Senior Public Works Technician - Design/Construction

Job Summary

Performs construction inspections and provides technical assistance and specification enforcement to contracted (and in-house) Highway Department road, trail, and parks projects. Performs engineering design using AutoCAD and associated programs for use in the design process in order to produce accurate, constructible construction plans and cost estimates for use in the county budget process. Provides survey activities to assist road construction. Oversees bituminous overlays. Conducts bridge inspections. Measures and verifies material quantities provided by contractor's test materials used on projects. upholds county/state guidelines for construction in Right-of-Way.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Specific duties for Senior PW Technician positions vary slightly by position focus, department area, and project. Some evening and weekend hours are required. 

• Operates as Lead Inspector of heavy civil projects and directs the contractor and staff assisting with the project. Manages and oversees the progress and construction methods to ensure projects meet specifications; communicates and resolves construction contract issues. 

• Participates in and supports a design team in all phases of construction plan preparations for highway, trail, and parks projects, and bituminous overlays using AutoCAD Civil 3D computer generated spreadsheets and databases. 

• Completes accurate engineering project design and drafting under supervision of a licensed engineer. Accurately completes routine engineering computations including computing horizontal and vertical alignments, conducting earthwork calculations, preparing quantity computations, layouts, and cost estimates.

• Reviews consultant and developer generated plans for accuracy and compliance with county and State Aid standards. 

• Interprets construction plans and calculates necessary field notes. Provides technical assistance to contractors and in-house maintenance crews for design and constructability. 

• Inspects and establishes areas to be used to safely direct traffic through work zones. 

• Confers and meets with contractors, utilities, cities, township officials, and residents of Scott County in resolving any or all issues that they present. 

• May assist in leading a survey party, supervising technicians, and participating in all phases of field survey work using and maintaining survey equipment, such as the global positioning system (GPS), total station, and data collector for preliminary design, construction staking, and miscellaneous surveys. Directs survey crew in making location surveys and completes topographic information that is missing or has changed from aerial flight data.

• Provides specification enforcement on construction projects, assesses and tracks quantities, and manages payment schedules. Conducts materials testing. 

• Assists with construction staking on all county construction projects (highway, bridges, roadway projects, and any miscellaneous projects.)

• Performs field design changes during construction season and communicates changes to Project Engineer or Construction Manager. 

• Performs preliminary surveys to assist designer for highway construction plans. 

• Uses computer-aided software to create various terrain models, costing estimates, developing spreadsheets, and designing roads, bridges, storm sewer, and bituminous overlays to state and federal standards. 

• Works with outside agencies to provide necessary data and guidance to resolve issues apparent to a specific project or issue. Resolves field or office issues dealing with construction projects and miscellaneous surveys. 

• Maintains project specific data in both an electronic and hard copy format. 

• Conducts research and safety analysis for accesses. 

• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time. 

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Requires equivalency of an associate's degree in civil engineering technology or related field and four years of experience in inspections, surveying, or roadway design. Within the first six months of hire must be able to obtain MnDOT certification for grading and base, bituminous, and concrete. A valid driver’s license and a reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities are required. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Erosion Control Site-Manager Certification is highly desirable.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

Supervisory Controls
The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Program Manager and County Engineer. Assignments received orally and in writing, consist of general statements of objectives and approximate time schedules. Guidance is available when required; however, the employee is expected to work independently as a technical lead and according to prescribed procedures.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge the principles and practices of civil engineering, surveying, and drafting.

Knowledge of state and federal requirements for highway construction, the county highway system, and county Highway Department operations.

Knowledge of engineering mathematics and its application in field surveying and construction computations.

Knowledge of personal computers, project management, software, and field survey equipment.

Knowledge of engineering nomenclature, plans, records, and maps.

Abilities – Ability to operate surveying and drafting equipment and computers.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to take complex survey notes and tabulations, make moderately difficult computations, and accurately interpret completed drawings while keeping excellent records.

Ability to lead, manage, and mentor others and coordinate the work activities of a project.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, contractors, governmental agencies, and the general public.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires 40 hours of office and outside field work. The work is physically oriented and includes navigating awkward spaces to access signal control panels and equipment. The position includes on-call work to address special circumstances, situations, and community safety needs. The work environment includes regular exposure to hazards, including high voltage, heights, and working around moving traffic and equipment. One may be exposed to construction site hazards such as falling debris, moving equipment, chemical/dust exposure, treacherous surfaces, etc. when traversing inspection sites. Employee may be exposed to inclement and changing weather conditions.

Physical activities include light to medium work: reaching, sitting, standing, walking, climbing, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 50 pounds on a routine basis in handling tools and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job. May lift or navigate up to 75 pounds on occasion.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.