Principal Public Works Technician - Construction

Job Summary

Performs work of considerable difficulty in directing and participating in highly complex technical highway engineering design and construction work. Work requires the application of extensive specialized knowledge and experience, and the exercise of independent decision making in the solution of highly complex engineering problems.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Directs contractors and oversees the progress on construction projects to ensure all required plan details and project specifications are met.

• Creates, checks, and reviews cost estimates; directs crews in making preliminary and location surveys.

• Ensures all required Quality Assurance (QA)/Quality Control (QC) testing is performed on assigned construction projects.

• Reviews plans and specifications of completed designs for accuracy and to ensure they meet federal, state, and local standards.

• Oversees and reviews the work of other technicians; provides technical training to others as required.

• Responsible for contract administration, including change orders, work orders, supplemental agreements, and final documentation submittals on assigned projects.

• Serves as an inspector or crew chief as needed.

• Assists in coordinating work assignments with other activities of the department, with other county departments, and with outside agencies.

• Prepares technical and administrative reports on project assignments.

• Researches, recommends, and purchases all needed Global Position System (GPS) survey equipment and related software.

• 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 and six years of public works-related experience in the design and construction of highways and bridges. Requires certification by the State of Minnesota as a Bridge Inspector Team Leader within one year of hire.   A valid driver's license and a reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities are required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Training and/or experience using Autodesk Civil 3D; or MicroStation and Geopak software is highly preferred.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Program Manager and County Engineer. Work is performed with considerable latitude for independent judgment in the solution of field problems. Work assignments are received both orally and in writing. Work is reviewed through ongoing consultation, periodic spot inspections, and by review of completed assignments.

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 of civil engineering methods, materials, and equipment used in highway design and construction.

Knowledge of civil engineering survey principles, practices, and their application to highway design and construction.
 
Knowledge of engineering mathematics and its application in field surveying and construction computations.
 
Abilities –Ability to operate surveying and drafting equipment and computers.
 
Ability to make accurate time, equipment, and material estimates relating to highway construction projects.
 
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, departmental superiors, construction contractors, landowners, public officials, and the general public.
 
Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
 
Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires field work, typically in a construction oriented setting. One may be exposed to construction site hazards such as moving traffic, falling debris, moving equipment, chemical/dust exposure, treacherous surfaces, etc. when traversing inspection sites.

Physical activities include light to medium work: Sitting, talking, hearing, seeing, driving, standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, pushing, pulling, feeling, reaching, lifting, grasping, twisting above the waist, bending at waist, repetitive hand and arm motion, and fine finger manipulation in the use of a computer. Incumbent will climb ladders, enter crawl spaces, exert force to maneuver items, and lifts and/or navigate up to 50 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

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.