ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST8267B1 Pay Grade: 26 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is supervisory or technical administrative work involving a variety of complex engineering functions. Work typically involves planning, coordinating, directing and reviewing work of others that may be diverse or narrowly focused; explaining agency procedures or requirements to engineering firms, utility representatives, local units of government or others; or applying technical expertise to plan the use of resources to accomplish the desired result in a timely manner. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - Level D: "Under general direction…" Employees at this level are usually in charge of a large and important organizational unit. They plan and carry out assignments with little supervision. They report regularly to a superior, usually by means of occasional conferences, to discuss work progress or new problems which require advice from above. This designation will pertain to classes with a high order of independence. 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 D: Work is of a diversified nature that usually involves multiple unrelated steps. Analytical thought is necessary for dealing with complex data and situations. Work often involves a variety of unrelated processes and may require planning or carrying out a sequence of actions or both. Several alternatives usually exist at this level for approaching problems or situations. Workers at this level exercise a considerable amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by occasional review and by reporting to or consultation with supervisors or superiors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually broadly defined or technical requiring careful analysis and interpretation. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating or both and costs due to errors are substantial. Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence, motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level. 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 D: Involves administrative supervision responsibility. As a "first line supervisor", the primary responsibility involves scheduling, supervising and evaluating employees who perform the same or similar work. Responsible for recommending hiring and disciplinary actions to a higher level of authority. As a "project manager" may direct the activities of project leaders to develop plans and criteria and to evaluate progress and results for one or more projects. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Engineering Technician Senior in which incumbents' supervisory responsibilities are performed with less independence and the work involves limited administrative duties. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Directs the collection, analysis and dissemination of major engineering information, including annual reports as required by state and federal laws. Develops schedules, determines scope of research and assigns duties for traffic studies and other highway projects, employing the most advanced technological tools. Reviews and develops reports and recommends action on a wide range of complex matters such as change orders, special provisions, highway permit requests, changes in traffic patterns, and advises supervisors of any problems or special considerations. Prepares updated manuals of standard specifications and special provisions for use agency-wide, ensuring that all additions and changes of pertinent laws and regulations are incorporated within them. Uses computer software and hardware which may include data collection, CAD/CAM, map projection management, database management systems, and plotting functions. Prepares technical water resources reports and special investigative reports for critical water areas and water rights problems. Reviews plans and estimates costs of construction and maintenance projects prior to bid letting. Serves as unlicensed party chief of a survey crew under the direction of a licensed surveyor by overseeing all procedures, reviewing all data, compiling reports of survey findings, and making individual work assignments to subordinates; obtains permission to survey private property and explains scope and purpose to property owners. Assists a senior engineer in providing coordination, consultation and review of the processes and procedures within an area of engineering such as materials inspection, complex bridge design, or complex road design. Monitors complex projects for conformity to current federal guidelines and regulations with responsibility for acquiring and developing permits and reports as needed. Conducts investigations or otherwise responds to a wide range of complex and technical questions within an area of expertise from the public, federal and local officials, other agencies or private companies. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of the instruments, equipment, and materials used in the appropriate engineering specialty. *Knowledge of the methods, techniques, and practices of the appropriate engineering specialty. *Knowledge of the mathematics used in the appropriate 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. Knowledge of engineering design procedures, research methods, basic data collection and analysis. Abilities Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and control the activities of a large number of technical and clerical assistants. *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 clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. *Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private officials and the public. Ability to operate a computer and use software for bridge or road design, cartography, hydrologic investigations and other engineering functions. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Five years experience in engineering technical support. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency. Necessary Special Requirements:Some positions in this class require that incumbents possess a Fundamentals of Surveying certificate from the Kansas Board of Technical Professions within the time frame set by the agency. NC: 06/93 |