Permits

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

Nature & purpose

Under limited supervision an employee in this class performs difficult technical work managing (reviewing, routing and approving) access, drainage and utility permits process; overseeing the provisions of the MN Outdoor Advertising Control and the MN Junkyard Control Acts; inspecting and supervising location and installation of utilities and entrances on highway right of way; managing the use of right of way regarding encroachment; and 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. The employee is considered the technical expert in a specialized area and provides technical support and expertise to others. A Transportation Specialist 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.

Reviews, processes, issues and monitors conformance of highway right-of-way permits to ensure adherence to permit requirements and MnDOT policies.
Provides oversight for the control and deposit of monies collected during the permit process.
Determines bond amounts and prepares specifications and special provisions for permits to comply with laws, regulations and MnDOT policies.
Reviews, processes and issues miscellaneous permits (over-dimension, parade, etc.)
Coordinates preliminary utility planning with agencies outside MnDOT to eliminate
Inspects and approves entrance permits for placement according to special provisions and construction details so they meet permit special provisions and plans.
Administers the regulation of advertising signs and devices in accordance with the MN Outdoor Advertising Control Act and MnDOT policies to ensure compliance and takes steps to resolve non-compliance issues.
Administers the regulation of junkyards in accordance with the MN Junkyard Control Act and MnDOT policies to ensure compliance and takes steps to resolve non-compliance issues.
Conducts inventory of outdoor advertising devices (OAD) and retains records of inventories relating to OAD and regulated junkyards so effective control is maintained.

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

Knowledge of:

MnDOT general traffic and construction, design and safety requirements in construction procedures for state contracts and permits projects sufficient to determine adherence to laws, policies and requirements.
MN Outdoor Advertising Control Act sufficient to review and process the regulation of advertising signs and devices.
MN State Statutes sufficient to evaluate encroachments on the right- of-way.
Right-of-way mapping and construction plans sufficient to determine in place right-of-way regarding encroachments and permits.
Utility policy and construction sufficient to inspect utility permits.
Surveying practices, equipment, staking and notes sufficient to interpret plans to locate and stake guardrails, signs, fences, culverts, buildings, landscaping, utilities or other objects that may be within MnDOT right of way.
Research techniques sufficient to locate basic real estate property information including owners, phone numbers and addresses Work zone traffic control setups sufficient to ensure safe traffic flow in compliance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
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:

Digital photography sufficient to take, download and print digital pictures.
Survey equipment operation sufficient to determine elevations and obtain basic measurements.

Ability to:

Equipment

Handle materials (transporting, stockpiling and mixing) using basic hand tools.

Information Technology

Perform simple data entry as demonstrated by entering time into timesheet and database programs.
Create and edit data files as demonstrated by creating advanced reports, memos or letters, and spreadsheets.
Develop internet document searches as demonstrated by accessing real estate property information.

Interpersonal

Work cooperatively with peers as demonstrated by understanding and carrying out verbal instructions and directions within a work group
Routinely interact with MnDOT customers, stakeholders and co-workers as demonstrated by regularly responding to questions/complaints regarding roadway problems.

Leadership

Take responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work as demonstrated by completing assigned tasks, reporting work progress, and displaying behavior consistent with department direction.
Look for opportunities to improve processes.

Math

Add, subtract, multiply and divide all units of measure, including fractions, decimals and percentages
Do pre-algebra problems.
Do basic geometry such as calculate areas and volumes as demonstrated by preparing billings for claims, inspecting permits, and determining right-of-way limits.

Oral Communication

Articulate job-related questions and comprehend answers as demonstrated by performing the duties of the job.
Deliver pre-planned informational presentations to groups as demonstrated by delivering information at meetings.
Answer questions from the public, either in the field on by phone as demonstrated by frequently serving as point of contact for Permit area.

Problem Solving

Receive, understand and carry out verbal instructions and work under the direction of others as demonstrated by completion of work assignments.
Work independently and solve routine technical, procedural or people-related issues as necessary to complete work tasks.

Reading

Read and comprehend notes, letters, memos, electronic mail, proposals, department forms and policies, instruction manuals, construction plans, MnDOT manuals, and legal documents sufficient to facilitate effective job performance.

Written Communication

Generate notes, letters, memos, and departmental forms as demonstrated by distributing comprehensible and accurate information to supervisors, employees and MnDOT clientele.

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 training 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 duties that include inspection and processing of right of way permits, construction plan reading, surveying, design, soils assessment, traffic plan review, right of way review AND/OR water resource plan review;

Three years of experience performing inspection and processing of right of way permits or related activities and a combination of one year of experience in any of the TSS functional areas (e.g., construction, surveys, design, etc.)
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.

Weather elements:

May require frequent exposure to weather elements (both cold and hot) on a daily basis.

EST:

Rev:

- DI2 152, C3 (25) 38, C1C 43 = 233

T.C.:

Former Titles:

- DI2 152, C3 (25) 38, C1C 43 = 233
Highway Technician Senior – DI2 152; C3 (25) 38; C1C 43 = 233