Minnesota Department of Transportation

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Materials

Class code: 003676
Bargaining unit(s): AFSCME 207
Classification title: Transportation Generalist Senior
Function: Materials
Kind of work: Intermediate level technical, skilled work and/or lead worker

Nature & purpose

Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs moderately difficult duties in the testing and inspection of construction materials to ensure construction specifications are met or to provide information to design, maintenance or research; performs related work as required.

This level is different from the Transportation Generalist in that at the Transportation Generalist Senior level, an employee initiates and/or prioritizes work activities, completes a variety or work assignments and chooses the methods in which to complete work using acquired knowledge of the function.  An employee resolves semi-routine yet uncommon problems by searching for solutions learned from experience.

An employee is responsible for completing multiple projects and/or work activities with competing deadlines and may set some priorities in the completion of 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.

  • Verifies and records incoming material samples so they are properly identified, logged in, and ready for testing.
  • Conducts all aspects of standardized and specific materials lab testing using specialized lab equipment to provide test results on materials for construction, design, maintenance or research.
  • Performs difficult, non-routine materials tests for special studies, circumstances and investigations so that decisions on construction, design, maintenance or research can be made.
  • Calculates test results and inputs data to generate reports and to ensure that test results can be retrieved electronically as needed.
  • Performs preliminary analysis of test results to determine if additional testing is required and if materials meet specifications and tolerances.
  • Maintains, and assists in the testing, calibration and documentation of materials lab equipment to: meet AMRL, CCRL, ACI Accreditation, ensure equipment is ready for use, ensure accuracy and ensure equipment life is maximized.
  • Assists in the delivery of technical certification program training for agency and external personnel so that personnel involved in construction related activities have received necessary training.

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

Knowledge of:

  • Materials testing procedures, materials specifications and tolerances.
  • Various materials used in construction, maintenance, design & research.
  • Required safety procedures and safe operation of equipment.
  • Relevant manuals such as lab, bituminous, concrete.
  • Related computer software programs.
  • 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 tools to handle materials.

Ability to:

Equipment
  • Operate all lab equipment such as: ovens, sieves, shakers, splitters, measuring devices, calculators, water tanks and scales. 
  • Perform routine, scheduled preventative maintenance. 
  • Assist in the calibration, set up and adjustment of equipment. 
Information Technology
  • Perform data entry. 
  • Enter time into time sheet and data base programs. 
  • Use electronic equipment correctly to acquire desired results.
  • Accurately take measurements and readings from testing equipment and record material testing results into required data base.
Interpersonal
  • Work cooperatively with peers. 
  • Able to receive and provide instruction and direction.
Leadership
  • Take responsibility for quality, accuracy and timeliness of work. 
  • Respond to unplanned requests. 
  • Complete assigned tasks and report progress. 
  • Demonstrate behavior consistent with department direction. 
  • Lead crews. 
  • Look for opportunities to improve processes.
Math
  • Add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers including fractions, decimals, and percentages. 
  • Calculate ratios and proportions. 
  • Do basic geometry such as calculate areas and volumes.
Oral Communication
  • Articulate job-related questions and comprehend answers. 
  • Communicate in a team setting. 
Problem Solving
  • Able to follow instructions and prescribed procedures. 
  • Can work under the direction of others. 
  • Work independently. 
  • Solve routine technical, process or people-related problems.
Reading
  • Read and comprehend: notes, letters, memos, electronic mail, policies, proposals, departmental forms, instructional manuals, construction plans, MnDOT manuals and specification books.
Written Communication
  • Generate notes, letters, memos and departmental forms. 
  • Use departmental e-mail program.

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 shy specific certifications are necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

Include years of experience, education, and training required at the time of application to be considered eligible for the vacancy.The level of experience to perform this job at the TGS level can be achieved with:

  • Two (2) years of experience performing materials testing

OR

  • One (1) year of experience performing materials testing or related activities and one year in construction inspection.
  • 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:

The physical demands of this job will vary, but typically requires occasionally lifting articles such as 50 pound material samples, and frequent lifting and/or carrying objects or materials such as aggregate, bituminous, concrete samples in various shapes and weights.  This job may require walking or standing to significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and leg controls. 

Weather elements:

May require frequent exposure to weather elements on a daily basis.

EST:

Rev:

  • 2-15-12 Updated degree

T.C.:

Former Titles:

  • Highway Technician Intermediate: 
    KH: DI1 132; PS: C2 (22) 29; AC: C1I 33; WC: 12 = 206