GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS
The ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN 1 (as a member of a crew) performs a variety of technical engineering work in the
field such as serving as head chain person or level person on a survey crew, drafting on preliminary plans prepared
in a field office, inspecting contractor's work, and testing materials used on construction projects. Work assignments
may vary on a seasonal basis.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES
This is the first level of a three-level series. This class is distinguished from the next higher level by the
absence of full-time responsibility for operating the transit on a survey crew, for inspecting all phases of roadway
construction (e.g., subgrade excavation or embankment, placing of base, asphalt paving or concrete surfacing) to
determine satisfactory workmanship and adherence to plans and specifications and for coordinating the work of other
engineering technicians on construction inspection projects.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Allocation of positions to this class will depend on the total work performed which may include one or a combination
of the duties or tasks listed below.
- Field Survey and Drafting. Typical tasks: under the technical guidance of a survey crew leader, works
outdoors as a member of a survey crew in the capacity of head chain person (holding and moving a surveyor's chain
used to measure horizontal distances) or level person (holding and operating a leveling rod or level to determine
the distance in elevation between two points); listens to other members of the crew call out readings and records
the numbers and letters in project records; checks field note for accuracy by recalculating numbers; performs engineering
calculations using hand-held calculator or computer programs to determine elevations, curve, angles, distances,
longitude and latitude, earth volumes and areas; redraws engineering drawings to reflect actual construction based
on figures and symbols received from inspectors or project manager, using conventional drafting equipment or computer
aided drafting software; draws preliminary engineering plans using geometric and trigonometric figures and symbols
to plot vertical sections of ground; analyzes field survey data to determine horizontal or vertical controls and
plots roadway vertical sections and profiles; draws or calculates preliminary lists of construction materials and
specifications based on information received from others; cleans drafting instruments after use by wiping or cleansing.
- Construction Inspection. Typical tasks: as junior inspector on construction projects working under the
guidance of a higher level inspector or project manager, inspects the quality and quantity of such materials as
pipe, guardrail, concrete, and reinforcing steel received from contractors at the construction site and comparing
materials with engineering specifications to determine conformance with specifications; counts and records materials
used/supplied by contractor; assists a higher level inspector by conducting inspections of contractors' work on
a section of a major construction project for adherence to standards and specifications; inputs construction information
into computerized record systems; reviews for accuracy and records material quantities and other information received
from field inspectors.
- Material Testing. Typical tasks: under the guidance of a higher level inspector or project manager,
inspects rock crushing plants to ensure that the size of rock required by project is being produced; obtains samples
of aggregate, asphaltic concrete, and similar materials from plants or at construction site; performs standard
laboratory tests in the field to determine quality of such materials as rock, cement, asphalt, or concrete using
established testing procedures and chemical solvents; records test results on forms; checks quantity of materials
being placed and method of placement against specification sheet; conducts required material compaction and gradation
tests and reports results to higher level inspector.
- Miscellaneous. Typical tasks: under the guidance of the Engineering supervisor, researches titles of
ownership records for State-owned properties; prepares reports and maps of findings to be used for settling property
disputes; uses aerial photos to identify alterations within navigable waterways affecting State ownership; prepares
detailed maps from aerial photo; maintains and updates accurate Statewide ownership records system; trains engineering
aides and trainees in fundamental survey and construction work procedures; drives vehicle to and from worksites.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS
Employees in this class have regular contact in-person with the public as a member of a survey crew locating
property and right-of-way lines, with contractors' employees to gather samples of construction material, and determine
compliance with plans an specifications, or with other governmental employees to obtain related survey data.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Employees in this classification work initially under the close supervision of a supervisor who assigns and
reviews work in progress and upon completion for compliance with standard procedures. After an initial orientation
period, employees work under general supervision. Duties assigned will vary depending on the workload of the unit
and season of the year. Technical guidelines in standard specifications, standard drawings, survey models, inspection,
and other manuals are used as references on a regular basis to ensure proper completion of assignments. These guidelines
describe in considerable detail the steps to be followed in performing the work. Work is usually reviewed upon
completion by a higher level technician, the supervisor, or employees in other work units for conformance with
standards and guidelines.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Positions are located throughout the State working in the field and/or an office environment. They require the
willingness to work in the environment associated with the position's location. This includes the willingness to
perform physical work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, sometimes working in close proximity to highway
traffic.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
An Associate degree in Engineering Technology or closely-related engineering field from an accredited community
college or technical school; OR
eighteen quarter (12 semester) of college-level engineering drawing, surveying, or related civil engineering courses;
OR
one year of work experience providing a knowledge of engineering surveying and drafting principles and practices.
Transcripts must be submitted for all required and/or related courses.
