Careers

Planning

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

Nature & purpose

Under limited supervision, an employee in this class performs difficult technical work related to Planning activities 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.  Employees at this level will 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
  

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

Knowledge of:

• Serves as the expert in the operation, updating and maintaining of construction project information utilizing a computerized project and programming system (PPMS) from which long-range planning can be developed.
  
• Analyzes and plans, in conjunction with project managers, how activities and timelines must flow to accurately represent each project and solicits activity completion date revisions from project managers, functional group leaders, and the State-Aid engineer to keep projects on schedule.
  
• Functions as a resource for project managers and other project management staff in the use of the computerized project and programming system and responds to inquiries regarding issues that arise
  to assist them in accessing and utilizing project data.
  
• Assists the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) Coordinator in the preparation of the Area Transportation Improvement Program and any other long range plans, by soliciting, summarizing and updating project data, producing maps and maintaining records and files
  to support local, corridor or project plans.
  
• Gathers data used for conducting development reviews and ensures routing to the pertinent functional areas.
  
• Compiles information to produce reports.
  
• Compiles information documenting basic highway information, utilizing a computerized database to record and manage the review process.
  
• Assists with coordinating internal program review meetings and an information exchange between MnDOT, developers and local governments to assist MnDOT’s planning review.
  
• Inputs cost and project design information from Project Manager utilizing a software package, and prepares appropriate report.
  
• Submits a list of projects and revisions in funding, letting dates and program activities to MnDOT’s Central Office to ensure funding and letting dates are accurate.
  
• Produce maps utilizing mapping software for maps development review and assisting with long range planning. 
  
• Assist with public participation aspect within the planning office and other duties as assigned. 
  
• Assists the Project Manager in gathering and organizing data used.

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of Highway Project Documentation Process (HPDP) process sufficient to understand how all of the functional groups of PPMS work items relate to one another.
  
• Highway project documentation methods sufficient to ensure accuracy in both the timing and funding of projects.
  
• Highway construction funding process (Federal & State) sufficient to assist in the development of Area Transportation Improvement Programs (ATIP’s) and Planning documents.
  
• The State Access management policy, district and local development review processes to successfully coordinate gathering and routing of data needed for the review of the development proposals impacting the State Highway Department. 
  
• Mapping technology, data bases & cartographic design principles sufficient to produce quality maps. 
• Knowledge of project funding to do reports that facilitate effective spending of available funding.
  
• 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:

• Equipment - N/A

Ability to:

Information Technology –Create & edit data files such as letters, memos, spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and GPS data files. Use software to generate reports, maps, geometric layouts, graphs, and reports (Crystal reports, TIS, PPMS, Microstation, and ArcView).
Interpersonal – Work cooperatively with peers.  Able to receive verbal instruction and direction.  Interact with customers and stakeholders.  Train others to perform tasks or operate equipment.
Leadership – Take responsibility for quality and timeliness of work.  Respond to unplanned requests.  Complete assigned tasks and report progress.  Demonstrate behavior consistent with department direction.  Participate in change management processes.  Contribute to the development and implementation of work plans.  Respond when sought out by others for counsel and advice. 
Math – Add, subtract, multiply and divide all units of measure, including fractions, decimals, and percentages.  Do pre-algebra problems.  Perform operations with monomials.  Calculate ratios and proportions. 
Oral Communication – Participate in open group discussions and debates.  Serve as panel member in structured discussions.  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 Communication – Generate notes, letters, memos, and departmental forms.  Use Outlook.

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 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 planning activities of which at least three years included utilizing computer-aided drafting and design (CADD);
  

OR

• Three years of experience performing planning 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.  Three of the four years must have included utilizing computer-aided drafting and design (CADD).
• 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 articles as file folders, ledgers, and small tools.  Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary to carrying out job duties.

EST:

Rev:

• 2-15-12 Updated degree
• 6-28-13: Updated CADD

T.C.:

Former Titles:

• Highway Technician Senior