Engineering Technician (Grade 6 - 2026 wage scale) $27.63 - $38.03
Job Summary
To survey, design, inspect, and provide construction staking for county road and bridge construction projects in accordance with state and federal standards and specifications, departmental procedures, and sound engineering practices.
Supervision Received
Employees working in this job class work under general supervision and usually receive some instruction with respect to details of most assignments, but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods, and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and are only subject to periodic supervisory checks.
Supervision Exercised
May serve as a work leader for seasonal laborers. Elements of direct control over these positions include assigning tasks, monitoring progress and workflow, checking the product for timeliness and correctness or soundness, and providing input into supervisor's actions.
Essential Functions
This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential requirements of this position.
1. Designs and prepares road and bridge construction plans. Interprets and reduces field survey data. Using computer aided drafting system and complicated civil engineering software, apply complex design principles, standards, and calculations to design road and bridge construction projects. Calculates estimated quantities for use as bid items for road and bridge construction projects. Edits computer generated construction details, plan and profiles, and cross sections for accuracy and clarity. Reviews and edits computer generated reports for accuracy. Assembles individual plan sheets into a comprehensive construction plan. Creates right of way plats for road construction projects by reviewing legal property descriptions and title searches and applying land survey practices recognized by the State of Minnesota. Assists with the environmental documents, and permit applications.
2. Provides construction inspection while acting as the engineer's authorized representative for road and bridge construction projects. Inspects construction to assure compliance with construction plans and specifications. Maintains accurate and complete records pertaining to construction progress, quantities of work performed, and construction materials. Performs sampling and quality control tests on construction materials including aggregate, concrete and bituminous materials.
3. Performs preliminary surveys for road and bridge construction projects and permitting activities. Researches existing survey data for known horizontal and vertical control points and locate them in the field. Collects data for the design of road and bridge construction projects. Data is collected using various survey equipment including GPS, robotic total station, level, and drone to perform closed traverse, bench loop, terrain modeling, base line cross section, topographical, and hydraulic surveys. Performs miscellaneous surveys including no-passing surveys, sight distance surveys, county ditch surveys, seatbelt compliance surveys, stockpile quantity and inventory verification surveys, and surveys to assist with environmental permitting.
4. Provides staking for road and bridge construction projects. May act independently or lead others during complex construction staking activities. Stakes right-of-way and easements for the acquisition of right of way. Provides construction stakes for centerline alignment, clear and grub limits, slope stakes, culvert and catch basin stakes, elevation tolerance stakes, and bridge construction stakes according to complicated construction plans.
5. Verifies final payment quantities and design calculations.
6. Assists seasonal workers and co-workers in manipulation of survey data.
7. Performs traffic studies.
8. Shares information with other members of the inspection and construction surveying team.
9. Attends certification classes, trainings, and meetings as needed.
10. Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent in a professional or effective manner.
Minimum Qualifications
Two-year degree from a Civil Engineering Technology program or five (5) years experience as a civil engineering technician.
Valid Minnesota driver's license required. Employment reference checks and a criminal background check will be performed as part of the pre-employment process.
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain required Mn/DOT technical certifications following hire.
Special note: After 5 years of full-time experience in this position and demonstrated job proficiency, the incumbent may be eligible for promotion to the Sr. Engineering Technician job classification, subject to available budget funds, County Engineer support, and County Administrator approval.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
Knowledge of:
1. County and departmental policies, procedures, and practices to safely and effectively accomplish the needs of the department.
2. Modern methods and techniques of civil engineering as applied to the survey, design, and construction of roads and bridges.
3. Land and engineering survey methods, techniques, and requirements.
4. MnDOT specifications and standards.
Skill in:
1. Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with staff, contractors, and the general public sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
2. Organizing and prioritizing work.
3. Computer skills and typing sufficient to complete 30 net words per minute without errors.
4. Reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently.
Ability to:
1. Present a positive attitude in the workplace, promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be able to treat co-workers and supervisors with respect, honesty, and consideration.
2. Obtain and maintain technical certification through MnDOT in the areas of grading and base, bituminous street and plant, concrete street and plant, and bridge construction and safety inspection.
3. Compute complex engineering formulas.
4. Efficiently operate GPS, calculator, document copying equipment, computer, total station, level, and other surveying and material testing equipment.
5. Comprehend construction plans.
6. Communicate effectively with coworkers, county officials, contractors, property owners, and other government agencies.
7. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, contractors, county officials, and the general public.
Language Skills
Intermediate Skills - Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.
Mathematical Skills
High Skills - Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Reasoning Skills
High Skills – Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient at using the following software.
County Payroll Software E-time, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Webfusion, AutoCAD, Road Design Software/Civil 3D, GPS survey software, OneOffice, and Internet.
