Minnesota Department of Transportation

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Bridge Safety Inspection

Class code: 003676
Bargaining unit(s): 207
Classification title: Transportation Generalist Senior
Function: Bridge Safety Inspection
Kind of work: Intermediate level technical, skilled Work, and/or lead work

Nature & purpose

Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs moderately difficult duties, such as annual bridge safety inspections, special assessments/inspections of bridges and culverts, deck surveys, approach panel inspections, and performs related work as required. 

This level is different from the Transportation Generalist level in that at the Transportation Generalist Senior level, an employee initiates and/or prioritizes work activities, completes a variety of work assignments and chooses the methods in which to complete work using acquired knowledge of the function.

An employee resolves semi-routine, yet uncommon problems by searching for solutions learned from experience.  An employee is responsible for completing multiple projects and/or work activities with competing deadlines and may set some priorities in the completion of work.  An employee at this level may perform as lead worker having considerable freedom to organize human, equipment, material, and other resources as well as prioritize, schedule, assign, direct, guide, and report on the work activities of other state employees.

Examples of work

A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.

  • Performs bridge safety inspections, special assessments/inspections of bridges and culverts, deck surveys, approach panel inspections so structural integrity is maintained at the lowest safety risk and inconvenience to the public, to identify maintenance needs, and to meet federal regulations.
  • Assists in performing routine annual safety inspections of in-service bridges and other highway structures that may include sign structures, high-mast light poles, towers and traffic control signals on bridges to ensure their integrity and safety according to Mn/DOT and FHWA standards.
  • Reports discovered findings, critical or hazardous deficiencies in accordance with Mn/DOT policy.
  • Completes and submits paperwork/reports to a higher level staff in each district for review and modification prior to submittal to the Bridge Office within Central Office to meet federal regulations. 
  • Performs concrete sounding techniques sufficient to detect de-laminations in concrete components. 
  • Maintains bridge records and files sufficient to meet state and federal regulations for Bridge maintenance and for programming replacements and rehabilitation.
  • Determines and gathers tools and access equipment.
  • Coordinates and assures that traffic control is set up and provided
    according to Mn/DOT Traffic Control Standards.
  • Coordinates with external agencies such as the Department of Natural Resources, railroads, the Corps of Engineers, etc. and various private entities.

Knowledge, skills and abilities required to be proficient at the job 

Knowledge of:

  • Procedures, methods, materials, equipment, practices and regulatory requirements sufficient to conduct or direct a bridge safety inspection team in the regular safety inspections of bridges and other structures so structural integrity is maintained. 
  • Working knowledge of English sufficient to read, write, speak and understand oral and written information; communicate with employees and the general public in-person or via two-way radio and other electronic devices; and to maintain routine written logs and simple records.

Ability to:   

Equipment
  • Use basic hand tools and power tools, such as grinders and testing equipment.
  • Drive or operate bridge access equipment and mobile equipment, such as crew truck, snooper truck, bucket truck, scissors lift, and pick-up truck. 
  • Use ladders and scaffolding equipment.
  • Handle materials and set up and adjust equipment.
Information Technology
  • Create and edit files such as letters, memos, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations using Windows-based operating systems and PONTIS software.
Interpersonal
  • Work cooperatively with peers.  Able to receive verbal instruction and direction.
Leadership
  • Lead crews and look for opportunities to improve processes.
Math
  • Solve advanced geometry and trigonometry problems; describe and use angle properties and characteristics; calculate area, volume, and geometric characteristics of all plane and solid shapes.
Oral Communication
  • Deliver pre-planned informational presentations to groups; answer questions from the public in one-on-one situations, either in the field or by phone.
Problem Solving
  • Function as a certified/degreed “expert” from a recognized/vocational/professional organization; serve as an “expert” who can answer questions to unique or rarely seen circumstances or issues.
Reading
  • Read construction plans, MnDOT manuals and specifications books.
Written Communication
  • Generate notes, letters, memos and departmental forms, and use Outlook.

Licenses, certifications: 

Some positions may require a driver’s license, as well as endorsements, specific to position demands and/or equipment required to perform the job within the work area posted.

Technical certification will be required specific to position demands and will be documented on the posting as to the justification of why specific certification(s) are necessary.

Minimum qualifications:

Include years of experience, education, training, certifications and licenses at time of application to be considered eligible for the vacancy. The level of experience to perform this job at the Transportation Generalist Senior level can be achieved with:

  • Two years of experience performing bridge safety inspections, bridge maintenance, bridge
    construction and/or bridge design activities or related activities.
  • A combination of one year of experience performing roadway construction, pre-design,
    hydraulics/water resources, materials, permits, planning, right of way, road surface/roadside maintenance, right of way, signs, snow/ice, soils, surveys, and/or traffic engineering activities or related activities may substitute for one year performing bridge safety inspections, bridge maintenance, bridge construction and/or bridge design or related activities.
  • Note:  A Two year Civil or Construction Technology Degree or the following four year degrees:  Architectural, Civil or Mechanical Engineering; Land Surveying / Geomatics; or equivalent may substitute for one year of experience (In order for education coursework to be considered in lieu of work experience you must submit a copy of your transcripts).
  • Working knowledge of English sufficient to read, write, speak and understand oral and
    written information; communicate with employees and the general public in-person or
    via two-way radio and other electronic devices; and to maintain routine written logs
    and simple records.

Physical capabilities and environmental conditions:        

Requires occasionally lifting articles weighing 75 pounds maximum and frequent lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy tools and file boxes.  This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls. 

Revisions

  • 2-15-12: Updated degrees