ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN SENIOR

8266B1

Pay Grade: 25

DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary

This is advanced technical or supervisory work in an engineering or scientific field.

Work involves planning, directing and coordinating the activities of technicians in completing a variety of projects which may range from routine to complex, with responsibility for their timely completion according to all the requirements, principles, and guidelines which apply; or performing equally important work in a specialized or complex phase of an engineering process.

Standard Classification Factors

Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction…" Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements.

Difficulty - LEVEL C: Considerable… Duties which require a high degree of concentration because of the many factors which must be considered and weighed before a decision can be reached. Usually positions that require planning, developing, and coordinating programs and directing fairly large groups of people fall into this category.

Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation.

Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant.

Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required.

Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical exertion.

Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible.

Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL C: Typically involves limited supervisory responsibility which entails performing as a "first line supervisor" for a small number of employees. Supervision is not the primary responsibility of the job. Responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling, and reviewing work and recommending hiring and disciplinary actions to a higher level of authority.

Distinguishing Features

Differs from the Engineering Technician in which incumbents may function as a lead worker and duties are varied and limited in scope but exacting in nature.

Differs from the Engineering Technician Specialist in which incumbents perform more complex duties that require a complete understanding of a specialized technical process and the consequences of actions are greater. Work may also include technical administrative responsibilities.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Serves as assistant chief of a survey crew by overseeing and reviewing the work on-site of several lower level technicians; obtains copies of legal property descriptions, roadway easements, and land surveys by searching local and state records; contacts utility companies regarding location of utilities along highways; and obtains permission from owners to enter private property.

Operates an analytical stereo plotter to create planimetric maps; reviews and interprets data from aerial photographs and survey notes; and performs calculations to create maps in proper scale.

Uses computer software and hardware which may include data collection, CAD/CAM, map projection management, database management systems, and plotting functions.

Compiles and interprets a variety of data such as traffic projections, survey notes, aerial photographs, environmental studies, prior construction plans, and geotechnical reports in order to design various components of road projects; draws detail plans from sketches or computations furnished by designers; computes information such as horizontal offsets and grade elevations; checks calculations and detail drawings done by engineers and other technicians; and may serve as lead worker on a less complex design project.

Serves as lead inspector on complex highway, bridge, building, or water control construction or maintenance projects; recommends and makes decisions on necessary changes in construction, signing, safety measures, or EEO check procedures.

Assists local entities by performing technical reviews of road and street plans to assure compliance with state and federal standards, design criteria, and specifications; assists engineers in performing field checks of local projects; and prepares reports of review and field check findings.

Oversees collection of a wide variety of traffic surveys to determine data such as truck traffic on both urban and rural highways, motorist destinations, and traffic volume; collects data regarding physical features and conditions of highways and bridges.

Directs all material testing activities in a unit laboratory or performs material research work of equivalent scope or complexity.

Conducts field investigations and audits appropriation rights to determine the pumping rates of approved water diversions works and the amount of water used annually; reviews with applicants their new applications for permits to appropriate water; investigates allegations of water rights impairments, unlawful diversion of water, and the waste of water.

Directs the distribution of waters within a major geographical area.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge

*Knowledge of the instruments, equipment, and materials used in the appropriate engineering or scientific specialty.

*Knowledge of the methods, techniques, and practices of the appropriate engineering or scientific specialty.

*Knowledge of the mathematics used in the appropriate engineering or scientific specialty.

*Knowledge of the sources of technical information and literature, and the methods of obtaining and using them.

Knowledge of the principles of effective supervision.

Abilities

*Ability to interpret and explain applicable complex regulations, statutes, plans, specifications, and administrative functions.

*Ability to prepare and evaluate technical reports and analyses.

*Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

*Ability to supervise effectively.

*Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private officials and the public.

Ability to operate and use software for bridge or road design, cartography, hydrologic investigations and other engineering functions.

*Necessary at Entry

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Four years of experience in engineering technical support.  Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency.

NC:   06/93
REV: 12/95
REV: 10/98
REV: 02/00
REV: 11/03
REV: 08/05
REV: 06/10