Ability to Travel
Regular travel is required, mostly within the county.
Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request):
Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, analytical, design, problem solving, project management, technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, leadership, quality management, cost consciousness, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, adaptability, initiative, and innovation.
Work Environment
The noise level in the office is usually moderate.
Work will vary between outdoor and indoor settings depending on the job function being performed. Indoor work will involve sitting in front of a computer for prolonged periods. Outdoor work will involve working in swamps, thick underbrush, and forested areas in the proximity of wood ticks, mosquitoes, flies, bees, and other insects. Outdoor work will frequently involve working on public roads in the presence of traffic.
Equipment and Tools
GPS base station and receivers, robotic total station, automatic level, computer, copier, fax, telephone, printer, drafting supplies, construction calculators, metering and measuring devices, drone, county-owned vehicles, and personal vehicle (requires proof of insurance on file).
Soils lab testing equipment: sieve shakers, scales, splitters, ovens, slump cones, air meters, and dynamic cone penetrometers.
Physical Activities/Requirements
Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, use of fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 70 pounds.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs light to medium work, exerting up to 70 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Manual dexterity and motor coordination are required for the variety of jobs performed
Working safely is a condition of employment. Aitkin County is a drug-free workplace.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Aitkin County reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.
Reasonable Accommodation Notice
The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
8/24/2021
Our Vision: We strive to be a county of safe, vibrant communities that place value on good stewardship of local resources.
Our Mission: Aitkin County's mission is to provide outstanding service in a fiscally responsible manner through innovation and collaboration with respect for all.
Our Core Values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, People-Focused, Professionalism
Sr. Engineering Technician (Grade 8 - 2026 wage scale) $31.86 - $43.90
Job Summary
To survey, design, inspect, and provide construction staking for county road and bridge construction projects in accordance with state and federal standards and specifications, departmental procedures, and sound engineering practices. To perform annual bridge safety inspection in compliance with state and federal bridge inspection standards.
Supervision Received
Employees working in this job class work under general supervision and usually receive some instruction with respect to details of most assignments, but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods, and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and are only subject to periodic supervisory checks.
Supervision Exercised
Serves as a work leader and is partially accountable for the work product of assigned Engineering Technicians and seasonal staff. Elements of direct control over these positions may include prioritizing and assigning tasks, monitoring progress and work flow, checking the product for timeliness and correctness or soundness, establishing work standards, coordinating work schedules, and providing input into supervisor's actions.
Essential Functions
This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential requirements of this position.
1. Designs and prepares road and bridge construction plans. Acts independently or leads others during design activities. Interprets and reduces field survey data. Using computer aided drafting system and complicated civil engineering software, applies complex design principles, standards, and calculations to design road and bridge construction projects. Develops vertical and horizontal roadway alignments. Establishes drainage by setting elevations for ditches, curbs, culverts, and storm sewer components. Edits computer generated construction details, plan and profiles, and cross sections for accuracy and clarity. Develops erosion control plans to comply with environmental permitting regulations. Prepares traffic control, signing and striping plans. Calculates estimated quantities and selects bid items for road and bridge construction projects. Reviews and edits computer generated reports for accuracy. Assembles individual plan sheets into a comprehensive construction plan. Establishes new right of way limits by identifying impacts related to construction projects. Creates right of way plats or assists in developing temporary and permanent easement legal descriptions for road construction projects by reviewing legal property descriptions and title searches and applying land survey practices recognized by the State of Minnesota. Assists with the writing of special provisions, environmental documents, and permit applications.
2. Provides certified inspection while acting as the engineer's authorized representative for highway construction projects. Acts independently as the lead inspector and provides work direction to other members of the inspection and construction surveying team. Exercises independent decision making while inspecting construction activities to assure compliance with construction plans and specifications and determining appropriate, cost effective construction methods to handle unanticipated site and material conditions. Maintains accurate and complete records pertaining to construction progress, quantities of work performed, and construction materials. Performs sampling and quality control tests on construction materials including aggregate, concrete and bituminous materials and develops and interprets material test reports to assure compliance with state and federal requirements. Inspects concrete and bituminous plants and monitors contractor and supplier personnel to ensure products are produced in accordance with contract specifications. Maintains strong working relationships with engineering consultants, construction contractors, and material suppliers in order to ensure efficient delivery of assigned projects. Ensures that all project documentation is organized and stored in accordance with state and federal and departmental guidelines.
