Occ. Code 4003200
ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN, GRADE 8
New York State Department of Civil Service
Classification Standard
NATURE OF WORK
Engineering Technicians assist engineering and higher level technician staff in performing field and office engineering work by performing technical duties in support of engineers or engineering programs.
Although these positions are in a number of agencies, most positions are assigned in the central and regional offices of the Department of Transportation.
CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA AND DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
These positions are characterized by performing routine technical tasks under the direct supervision of engineers or higher level technicians. These tasks include taking measurements, checking computations, collecting and compiling data, reducing notes, tracing maps and plans, making simple calculations, and performing inspections of small and relatively simple construction projects or portions of projects. Typically, Engineering Technicians receive instructions about the work to be done and the methods to be used in performing work. Problems noted in assignments are generally referred to higher level staff for resolution, although Engineering Technicians assist in investigating problems by gathering information and recommending solutions.
These positions are distinguished from Senior Engineering Technicians by the latter class's responsibility for performing more complex work and being assigned to lead small survey parties, train and supervise subordinate Engineering Technicians and Engineering Aides, make and check engineering calculations, inspect portions of construction projects, and/or serve as technical assistant to an engineer. In addition, positions at the Senior level work with considerably more independence in performing their duties, selecting work methods, and investigating and resolving problems and use a wider range of engineering techniques, procedures, and technical materials.
Drafting Technicians assist higher level technicians, architects, or engineers by tracing and copying finished drawings and making drawings of equipment, structures and facilities.
TYPICAL ACTIVITIES, TASKS, AND ASSIGNMENTS
Under general supervision, inspects construction projects to assure correct materials are used, work is performed correctly, and projects are constructed according to specifications and plans.
§ Visually inspects projects to determine compliance with specifications and commonly accepted construction methods and standards.
§ Takes and records measurements.
§ Performs a variety of tests appropriate to materials used and project constructed, such as gradation tests, slump tests, moisture content tests, and load and strength tests.
§ Inspects and tests materials used for projects.
§ Records results of tests and inspections and prepares reports for supervisors and managers.
Participates in field survey teams.
§ Takes measurements using field survey and measurement equipment.
§ Collects and records data and information.
§ Conducts tests on site, using simple testing and measurement equipment.
§ Takes and packages field samples for laboratory analysis.
§ Assists in setting up and calibrating sampling equipment at permanent test and observation sites.
§ Prepares simple maps and plot plans.
§ Checks measurements and tests performed by others.
§ Performs simple engineering calculations to verify data collected on complete measurements and tests.
§ Locates and confirms property lines.
Assists engineering and technical staff in planning and implementing projects and programs.
§ Prepares and revises maps, including drawing and tracing maps and preparing or checking calculations and descriptions.
§ Obtains data, checks the source and validity, and adjusts it to make it current.
§ Prepares graphic display materials showing project presentations, agency programs, or status and location of projects.
§ Receives, compiles, calculates, and files data and information about projects and programs.
§ Reduces, checks, and plots survey notes for design projects.
§ Prepares or checks calculations that estimate or finalize materials quantities for projects, contract costs, and engineers' estimates.
§ Develops, checks, and codes information and records for computer entry.
§ Makes or checks simple engineering calculations related to construction and research projects.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS
Engineering Technicians have a close working relationship with their supervisors and other staff assigned to projects. Incumbents may also have frequent oral communications with other agency staff and contractors' employees when assigned to inspecting construction projects, to gather information, conduct tests, and review work.
NATURE OF SUPERVISION
Engineering Technician is a nonsupervisory class, although incumbents may, occasionally, train and review the work of Engineering Aides or support clerical staff.
Positions in this class are supervised by engineers, architects, or higher level technicians, who make assignments, establish work priorities and schedules, provide assistance and technical guidance, resolve problems, and review work for accuracy, completeness, technical competence, and adherence to instructions and procedures.
MACHINES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT USED
Engineering Technicians use surveying equipment, testing devices, and drafting and engineering instruments and materials to perform their work.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
§ Working knowledge of mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
§ Working knowledge of drafting and surveying, including basic engineering computations.
§ Working knowledge of the methods and materials of construction as related to roads, bridges, drainage, buildings, and related structures.
§ Working knowledge of the use of standard technical reference materials used in construction.
§ Working knowledge of the commonly used engineering symbols and terminology used in design, construction, and materials specifications.
§ Basic knowledge of the department's construction inspection program.
§ Basic knowledge of engineering tests.
§ Basic knowledge of engineering computations.
§ Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret simple technical data.
§ Ability to understand and interpret technical material, such as construction plans and specifications, technical reference materials, and technical instructions.
§ Ability to perform simple engineering calculations.
§ Ability to reduce and plot field survey notes.
§ Ability to prepare simple maps and drawings.
§ Ability to perform basic engineering tests.
§ Ability to observe construction and determine compliance specifications.
§ Ability to communicate with others to obtain or exchange information.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Promotion: One year of permanent competitive or non-competitive service in a position at or above Grade 5.
Open Competitive: High school graduation or equivalent and two years of full-time satisfactory experience in field or office civil engineering work. Training may be substituted for work experience as follows:
§ An Associates Degree from a technical institute or community college in engineering science, civil engineering technology, or architectural technology.
§ College training leading to a Bachelor's Degree in engineering or architecture on a year-for-year basis.
§ Any satisfactory combination of technical institute, community college, or college training in engineering science, civil engineering technology, architectural technology, or college training as described above.
In addition, candidates may substitute satisfactory experience in engineering or related work for high school at the rate of six months of experience for one year of high school.
Reviewed: 5/03
NOTE: Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe. Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class. The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written. Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.