Surveys

Class code: 003685
Bargaining unit(s): 202
Classification title: Transportation Generalist
Function: Surveys
Kind of work: Basic level skilled technical or maintenance work.

Nature & purpose

Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs daily and routine work associated with land, location, construction and/or geodetic control surveys and creation of base maps to ensure accurate information and computation for the purchase of right of way, the design and construction of highways and other transportation systems, or setting of accurate control points; performs related work as required.

This level is different from the Transportation Associate level in that it requires less direct supervision. At the Transportation Generalist level, daily work and projects are assigned by the supervisor and/or lead worker. Work/projects are completed with a higher level of discretion than at the lower level. An employee modifies simple established procedures to improve work processes.

An employee resolves semi-routine yet similar problems using defined approaches learned through work. An employee at this level is responsible for completing daily work assignments and may identify service needs not currently being met by either taking care of it or bringing it to the attention of the supervisor/lead worker. Some employees may provide work direction to others as part of a specific assignment.

Examples of work

A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.

Sets up real time kinematic global position systems or total station to enable accurate collection of field survey data for highway construction plans, or to perform land, construction, or location surveys.
Performs basic data comparison from real time kinematic global position systems or total station to verify data accuracy.
Assists survey lead in construction survey office activities such as reviewing plans and notes to eliminate errors and uploading/transferring electronic files to maximize efficiency.
Assists in the set-up, calibration, use and maintenance of survey equipment, including coordination of vehicle maintenance, as well as procures supplies for daily work responsibilities to maximize efficient use of time, equipment and materials.
Assists survey lead in field construction by checking survey notes, recovering or establishing horizontal and vertical control, setting and marking stakes, and pounding hubs or setting right of way to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Sets up and operates global positioning systems and base stations to gather accurate horizontal and vertical position of monuments.
Assists with investigation and location of lot corners, monuments and section corners to establish or relocate right of way boundaries.
Communicates with contractors, landowners, consultants and supervisors to report progress or review work assignment.
Assists in performing 1st and 2nd order geodetic control surveys including Global Positioning System ensuring accuracy with standards and specifications.
Processes geodetic control data and performs technical computations to ensure data accuracy, integrity and uniformity according to standards.
Sets up basic stereomodels within an analytical stereoplotter so that elevations and features measured within a model are accurate.
Performs basic operation of an analytical stereoplotter or digital workstation to ensure efficient compilation of planimetric and DTM mapping that meets MnDOT standards.
Records basic stereo-model setup and compilation parameters to ensure availability of clear, concise information for analysis and optimization of map compilation.
Assists in preparing mapping and aero-triangulation projects.
Performs file maintenance and back-up of regular and archived mapping files upon completion of models and projects and deletes unnecessary files and data.

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

Knowledge of:

Practices and procedures of land surveying, construction surveying, geodetic control, or mapping sufficient to effectively provide assistance with land surveying, geodetic control surveying or mapping activities.
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 hand tools as demonstrated by pounding hubs, setting stakes, etc.

Ability to:

Equipment

Handle materials as demonstrated by ordering materials and transporting equipment and supplies.
Perform routine, scheduled preventive maintenance as demonstrated by coordinating survey equipment and vehicle maintenance.
Calibrate, adjust and set up survey equipment as demonstrated by calibration of real time kinematic GPS unit or total station.
Drive or operate mobile equipment such as 4-wheel drive trucks to the survey sites and locations.

Information Technology

Enter data as demonstrated by entry of time into timesheet and information into database programs and taking readings from electronic equipment such as a mapping grade GPS unit or total station.
Create and edit data files as demonstrated by originating and editing of GPS files, basic memos or letters, and spreadsheets.
Perform basic CADD and/or Geopak applications.

Interpersonal

Work cooperatively with peers as demonstrated by understanding and carrying out verbal instructions and directions within a work group.
Interact with customers, stakeholders and co-workers as demonstrated by reporting and reviewing work progress.

Leadership

Take responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work as demonstrated by completing assigned tasks, reporting work progress, and demonstrating behavior consistent with department direction.

Math

Perform pre-algebra problems, performing operations with monomials sufficient to calculate ratios, proportions, equations and formulas; geometry problems sufficient to calculate areas and volumes and know properties of uniform shapes such as planes and solid figures.
Perform basic algebra to understand relationships between formats.

Oral Communication

Articulate job-related questions in order to fully comprehend work assignment.

Problem Solving

Receive, understand and carry out verbal instructions sufficient to complete work assignment.
Work independently to resolve routine technical, procedural or work team issues.

Reading

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

Written Communication

Write notes, letters, memos, basic reports and proposals, and complete forms.

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, licenses and certifications required at the time of application to be considered eligible for the vacancy. The level of experience to perform this job at the TG level can be achieved with:

Six months of experience performing survey (e.g., land, location, and construction surveys, etc.), mapping, geodetic or related activities and a combination of six months experience in road maintenance, construction, materials/soils, permits, etc.;

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.
Field positions require a Class D driver’s license.

Physical capabilities and environmental work conditions:

Field: Requires lifting 100 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects such as 50# bags and moving articles weighing up to 70 pounds. This job also may require walking (up to 7-10 miles per day) and standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls. Must be able to perform work safely in areas of heavy traffic and/or heavy equipment operation.

Alternative Field (work locations with less physically demanding responsibilities): Requires occasional lifting of articles weighing up to 50 pounds, and frequently lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy tools. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

Office: Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying 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 in carrying out job duties. Job-specific close-visual acuity may be required.

Weather elements:

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

Careers