Materials

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

Nature & purpose

Under limited supervision, an employee in this class performs difficult technical work in the testing, direction of testing, or inspection/monitoring of materials to ensure construction specifications are met or to provide information to design, maintenance or research; performs related work as required.

This position is different from the Transportation Generalist Senior in that at the Transportation Specialist level, employees plan and organize 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.

Verifies, records and prioritizes incoming material samples so they are properly identified, logged in, and scheduled for testing to meet required time frames.
Performs, directs the performance or monitors the performance of all aspects of standardized and specific materials testing using specialized lab equipment to provide test results on materials.
Conducts or directs difficult, non-routine tests for special studies, circumstances and investigations.
Issues Mix Design Reports and adjustments to MDR’s to ensure that specifications are met and operations are not delayed.
Performs calculations, generates and distributes reports providing required documentation on test processes and results.
Completes analysis and interpretation of test results to determine if additional testing is required, materials meet specifications and tolerances.
Maintains, tests and calibrates and documents materials lab equipment to: meet AMRL, CCRL, ACI Accreditation, ensure equipment is ready for use, ensure accuracy and ensure equipment life is maximized.
Performs technical certification program training for agency and external personnel so that personnel involved in construction related activities have received necessary training.
Writes technical documents including work plans, data analysis outcomes, recommendations and specifications as needed for workflow management, resolving project specific issues and in the development of future guidelines.
Participates in research projects by collecting data, analyzing and tracking pavement management data as needed to create future recommendations.
Conducts annual reviews of all material testers to ensure testing procedures are performed according to guidelines.
Completes Quality Assurance activities for plants to ensure requirements of the plant’s certification programs or project specifications are met.
Monitors quality control, certification, procedures and products produced by those working on state projects or receiving federal funds.
Oversees materials testing operations when supervisor is absent to assure the consistent and timely delivery of testing results.

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

Knowledge of:

Quality assurance sampling and testing methods and Functions.
Textural classification and behaviors of soils.
Various materials used in construction, maintenance, design & research.
Required safety procedures and safe operation of equipment.
Relevant manuals such as lab, grading and base, bituminous, concrete.
Related computer software programs.
MnDOT, AASHTO, FHWA and ASTM policies, testing procedures, specifications and tolerances.
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 of basic tools to handle materials.

Ability to:

Equipment

Operate all lab equipment such as: ovens, sieves, shakers, splitters, measuring devices, calculators, water tanks and scales.
Perform routine, scheduled preventive maintenance.
Calibrate, set up and adjust equipment.

Information Technology

Perform data entry.
Enter time into time sheet and data base programs.
Use electronic equipment correctly to acquire desired results.
Accurately take measurements and readings from testing equipment and record material testing results into required data base.
Configure software to execute calculations and solve equations.
Create or edit documents such as letters, memos, spreadsheets and lab specific AMRL documents.

Interpersonal

Work cooperatively with peers.
Able to receive and give instruction and direction.
Able to teach others correct procedures and processes.
Interact with customers, contractors, inspectors and other stakeholders.

Leadership

Take responsibility for quality, accuracy and timeliness of work.
Effectively respond to unplanned requests or work demands.
Complete assigned tasks and report progress.
Demonstrate behavior consistent with department direction.
Lead crews. Look for opportunities to improve processes.

Math

Add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers including fractions, decimals, and percentages.
Calculate ratios and proportions.
Do basic geometry such as calculate areas and volumes.

Oral Communication

Articulate job-related questions and comprehend answers.
Communicate in a team setting.
Deliver pre-planned informational presentations to groups.
Answer questions from customers or from the public.

Problem Solving

Able to follow instructions.
Can work under the direction of others.
Work independently.
Solve routine technical, process or people-related problems.
Advise or direct others.
Determine when an issue warrants a creative departure from normally followed processes, practices or guidelines.

Reading

Read, comprehend and effectively explain to others: notes, letters, memos, electronic mail, proposals, departmental forms, instructional manuals, construction plans, various manuals and specification books.

Written Communication

Generate notes, letters, memos and departmental forms.
Use departmental e-mail program.

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 and/or training, 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 materials testing.

Three years of experience performing materials testing activities and one year of experience in any roadway construction, engineering support or roadways maintenance areas.
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:

The physical demands of this job will vary, but typically requires occasionally lifting articles such as 50 pound material samples, and frequent lifting and/or carrying objects or materials such as aggregate, bituminous, concrete samples in various shapes and weights. This job may require walking or standing to significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and leg controls.

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