Soils

Class code: 003676
Bargaining unit(s): 207
Classification title: Transportation Generalist Senior
Function: Soils
Kind of work: Intermediate level technical, skilled work and/or lead worker

Nature & purpose

Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs moderately difficult duties in the operation of soils and pavement sampling equipment to obtain: soils, rock and pavement samples and ground water information; processes soils data to be used in roadway and foundation design; 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/or prioritizes work activities, completes a variety or 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.

Completes the set-up and operates the soils sampling and testing equipment so that soil, pavement samples and ground water information are taken in the right location and in accordance with ASTM, AASHTO, MDH and Mn/DOT standards.
Coordinates or assists with Gopher State One-Call and local utilities to assure that all utilities in the area to be drilled are properly identified and located.
Performs operational needs such as traffic control support, assists in field staking of sampling locations or acquiring field supplies so that work can be carried out efficiently.
Maintains, cleans, monitors performance and safely operates the soils sampling, testing and support equipment so it is in good working order when needed and testing schedules can be met.
Assists in the completion of field in situ tests of soil strengths for foundation design in accordance with standards.
Records digital and hand written field data and sampling information then downloads, organizes and archives this information so it easily retrieved and used as needed.
Assists with the technical certification program training for agency and external personnel.
Creates basic soils profiles by obtaining field soils data and entering this information into computer software programs.

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

Knowledge of:

Understanding of basic construction processes and procedures.
Textural classification and behaviors of soils.
Pavement and aggregate materials types.
Required safety procedures and safe operation of equipment.
Traffic Control and Grading and Base Manuals.
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:

Using basic hand tools to handling materials (transporting, stockpiling, and mixing).

Ability to:

Equipment

Operate soils testing and sampling equipment, CPT and SPT drilling and core drilling equipment.
Perform routine, scheduled preventative maintenance.
Set up and adjust equipment.
Drive and operate various types of mobile equipment.

Information Technology

Operate a personal computer and various software applications.
Complete simple data entry.
Enter time into time sheet and data base programs.
Record testing results data into required data base.
Take readings from electronic equipment such as GPS.
Create and edit data files such as GPS data files.

Interpersonal

Work cooperatively with peers.
Able to receive, provide and respond to verbal and written instruction and direction.

Leadership

Take responsibility for quality, accuracy and timeliness of work.
Respond to unplanned requests.
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 whole numbers and all units of measure including fractions, decimals, and percentages.
Do pre-algebra problems.
Perform operations with single digits.
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.

Problem Solving

Able to follow verbal and written instructions.
Can work under the direction of others.
Work independently.
Solve routine technical, process or people-related problems.

Reading

Read and comprehend: notes, letters, memos, and electronic mail, department forms, and instructional manuals.
Read construction plans, Mn/DOT manuals and specification books.

Written Communication

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

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 certification 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 soils or materials testing related activities;

One year of experience performing materials testing or related activities and one year in any roadway construction, engineering support or roadways maintenance areas such as: soils, traffic, surveys, design, construction, hydraulics, maintenance 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 75 pound auger flights and frequent lifting and/or carrying objects such as drilling and sampling equipment. 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 on a daily basis.

EST:

Rev:

2-15-12 Deleted degree

T.C.:

Former Titles:

Highway Technician Intermediate: KH: DI1 132; PS: C2 (22) 29; AC: C1I 33; WC: 12 = 206