Minnesota Department of Transportation

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Contract Administration

Class code: 003685
Bargaining unit(s): 202
Classification title: Transportation Generalist
Function: Contract Administration (Roadway and Bridge Construction)
Kind of work: Basic level technical and/or skilled maintenance work.

Nature & purpose

Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs daily assigned and routine work, such as routine testing and project documentation and performs related work as required.

This level is different from the Transportation Associate level in that it requires less direct supervision. At the Transportation Generalist level, daily work and projects are assigned by the supervisor and/or lead worker. Work/projects are completed with a higher level of discretion than at the lower level. An employee modifies simple, established procedures to improve work processes.

An employee resolves semi-routine, yet similar problems using defined approaches learned through work. An employee at this level is responsible for completing daily work assignments and may identify service needs not currently being met by either taking care of it or bringing it to the attention of the supervisor/lead worker. Some employees may provide work direction to others as part of a specific assignment.

Examples of work

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

  • Obtains representative samples of bituminous, concrete, aggregate, grading and base materials and performs appropriate tests to ensure quality assurance.
  • Performs the construction materials acceptance tests (such as gradations, density, air, beam, cylinder and slump) in the field as required to ensure quality of materials.
  • Reads and interprets plans and specifications to ensure contractor compliance.
  • Checks the dimensions and tolerances of constructed roadway features to ensure conformance to plans and specifications.
  • Measures, computes and documents pay items to ensure proper payment for work done under the contract.
  • Performs and implements inspection processes so that test failures are corrected.
  • Monitors the work of contractor personnel to ensure compliance with established processes, practices, and specifications.
  • Assists the Plant Monitor to ensure materials meet specifications and requirements.

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

Knowledge of:

  • MnDOT construction policies and procedures, state and federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations and MnDOT’s safety policies and procedures sufficient to assist in the program delivery process by providing inspection, testing, and documentation for ensuring project compliance with applicable specifications and to safely do the job.
  • 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.

Skill in:

  • Use of materials, testing equipment (e.g. DCP), concrete air tester, sieves, scales, etc.
  • Use of safety equipment.

Ability to:

Equipment
  • Use specialized equipment to perform very precise, exacting operations where maintaining close tolerances are critical to the successful completion of the job. 
Information Technology
  • Create and edit data files such as letters, memos, spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and GPS data files. 
  • Use CADD software to edit basic shapes and lines.
Interpersonal
  • Work cooperatively with peers. 
  • Able to receive verbal instruction and direction.
  •   Interact with customers and stakeholders.
Leadership
  • Take responsibility for quality and timeliness of work. 
  • Respond to unplanned requests.
  • Complete assigned tasks and report progress. 
  • Demonstrate behavior consistent with departmental direction.
Math
  • Do basic geometry such as calculate areas and volumes. 
  • Know the properties of uniform shapes such as planes and solid figures. 
  • Examples include airports for testing air density and cone penetrometers for precise materials tests and measuring to the nearest gram or percentage of a gram in some cases.
Oral Communications
  • Articulate job-related questions and comprehend answers. 
  • Communicate in a team setting.
Problem Solving
  • Able to follow verbal instructions. 
  • Can work under the direction of others.
Reading
  • Read construction plans, MnDOT manuals, and spec books.
Written Communication
  • Generate notes, letters, memos, and departmental forms. 
  • Use Outlook.

Licenses, Certifications:

Some positions may require a driver’s license, as well as endorsements, specific to positions 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 certifications are necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

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

  • A combination of one year of experience in any of the following areas: contract administration (roadway and/or bridge construction), bridge maintenance, bridge safety inspection, design, hydraulics, materials, soils, permits, planning, pre-design, right of way, road surface/roadside maintenance, snow/ice, surveys, and/or traffic engineering.  Credit will also be awarded for professional residential or commercial building construction.

OR

  • 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 work conditions:

Requires occasionally lifting articles such as 75 pound bags of sample materials 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.

Weather elements:

May require frequent exposure to weather elements (both cold and hot) on a daily basis.

EST:

Rev:

  • 2-15-12 Updated degree
  • 6-10-13 Updated lifting requirements
  • 5-6-16 Updated Minimum Qualifications

Former Titles:

  • Highway Technician