3. Performs preliminary surveys for highway construction projects. Acts independently or leads others during complex preliminary land surveying activities. Researches existing survey data for known horizontal and vertical control points and locate them in the field. Collects data for the design of road and bridge construction projects. Data is collected using various survey equipment including GPS, robotic total station, level, and drone to perform closed traverse, bench loop, terrain modeling, base line cross section, topographical, and hydraulic surveys. Performs miscellaneous surveys including no-passing surveys, sight distance surveys, county ditch surveys, seatbelt compliance surveys, stockpile quantity and inventory verification surveys, and surveys to assist with environmental permitting.
4. Provides staking for highway construction projects. Acts independently or leads others during complex construction staking activities. Stakes right-of-way and easements for the acquisition of right of way. Provides construction stakes for centerline alignment, clear and grub limits, slope stakes, culvert and catch basin stakes, elevation tolerance stakes, and bridge construction stakes according to complicated construction plans.
5. Customizes computer software for the needs of the department. Provides computer assistance for seasonal workers and co-workers. Assists seasonal workers and co-workers in manipulation of survey data, determination of section and property lines, and the design of highway projects. Maintains and updates MnDOT technical manuals.
6. Conducts and certifies annual bridge safety inspection on all county and township bridges in compliance with state and federal bridge inspection methods and standards. Maintains inventory of all bridge data including bridge load rating data.
7. Performs traffic studies.
8. Attends certification classes, trainings and meetings for the highly specialized programs including, but not limited to, bridge inspection, right of way acquisition, and technical certification as needed. All require advanced knowledge and skill to ensure the successful achievement of program objectives.
9. Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent in a professional and effective manner.
Minimum Qualifications
Two- year degree from a Civil Engineering Technology program plus five (5) or more years of experience; or ten (10) years experience as a civil engineering technician.
Valid Minnesota driver's license required. Employment reference checks and a criminal background check will be performed as part of the pre-employment process.
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain required Mn/DOT technical certifications following hire.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
Knowledge of:
1. County and departmental policies, procedures, and practices to safely and effectively accomplish the needs of the department.
2. Modern methods and techniques of civil engineering as applied to the survey, design, and construction of roads and bridges.
3. Land and engineering survey methods, techniques, and requirements.
4. MNDOT specifications and standards.
Skill in:
1. Strong communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with staff, contractors, and the general public sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
2. Organizing and prioritizing work.
3. Computer skills and typing sufficient to complete 30 net words per minute without errors.
4. Reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently.
Ability to:
1. Present a positive attitude in the workplace, promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be able to treat co-workers and supervisors with respect, honesty, and consideration.
2. Obtain and maintain technical certification through MnDOT in the areas of grading and base, bituminous street and plant, concrete street and plant, and bridge construction and safety inspection.
3. Compute complex engineering formulas.
4. Efficiently operate calculator, document copying equipment, computer, total station, level, and other surveying and material testing equipment.
5. Comprehend construction plans.
6. Communicate effectively with coworkers, county officials, contractors, property owners, and other government agencies.
7. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, contractors, county officials, and the general public.
Language Skills
High Skills –Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Mathematical Skills
High Skills - Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Reasoning Skills
Very High Skills – Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient at using the following software.
County Payroll Software E-time, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Webfusion, AutoCAD, Road Design Software/Civil 3D, GPS Survey Software, OneOffice, , SIMS, and Internet.
Ability to Travel
Regular travel is required, mostly within the county.
Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request):
Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, analytical, design, problem solving, project management, technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, leadership, quality management, cost consciousness, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, adaptability, initiative, and innovation.
Work Environment
The noise level in the office is usually moderate.
Work will vary between outdoor and indoor settings depending on the job function being performed. Indoor work will involve sitting in front of a computer for prolonged periods. Outdoor work will involve working in swamps, thick underbrush, and forested areas in the proximity of wood ticks, mosquitoes, flies, bees, and other insects. Outdoor work will frequently involve working on public roads in the presence of traffic.
Equipment and Tools
GPS base station and receivers, robotic total station, automatic level, computer, copier, fax, telephone, printer, drafting supplies, construction calculators, metering and measuring devices, county-owned vehicles, and personal vehicle (requires proof of insurance on file).
Soils lab testing equipment: sieve shakers, scales, splitters, ovens, slump cones, air meters, and dynamic cone penetrometers.
Physical Activities/Requirements
Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, use of fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must have the ability to lift Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, use of fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 70 pounds.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs light to medium work, exerting up to 70 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Manual dexterity and motor coordination are required for the variety of jobs performed
Working safely is a condition of employment. Aitkin County is a drug-free and alcohol-free workplace.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Aitkin County reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.
Reasonable Accommodation Notice
The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
8/24/2021
Our Vision: We strive to be a county of safe, vibrant communities that place value on good stewardship of local resources.
Our Mission: Aitkin County's mission is to provide outstanding service in a fiscally responsible manner through innovation and collaboration with respect for all.
Our Core Values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, People-Focused, Professionalism
