Minnesota Department of Transportation

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Surveys

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

Nature & purpose

Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs skilled technical work associated with land, location, construction and/or geodetic control surveys and the creation of base maps to ensure accurate information and computation for the purchase of right of way or the design and construction of highways and other transportation systems, or setting accurate control points.  An employee in this class may provide intermittent daily work direction to a survey crew; and 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 of 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.

  • Performs as survey lead worker in absence of the crew lead (Transportation Specialist) to maintain survey project timelines and ensure efficiency of work area.
  • Sets up 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.
  • Performs data comparison from real time kinematic global position systems or total station to verify data accuracy.
  • Assists 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 set-up, calibration, use and maintenance of survey equipment, including coordination of vehicle maintenance, as well as procures supplies for daily work responsibilities to maximize efficient use of time, equipment and materials.
  • Assists survey lead in field construction by creating and/or checking survey notes, recovering or establishing horizontal and vertical control, setting and marking stakes, and pounding hubs or setting right of way to ensure consistency and accuracy.
  • Sets up and operates global positioning systems to gather accurate horizontal and vertical position of monuments.
  • Assists with investigation and location of lot corners, monuments and section corners to establish or relocate right of way boundaries.
  • Processes field data into CADD files for other functional areas ensuring accuracy, integrity, and uniformity according to standards.
  • Communicates with contractors, landowners, consultants and supervisors to report progress or review work assignment.
  • Assists in performing 1st and 2nd order geodetic control surveys including Global Positioning System ensuring accuracy with standards and specifications.
  • 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 so that elevations and features measured within the model accurately represent true ground position.
  • Operates analytical or digital stereoplotter 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.

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

Knowledge of:

  • Practices and procedures of land surveying, construction 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, adjust and set up 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 taking 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 GPS files, basic memos or letters, and spreadsheets.
  • Perform basic CADD and/or Geopak applications; compile and edit mapping data.
  • Utilize basic GIS desktop applications.
Interpersonal
  • Work cooperatively with peers as demonstrated by understanding and carrying out verbal instructions and directions within a work group.
  • Train and/or mentor others to perform basic tasks or operate equipment.
  • Interact with customers, stakeholders and co-workers as demonstrated by reporting and reviewing work progress.
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.
  • Occasionally lead crews.
  • Look for opportunities to improve processes.
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 and be able to answer questions from the public in one-on-one situations, either in the field or by phone.
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.
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.
Written Communications
  • Write notes, letters, memos, basic reports and proposals, and complete forms.

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, licenses 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 TGS level can be achieved with at least:

  • Two years of experience performing surveys (e.g., land, location. Construction, and/or geodetic control surveys, etc.), mapping or related activities. 

OR

  • One year of experience performing survey (e.g., land, location, construction, and/or geodetic control surveys, etc.), mapping or related activities; PLUS one year experience performing roadway inspection, design or related activities;
  • 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.
  • Field positions require a Class D Driver’s License.

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.

EST:

Rev:

  • 2-15-12 Deleted degree

T.C.:

Former Titles:

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