Minnesota Department of Transportation

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Fracture Critical Bridge Inspection

Class code: 003677
Bargaining unit(s): 207
Classification title: Transportation Specialist
Function: Fracture Critical Bridge Inspection (with CADD)
Kind of work: Senior level technical and/or specialized work.

Nature & purpose

Under limited supervision, an employee in this class performs difficult technical duties, such as Fracture Critical bridge safety inspections, assessments of bridges with complex or special features, and performs related work as required.

An employee resolves most problems using theoretical principles and concepts of a specialized field as well as knowledge of and impact on the department’s programs. An employee is considered the technical expert in a specialized area and provides technical support and expertise to others.  An employee is responsible for completing or leading a complex project and/or work activities and has a substantial degree of authority in planning, organizing and completing work.  Employees at this level will 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.

This level is different from the Transportation Generalist Senior level in that at the Transportation Specialist level, an employee plans and organizes work based on deadlines, procedures and standards.  An employee determines what shall be done and how it will be done and continually improves work processes.  At this level, an employee provides technical expertise and information, in a specialized field, to others.

Examples of work

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

  • Performs in-depth bridge safety inspections of in-service bridges on both the trunk highway system and on the local system, with a special emphasis on bridges with fracture critical members.
  • Complete detailed narrative reports on findings.
  • Schedule Fracture Critical Inspections and equipment including snoopers, lift equipment and traffic control and other devices.
  • Review annual routine inspections performed by the Districts, Counties, or Cities to determine conformance to inspection standards and recommend changes.

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 fracture critical inspection team in the fracture critical inspection of bridges and other structures so structural integrity is maintained.  
  • MnDOT’s Bridge Safety Inspection Policies & Procedures.
  • 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 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
  • Train others to perform tasks or operate equipment. 
  • Resolve interpersonal and workmanship-related conflicts.
Leadership

Lead crews.  Look for opportunities to improve processes.

Math
  • Do basic geometry such as calculate areas and volumes. 
  • Know the properties of uniform shapes such as planes and solid figures.
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
  • Work independently.
  • Solve routine technical, process, or people-related problems.
Reading
  • Comprehend legal documents such as contracts, policies, and statutes.
Written Communication
  • Generate technical documents such as instructional manuals, policy guidelines, or construction plans. 

Licenses, Certifications:

  • Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License
  • MnDOT Bridge Safety Team Leader Inspection Certification – Required.

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 Specialist level can be achieved with:      

  • Four years of experience performing bridge inspection activities (e.g., routine, special, or fracture critical inspections of bridges on the TH or local road system) of which at least six months included utilizing computer-aided drafting and design (CADD); OR
  • Two years of experience performing bridge safety inspection activities of which at least six months included utilizing computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) and two years performing a combination of other trades experience such as bridge construction, bridge construction inspection, bridge repair and bridge maintenance; construction or maintenance administration, etc.
  • 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 work conditions:

Requires occasionally pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying 50-pounds maximum.  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, hand, finger and/or leg controls. 

EST:

  • 9/98

Rev:

  • 2-15-12 Updated degree
  • 6-28-13: Updated CADD

T.C.:

  • 9/98

Former Titles:

  • Highway Technician Senior