to the justification of why specific certification are necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

Include years of experience, education, training, certifications, and licenses required at the time of application to be considered eligible for the vacancy.

The level of experience to perform this job at the TS level can be achieved with:

Four years of experience performing design activities or related activities.
A combination of one year experience performing preliminary design, roadway or bridge construction,
materials, soils, surveys, and/or right of way activities may substitute for one year of experience performing design activities;
Note: A Two year Civil or Construction Technology Degree or the following four year degrees: Architectural, Civil or Mechanical Engineering; Land Surveying / Geomatics; or equivalent may substitute for one year of experience. (In order for education coursework to be considered in lieu of work experience you must submit a copy of your transcripts).
Working knowledge of English sufficient to read, write, speak and understand oral and written information; communicate with employees and the general public in-person or via two-way radio and other electronic devices; and to maintain routine written logs and simple records.

Physical capabilities and environmental work conditions:

Requires occasionally lifting articles such as file boxes and heavy hand tools or heavier material with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. Even though the weight being lifted may only be a negligible amount, a job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

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