Surveys

Class code: 003677
Bargaining unit(s): 207
Classification title: Transportation Specialist
Function: Surveys (with CADD)
Kind of work: Senior level technical and/or specialized work.

Nature & purpose

Under limited supervision, an employee in this class performs difficult technical work associated with land, location, construction and/or geodetic control surveys and creation of base maps to ensure accurate information and computation of 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 position is different from the Transportation Generalist Senior in that at the Transportation Specialist level, employees plan and organize work based on deadlines, procedures and standards. An employee determines what shall be done and how it will be done and continually improves work processes. At this level, an employee provides technical expertise and information, in a specialized field, to others. An employee resolves most problems using theoretical principles and concepts of a specialized field as well as knowledge of and impact on the department’s programs. An employee is considered to have a high level of technical knowledge in a specialized area and provides technical support and expertise to others.
An employee is responsible for completing or leading multiple complex projects and/or work activities and has a substantial degree of authority in planning, organizing and completing work. Some employees at this level may perform as lead worker having considerable freedom to organize human, equipment, material, and other resources as well as prioritize, schedule, assign, direct, guide and report on the work activities of other state employees.

Examples of work

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

Performs as survey lead worker to maintain survey project timelines and ensure efficiency of work area.
Oversees or operates 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 staking or location surveys.
Oversees or performs data comparison from real time kinematic global position systems or total station to verify data accuracy.
Performs as survey lead in construction survey office activities such as reviewing plans and notes to eliminate errors and uploading/transferring electronic files to maximize efficiency.
Performs as survey lead in the field activities by providing technical direction and overseeing all field aspects of implementing control surveys (horizontal, vertical, and photogrammetric) sufficient to ensure control is accomplished with accuracy and in a timely manner.
Performs set-up, calibration, use and maintenance of survey equipment sufficient to ensure crew has functioning equipment ready for daily tasks.
Investigates and locates lot corners, monuments and section corners, leads land survey field work and documentation in a thorough manner sufficient to ensure accuracy of data and information.
Sets up and operates global positioning systems and base stations to gather accurate horizontal and vertical position of monuments.
Communicates with contractors, landowners, consultants and supervisors to report progress or review work assignment.
Prepares, processes, and evaluates survey data for location and construction surveys following MnDOT Surveying and Mapping specifications sufficient to meet project deadlines with accurate and effective data.
Processes data using CADD drafting and computational software producing maps in a timely manner and accuracy standards are maintained.
Performs file maintenance and back-up of data to close-out and archive projects.
Creates digital terrain models sufficient for Design plan requirements.
Performs as project lead in the development of new or updated data processing procedures, instructing and mentoring survey employees sufficient to facilitate ongoing learning and enhance skills.
Performs mark maintenance of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd order control monuments to promote statewide usable geodetic control.
Assists with and performs as survey crew lead in performing 2nd order vertical geodetic control surveys ensuring accuracy with standards and specifications.
Leads and assists with performing 3rd order surveys for photo control, construction and location surveys and right of way monumentation so that work is completed with accuracy according to specification.
Processes geodetic control data and performs technical computations to ensure data accuracy, integrity and uniformity according to standards.
Sets up stereomodels within an analytical or digital stereoplotter such that elevations and features measured within the model accurately represent true ground position.
Operates analytical stereoplotter or digital work station to compile planimetric and DTM mapping that meets standards for accuracy, clarity and completeness.
Edits/modifies stereo compiled map files so that final map file is clear, complete and elements are correctly symbolized.
Prepares a mapping project to enable Aero-triangulation process.
Assists in preparing mapping and aero-triangulation projects.
Performs routine maintenance/cleaning of stereoplotter instrument.
Performs file maintenance and back-up of regular and archived mapping files upon completion of models and projects and deletes unnecessary files and data.
Serves as lead stereoplotter operator to ensure map compilation is completed efficiently and on schedule and assist in the training of new employees in the operation of the steroplotter and other computerized equipment and associated photogrammetric software.
Assists the photogrammetric planning engineer with layout, estimating, processing aerial photography
Performs as survey lead in field construction by providing technical direction and overseeing all aspects of construction surveying sufficient to ensure staking is accomplished on construction projects accurately and in a timely manner.
Organizes land survey data, analyze, build or process information and assists the land surveyor in resolving issues regarding highway alignments and right of way.

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

Knowledge of:

Principles, practices and procedures of land, construction and location 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, set up, and adjust survey equipment as demonstrated by calibration of real time kinematic GPS unit or total station or maintenance of stereoplotter.
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 take 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 files, basic memos or letters, and spreadsheets and Power Point presentations.
Perform CADD and/or Geopak applications to compile and edit mapping data.
Use Microstation, GeoPak Surveys and Trimble GPS software.
Compile and edit mapping data.
Produce Digital Terrain Models.
Utilize GIS desktop 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.
Train and/or mentor others to perform tasks or operate equipment.
Resolve interpersonal conflicts among work group.

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.
Lead crews or perform as lead on part of a project.
Look for opportunities to improve processes.
Participate in change management processes
Contribute to the development and implementation of work plans.

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.
Algebra and statistical calculations sufficient to use polynomials and conduct statistical computations and analyses.
Advanced geometry and trigonometry sufficient to allow use of angle properties and characteristics and calculate area volume, and geometric characteristics of all plane and solid shapes.

Oral Communication

Articulate job-related questions in order to fully comprehend work assignment.
Deliver pre-planned informational presentations to groups.
Answer questions from the public in one-on-one situations, either in the field or by telephone.
Participate in open group discussions and debates.
Serve as panel member in structured discussions.
Negotiate in order to make or change decisions.

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.
Advise or direct others.
Determine when an issue warrants a creative departure from normally followed processes, practices, or guidelines.
Teach others.

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.
Comprehend legal documents such as contracts, policies, statutes and legal descriptions.

Written Communication

Write notes, letters, memos, basic reports and proposals, and complete forms.
Generate technical documents such as instructional manuals, policy guidelines or construction plans.

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 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 TS level can be achieved with:

Four years of experience performing surveys (e.g., land, location, construction, and/or geodetic control surveys, etc.), mapping which included at least two years of experience utilizing computer-aided drafting and design.

Three years of experience performing surveys (e.g., land, location, construction, and/or geodetic control surveys, etc.), mapping or related activities PLUS a combination of one year of experience performing roadway inspection or design. Two of the three years of experience must have included utilizing computer-aided drafting and design.
Note: 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.

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