Class Code: 04372

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –

HUMAN RESOURCES ENTERPRISE

DESIGN TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST

DEFINITION

Performs paraprofessional engineering design and may perform leadworker functions that involve all areas of multiple projects or works on major projects involving legal and politically sensitive issues; operates a photogrammetric stereo plotter or accompanying computer systems programming or engineering problems and developing software solutions; 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 supervisor by instructing employees, answering questions and distributing, balancing and checking work; may make suggestions on selection, promotions and reassignments.

Provides technical review of design plans prepared by co-workers for proper design, documentation and complete illustration of construction or repair projects.

Trains and instructs co-workers, workers in other offices and design consultants in specific work methods, techniques, project criteria, Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD), various computer software packages, computer support systems, design policy, and other subject matter involved in project development.

Selects, reviews, develops, draws, edits and/or modifies typicals, design standards, tabulations, bid items, reference notes, standard notations, specialized design details, and other details to create plans in accordance with the project design concept.

Checks calculations, detailed drawings, aerial photography, survey data, shop drawings and finished plans or maps developed by co-workers, consultants, or 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.

Prepares feasibility studies to determine the proper economic and practical design procedures, policies, specifications, and details which are used in the design of transportation improvement projects.

Evaluates traffic accident histories for justification for utilization of safety funding for potential projects.

Selects and inputs design criteria and data; creates, maintains and adjusts files to create project plans.

Develops, documents, tests, implements and maintains computer applications and procedures to supplement drafting and design software.

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 approval concept, current engineering design standards, and presents an effective, economical design solution to project objectives.

Receives and responds to questions from design consultants, government agencies and other DOT offices which may require extensive research and require immediate attention.

Prepares engineering studies and evaluations involved in the development of transportation improvements projects from initial concept to the design stage with assistance from the project engineer.

Analyzes roadway and traffic characteristics to determine appropriate signing, pavement markings and other traffic control devices in accordance with federal guidelines, DOT policy and Administrative Rules.

Coordinates, oversees and participates in the development of contract signing and lighting plans for new freeway and expressway construction and for rehabilitation of existing freeway and expressway signing.

Prepares maps for display or reproduction to graphically illustrate various transportation systems and cultural or relief features or details.

Communicates with and coordinates input from co-workers, personnel in related offices, consultants, suppliers, various federal, state, and local agencies, and/or the public to assure complete project development; participates in public hearings, field exams, and other meetings to request information or answer questions concerning maps, plans, or guidelines.

Operates photogrammetric stereo plotter to produce computer-generated contours, cross sections, and planimetrics suitable to develop design plans; reviews photogrammetry survey control points selected by others; performs aerial triangulation, adjusts control point network, locates photo control pass points, and computes stereo plotter set up data for others.

Develops project concepts, location studies, and highway alignments to provide staff with facility options; prepares proposals which identify existing conditions, needs and the effects of various options upon the environment and public.

Recommends safety improvements to reduce specific accident situations.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Knowledge of the development process of a complete set of plans or finished maps including how to prepare designs, 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 surveying, hydrology, geometrics and real estate.

Knowledge of reference materials available for project development such as legal descriptions, historical project information, design manuals, bid item lists and manufacturers’ material catalogs and manuals.

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 agency, state, and federal guidelines, policies, and regulations regarding the acquisition of right of way and the design and construction of highways, bridges, culverts, traffic control devices, bike paths, park roads, boat ramps and other public facilities.

Knowledge of management practices and principles including personnel management, coordination of consultant services, organizational management, and budgeting as they relate to identifying, investigating, and resolving problems and issues which impact project management.

Knowledge about construction practices including construction staging, traffic accommodation, safety enhancement, and environmental impact to adjacent property.

Knowledge in real estate conveyancing and appraisal techniques.

Knowledge of the development process used to complete plans, surveys, or maps.

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 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 Highway Planning Map Manual, design manuals, and manufacturers’ material catalogs and manuals.

Ability to detect errors, discrepancies, and omissions through examinations of detailed drawings, computer files, aerial photographs, calculations, tabulations, and notes.

Ability to analyze and recognize potential damages to properties by proposed right of way acquisition.

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 files to final plans and maps.

Ability to visualize and illustrate a concept of design in two or three dimensions.

Ability to develop new methods, policies, procedures, and specifications or revise existing ones in order to carry out work objectives more efficiently, cost effectively, and safely.

Ability to make complex cost estimates utilizing current contract bid item prices or real estate market sales information.

Ability to establish work priorities and schedules in order to effectively utilize available resources, meet agency goals and comply with state and federal requirements and give guidance to staff through written or oral instruction and demonstration.

Ability to manage file systems, understand file interrelationships and customize data within the individual files.

Skill in the use and care of photogrammetric stereoplotters.

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 eight years of full-time work experience in design drafting, cartography, photogrammetry or right of way;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year (thirty semester hours or 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 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, land 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 thirty-six months of full time work as a Design Technician.

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 for education, six months experience or a combination of both, or a specific certificate, license, or endorsement in the following areas:

052 transportation planning, highway route location, traffic analysis and interchange justification

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

659 soils design

Applicants wishing to be considered for such designated positions must list applicable course work, experience, certificate, license, or endorsement on the application.

Effective Date: 01/07 DK