Hydraulics / Water Resources

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

Nature & purpose

Under limited supervision, an employee in this class performs difficult technical work recommending solutions on hydraulics, erosion control, and drainage issues; trains and leads others in MS4 inspections using GPS equipment and current data base system and recommends improvements to current inspection methods and procedures; and performs related work as required.

This level is different from the Transportation Generalist Senior level 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. At this level, an employee provides technical expertise and information, in a specialized field, to others.

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. An employee is 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 projects 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.

Recommends solutions on hydraulics, erosion control, and drainage issues for design/construction projects.
Coordinates hydraulic issues with local, state and federal agencies and watershed districts to meet permitting requirements.
Delineates drainage areas and designs storm sewers and culvert installations and/or repairs in order to develop hydraulics recommendations in accordance with MnDOT Drainage Manual, which describes the work needed to convey water safely and efficiently through the right of way while preserving the greater transportation infrastructure
using the appropriate software.
Resolves drainage and erosion control issues that Contract Administration, Roadside Maintenance and Bridge Maintenance personnel and the general public encounter in the field and develops drainage repair plans as needed, which include developing cost estimates, reviewing contract specifications and special provisions.
Determines construction limits on construction projects so planned features are hydraulically adequate and are properly located.
Reviews permits, plats and re-conveyance requests for drainage issues and reviews plans prepared by internal and external parties, including cities, counties and consultants to ensure MnDOT design standards and concerns are satisfied.
Evaluates potential erosion areas on construction projects, makes recommendations for preventative action, and designs Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans to meet permit requirements.
Develops wetland mitigation plans to meet local, state and federal permit requirements.
Maintains Geographic Information System (GIS) database and coordinates data collection and structure inspections for the hydraulic infrastructure applications and updates changes as they occur sufficient to perform project scoping, design and maintenance activities and to meet permit requirements.
Train and lead others in MS4 inspections using GPS equipment and current database system and recommend improvements to current inspection methods and procedures sufficient to meet MnDOT’s MS4 NPDES permit requirements.

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

Knowledge of:

MnDOT’s policies and procedures along with other knowledge, skills and abilities shown below sufficient to complete work listed below.
Local, state and federal rules and regulations pertaining to storm water management
MnDOT’s Drainage, Road Design, Standard Plate, and Standard Plans manuals and other MnDOT manuals required to perform hydraulics activities.
Construction procedures and practices sufficient to effectively and efficiently design drainage plans.
MnDOT’s Work Zone Safety Manual, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety rules and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulatory requirements to safely do the job and ensure work zone safety.
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 or operation of basic hand tools and basic survey equipment, such as hand level, level and rod, etc.
Use of calculators and various types of testing equipment.
Driving or operating mobile equipment.

Ability to:

Equipment

Calibrate, set up and adjust equipment.

Information Technology

Use data to model outcomes to technical and drainage site engineering problems (GEOPAK and CADD-Microstation and ArcMap visualizations, and hydraulics analysis software).

Interpersonal

Train others to perform tasks or operate equipment. Resolve interpersonal and workmanship-related conflicts.

Leadership

Lead crews.
Look for opportunities to improve processes.

Math

Solve advanced geometry and trigonometry problems.
Describe and use angle properties and characteristics.
Calculate area, volume, and geometric characteristics of all plans and solid shapes.

Oral Communications

Participate in open group discussions and debates.
Negotiate in order to make or change decisions.

Problem Solving

Function as a certified/degreed “expert” from a recognized educational/ vocational/professional organization.
Serve as an “expert” who can answer questions related to unique or rarely seen circumstances or issues.

Reading

Comprehend legal documents such as contracts, policies, and statutes.

Written Communications

Generate notes, letters, memos, and departmental forms.
Use Outlook.
Generate technical documents such as construction plans.

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 certifications 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 Transportation Specialist level can be achieved with:

Four years of experience performing Hydraulic activities or related;

Three years of experience performing Hydraulics activities or related activities and a combination of one year of experience in any of the following areas: design, pre-design, contract administration/construction, surveys and/or hydraulics.
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, moving and/or carrying articles weighing 50 pounds such as manhole covers, catch basin grates, etc. and frequent lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy tools and file boxes. This job 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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