Pre-Design

Class code: 003676
Bargaining unit(s): 207
Classification title: Transportation Generalist Senior
Function: Pre-Design
Kind of work: Intermediate level technical and skilled work and/or lead work.

Nature & purpose

Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs moderately difficult duties, such as preparing or assisting in the preparation of studies for alternative locations and/or geometric concepts and layouts; performs related work as required.

This level is different from the Transportation Generalist in that at the Transportation Generalist Senior level, an employee initiates and/or prioritizes work activities, completes a variety of work assignments and chooses the methods in which to complete work using acquired knowledge of the function.

An employee resolves semi-routine, yet uncommon problems by searching for solutions learned from experience. An employee is responsible for completing multiple projects and/or work activities with competing deadlines and may set some priorities in the completion of 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.

Performs calculations and uses computer aided drafting and designing (CADD) to prepare preliminary layouts, profiles and cross sections according to MnDOT design standards and CADD data standards that best suit the geometric, safety, traffic needs, funding and right-of-way constraints to prepare quality layouts in a timely manner.
Prepares communications, exhibits, models, visual graphics and reports for community involvement activities and documents public concerns and suggestions.
Prepares and processes pre-construction project-related documents including: project memos, environmental assessments and impact statements, finding of facts, and study reports documenting traffic, cost estimates, accidents, design standards, and alternative solutions.
Prepares or assists in the preparation of studies for alternative locations and/or geometric concepts including the analysis and documentation of the social, economic and environmental effects by performing related activities.
Analyzes data obtained by others on accidents, capacity, cost estimates, needs, safety, design standards and public and agency responses sufficient to make design decisions.
Uses and maintains project information in an efficient manner so that information is readily available for layout preparation and other uses.
Communicates with other design staff and other functional groups to ensure project coordination (such as Right of Way, Surveys, Construction, and Hydraulics, etc.).
Conducts background research on assigned issues.

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.
MicroStation, GEOPAK, MnDOT, FHWA and AASHTO design standards sufficient to create documents and perform intermediate pre-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 locations.

Ability to:

Information Technology – Create and edit computer files, such as letters, memos, spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentation files and use CADD software – MicroStation and GEOPAK sufficient to do more complex technical detailed designing and drafting; prepare layouts and profiles and enter timesheets into computerized program(s).
Interpersonal – Work cooperatively with peers. Able to receive verbal instruction and direction. Ability to interact with customers and stakeholders sufficient to resolve interpersonal conflicts and answer routine questions in one-on-one situations. Assist in resolving routine customer issues; work with others of diverse backgrounds; and use tact and diplomacy.
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. Look for opportunities to improve processes.
Math – Solve advanced geometry and trigonometry problems. Calculate area, volume, and geometric characteristics of all design elements sufficient to perform engineering calculations and cross-sections.
Oral Communication – Articulate job-related questions and comprehend answers in a team setting sufficient to effectively communicate; comprehend work assignment and organize work and task assignment planning; answer routine questions that provide support and assistance to co-workers; and participate in open group discussions, collaborating with co-workers.
Problem Solving – Follow verbal instructions. Can work under the direction of others. Work independently sufficient to solve routine technical, process, or people-related problems. 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; and comprehend legal documents such as contracts, policies, and statutes.
Written Communication – Generate notes, letters, memos and departmental forms, and use e-mail sufficient to perform business and technical writing.

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 TGS level can be achieved with:

Two years of experience performing preliminary design activities which must include GEOPAK Coordinate Geometry (COGO) or equivalent; or related activities.
A combination of one year experience performing roadway or bridge construction, materials, soils, surveys, and/or right of way or equivalent may substitute for one year of experience performing preliminary 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 material with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. The weight being lifted may only be a negligible amount. A job in this category may require walking or standing 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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