Class Code:  04370

 

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –

HUMAN RESOURCES ENTERPRISE

 

DESIGN TECHNICIAN ASSOCIATE

 

DEFINITION

Performs paraprofessional engineering design functions by working on a part of a project normally involving computer applications, design of projects, engineering studies or research and quality control assisting higher level design technicians and engineers; 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

Assists in the preparation of computer-generated design plans by drafting and adding text to the design file and producing plan sheets.

Calculates geometrics, quantities, types and sizes of materials; types, sizes and locations of structures, land area, and other information as required for project assignments.

Utilizes and/or revises typicals, tabulations, bid items, and other details by drafting and editing existing files and incorporating into project plan sheets.

Checks calculations, files, detailed drawings, aerial photography, survey data, simple shop drawings, and finished plans or maps developed by co-workers for accuracy; identifies errors, problems, or non-standard situations.

Communicates with co-workers and personnel in related offices to solicit or provide information concerning project concepts, project plans, files, maps or design guidelines.

Processes and edits survey data, to create design files, processes survey data into reports used by designers, planners and others.

Assembles, files, and maintains reports, manuals, parcel and project files, aerial photographs, maps, and project plans.

Prepares maps, graphs and charts by sorting data, drafting and/or adding text to display or graphically illustrate various transportation systems and cultural or relief features or details.

Assists in performing soil analysis and/or slope stability analysis by computer or checking calculations to determine the characteristics, economy, and effectiveness of soil conditions and various soil types.

Assists the project engineer/Design Technician Specialist in the preparation of engineering studies and evaluations by drafting alignments, editing text and performing calculations for the development of transportation improvements from the initial concept stage to the design stage.

Researches historical information obtained from as-built road plans and courthouse records to determine property ownerships and existing right of way boundaries along existing and proposed highway centerlines on maps, plats, plans and aerial photographs; assists in establishing 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 data bases to be utilized in the right of way acquisition and design processes.

 

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Knowledge of data and information related to project assignments within and outside the office.

Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of reproduction equipment, drafting equipment, and materials.

Knowledge of the format associated with project assignments, e.g., reports, manuals, plans, catalogs, and files.

Knowledge of symbols and abbreviations used in illustrating and designing project assignments.

Knowledge of basic engineering principles related to design and construction projects including surveying, hydrology, soils, geology, geometrics, transportation, geography, map reading and real estate.

Ability to utilize mathematics including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry in computations required for design plans.

Ability to learn the use of computer-aided drafting software, road design software, survey software, photogrammetric software, and various other software packages in the creation of project plans, maps, graphs and charts and various reports.

Ability to read and learn the use of reference materials available for project development such as legal descriptions, historical project information, Standard Specifications, bid items lists, Guide for the Highway Planning Map Manual, design manuals, and manufacturers’ material catalogs and manuals.

Ability to learn the use of computer and project file systems, understand file interrelationships and customize data with 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.

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 two years of full-time work in design drafting, cartography, photogrammetry, engineering survey, soils survey, land survey or construction inspection;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year (thirty semester hours or its equivalent) of post high school education in a related subject area such as math or engineering for each year of the required experience;

OR

substitution of graduation from a vocational technical school in engineering technology, design drafting, engineering survey, soils survey, land survey, construction inspection or cartography.

 

Effective Date:       12/04      DK