Occ. Code 4027200
ASSISTANT SOILS ENGINEER, GRADE 20
New York State Department of Civil Service
Classification Standard
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS
Assistant Soils Engineers perform professional engineering work in evaluating, mapping and analyzing soils and surfaces in support of construction programs, inspecting soil and subsurface work performed for building foundations and soil stabilization projects, and developing subsurface exploration programs for a variety of projects. Incumbents may select list sites and direct soils list and sample collection.
These positions are assigned to the Division of Design and Construction in the Office of General Services.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Assistant Soils Engineers are characterized by performing duties requiring knowledge of engineering theory and principles, and by the ability to apply this knowledge in evaluating soils, subsurfaces, and stability and their impact on engineering design and construction projects, reviewing laboratory analysis of soils, inspecting soil and foundation construction and stabilization projects, and reviewing consultant work. Incumbents may also provide these services to other agencies engaged in design and construction projects. These positions work under the supervision of higher-level licensed Soils Engineers who make assignments, review and evaluate work, provide technical assistance, and direct projects and programs. However, Assistant Soils Engineers are expected to complete their assignments with relative independence and their work is expected to be technically accurate, complete, and in compliance with engineering principles, theories and State building codes.
Senior Soils Engineers, as distinguished from Assistant Soils Engineers, perform the full range of professional soils engineering activities which require the possession of a professional engineers license. Their duties require a higher degree of technical judgment, creativity and resourcefulness in planning, evaluating and supervising complex soils engineering work.
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
Prepares or assists in preparing designs for subsurfaces for stabilization, buildings, foundations, pavements, earthdams and other construction projects.
Reviews designs and contract plans prepared by consultants, and reviews bids from contractors in order to ensure that they address and resolve soil and subsurface problems, comply with standards and specifications, and are cost-efficient and effective.
Prepares specifications, detailed contract plans and cost analyses for contract bids.
Conducts and/or supervises inspections of construction projects.
Conducts inspections of foundations, and other soil and substructure areas for client agencies in order to determine repair, maintenance and construction needs.
Performs and directs the provision of support services for the soils program.
· Prepares and supervises the data collection procedures and methodology.
· Restructures and revises technical databases.
· Directs laboratory soils testing, including reviewing new and existing test procedures, analyzing and interpreting test results, directing special testing projects, assigning and training staff, and supervising or performing complex test and control procedures.
· Conducts research and analysis. Prepares reports of findings in support of field work or special projects, such as sediment pollution control, water sampling and evaluation of soil-related problems.
· Prepares terrain reconnaissance reports, earth material surveys, and soil maps for the Office of General Services or for tenant agencies. As necessary, conducts research, performs field and laboratory tests and surveys, obtains and analyzes samples, and prepares maps and reports.
Trains and/or supervises engineering and technical support staff as assigned.
· Schedules work and assigns projects to staff.
· Reviews the work of subordinate staff and/or consultants for technical accuracy, completeness and soundness of conclusions.
· Trains staff to use field and laboratory test equipment, to perform calculations, to utilize various tests and measurements, and to evaluate test results.
· Provides technical assistance and advice regarding projects, tests and methodology.
· Ensures that work is completed according to priorities and schedules, and in compliance with procedures and standards.
· Evaluates employee performance.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS
Assistant Soils Engineers have frequent written and oral communication with subordinate staff, consultants and/or other agency staff. In general, they have less frequent communication with staff from other State agencies. They may provide technical assistance and advice, conduct tests and research, inspect and evaluate soils, substructures, foundations and construction repair projects. They may also identify and resolve problems, provide analyses, prepare reports and present recommendations.
The nature of the work performed often requires that incumbents make field trips independently, accompanied by subordinate staff and/or by staff from other program areas.
NATURE OF SUPERVISION
As assigned, Assistant Soils Engineers may train and/or supervise subordinate engineers, consultants, engineering technicians and drafting technicians by providing technical assistance and training, reviewing work for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with standards and methodology, planning and scheduling projects, determining work priorities and coordinating work with other programs.
Incumbents are usually supervised by Senior or Associate Soils Engineers who review work for compliance with program priorities and schedules, resolve difficult or complex problems, review recommendations, designs, and analyses, and accept or reject recommendations. The work performed by Soils Engineers is expected to be technically accurate.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Promotion: one year of permanent competitive service in an engineering or drafting position allocated to Grade 15 or above, and possession of the Fundamentals in Engineering Certificate or passing an exam appropriate for the title..
Open Competitive: A Bachelors or higher-level degree in civil engineering, granted in an engineering curriculum which is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology as a first or second professional degree in civil engineering, or a degree registered by the New York State Education Department for professional licensing in engineering; and an Engineering-in-Training Certificate resulting from successfully passing Part A of the professional engineers licensing examination.
Date: 12/07
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 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.