Class Code: 04371
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –
HUMAN RESOURCES
DESIGN TECHNICIAN
DEFINITION
Performs paraprofessional
engineering design work of a broader scope which impacts all areas of a single
project; performs related work as required.
The Work Examples and Competencies listed are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary basis for position classification decisions.
WORK EXAMPLES
Inputs design criteria and data to create, maintain
and adjust files for the creation of project plans.
Calculates, modifies, or otherwise determines
geometrics, rates of discharge, hydraulic data, quantities, types and sizes of
materials, land area, type, size, and locations of structures and other
information as required for project assignments.
Prepares, selects, and/or modifies typicals, design
standards, tabulations, bid items, reference notes, standards notations,
specialized design details to create plans in accordance with the project
design concept.
Checks calculations and files detailed drawings,
aerial photography, survey data, shop drawings and finished plans or maps
developed by co-workers, consultants, contractors to ensure completeness,
accuracy, and adherence to design concept, specifications and contract
provisions; identifies errors, problems, or non-standard situations and
suggests alternate solutions.
Processes and edits survey data to create design
files, and processes survey data into reports used by designers, planners, and
others; lays out photogrammetry survey control.
Trains co-workers, workers in other departments, or
consultants in specific work methods, techniques, computer software programs,
automation tools, design policy, and other subject matter by reviewing specific
questions with superiors, researching answers, and explaining their application
and output.
Edits and graphically illustrates maps for display or
reproductions of various transportation systems and cultural or relief features
or details.
Performs soil analysis and slope stability analysis,
computes foundation settlement, loading capacities, soil stresses under
drainage and stabilization designs, and determines the characteristics and
conditions of various soil types so that they may be incorporated effectively
and economically in project designs.
Researches historical information obtained from
as-built road plans and courthouse records to determine property ownership and
existing right of way boundaries along existing and proposed highway
centerlines on maps, plats, plans and aerial photographs; establishes the
proposed right of way limits to construct and maintain the highways using road
plans, cross-sections and situation plans; transfers this information to files
and databases to be utilized in the right of way acquisition and design
process.
Performs calculations for pavement thickness designs
and/or an economic analysis of alternate pavement types; adds, sorts and
analyzes data for use in pavement management.
Provides technical assistance and support to users of
drafting and design software; develops and implements custom automated drafting
and design procedures under supervision; evaluates pros and cons of new
releases of drafting and design software.
Reviews projects submitted for federal funding by
local cities and counties; coordinates activities to ensure proper development
and timely delivery of material to other offices and agencies for project
approval.
Monitors and reviews the activities of engineering
consultants to ensure successful completion of the contract objectives;
coordinates consultants' activities to ensure proper development and timely
delivery of information to other offices and agencies; reviews project plans,
ensuring that the proposed design is consistent with the approved concept;
receives and responds to questions from design consultants, government agencies
and other DOT offices.
Collects data from various sources, preparing rough
drafts, drawing details of alternates and calculating cost estimates for
concept statements, engineering studies and evaluations for transportation
improvement projects.
Reviews applications for safety improvement funds from
local jurisdictions and Transportation Centers to determine validity of
proposals to reduce accidents.
Assists in the analysis, evaluation and field review
of Hazard Elimination and Traffic Safety Improvement projects to determine cost
effective counter measures to correct the specific safety deficiencies.
Specifies size, type and location layouts for
lighting, signing, pavement markings, delineators, mileposts and other traffic
control devices in accordance with federal guidelines; draws and assembles
detail for inclusion in design plans; prepares fabrication details for signs.
COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
Knowledge of the development process of a
complete set of plans or finished maps including how to prepare designs or
color reproduction graphics, utilize standard specifications, and tabulate data
in chart form.
Knowledge of basic engineering principles
related to design and construction of projects including land economics,
engineering survey, hydrology, geometrics and real estate.
Knowledge of agency, state and federal
guidelines, policies and regulations regarding the design and construction of
maps, park facilities, boat ramps, highways, bridges, culverts and other public
facilities.
Knowledge of the format, contents and use
of plans, manuals and project files including appropriate lettering, styles,
widths and sizes required for use on a variety of plans and maps.
Knowledge of the proper use and care of
various assigned drafting, scribing, or photogrammetric instruments and
equipment.
Ability to utilize mathematics
including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry in computations as required for
design plans.
Ability to use computer-aided
drafting software, road design software, survey software, photogrammetric
software, and various other computer software packages in the creation of
project plans, maps, graphs and charts and various reports.
Ability to read, understand and
utilize reference materials available for project development such as legal
descriptions, historical project information, Standard Specifications, bid item
lists, Guide for the Highway Planning Map Manual, design manuals, and
manufacturers' material catalogs and manuals.
Ability to manage file systems,
understand file interrelationships and customize data within the individual
files.
Ability to identify specific
information from a substantial amount of related data or written information
from such sources as legal property descriptions, reports, survey notes,
manuals and specifications.
Ability to read and understand
the terminology and symbols used in survey notes, plans, shop drawings, aerial
photographs, and maps to interpret data and information for use in designing
construction plans and maps.
Ability to accurately transfer
information in numerical, written, sketched, or electronic format from sources
such as legal descriptions, survey data, aerial photographs, and computer files
to final plans and maps.
Ability to visualize and
illustrate a concept or design in two or three dimensions.
Ability to analyze and recognize
potential damages to properties by proposed right of way acquisitions.
Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Exhibits honesty and integrity. Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or
unethical behavior.
Works and communicates with internal and external
clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and
cooperative manner. Committed to quality
service.
Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment
towards completing assignments efficiently.
Works with minimal supervision.
Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.
Responds appropriately to supervision. Follows policy and cooperate with
supervisors.
Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals
of the organization.
Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust,
and group identity. Fosters commitment
and team spirit.
Expresses information to individuals or groups
effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the
information. Listens to others and
responds appropriately.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SPECIAL
REQUIREMENTS
Graduation from high school or GED and experience
equal to six years of full-time work experience in design drafting, cartography,
engineering survey, soils survey, land survey, construction inspection or
photogrammetry;
OR
an equivalent combination of
education and experience, substituting one year (thirty semester hours of its
equivalent) of post high school education for each year of the required
experience to a maximum substitution of two years;
OR
substitution of one year
(thirty semester hours or its equivalent) of vocational technical school
education in engineering technology, design drafting, or cartography for two
years of the required experience to a maximum substitution of two years;
OR
substitution of experience in
engineering survey, soils survey or construction inspection for each year of
the required design drafting experience to a maximum substitution of two years;
OR
employees
with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that
includes experience equal to twenty-four months of full-time work as a Design
Technician Associate.
SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION
For designated positions, the appointing
authority, with Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources
Enterprise prior approval, may request those applicants possessing a minimum of
twelve semester hours of education, six months of experience, or a combination
of both, or a specific certificate, license, or endorsement in the following
areas:
062 bridge and structure design
110 cartography
283 highway
design
321 construction
inspection
322 engineering
survey
323 land
survey
324 soils
survey
542 photogrammetry
600 right
of way design
Applicants
wishing to be considered for such designated positions must list applicable
coursework, experience, certificate, license, or endorsement on the
application.
Effective
Date: 12/04 DK