01/01/1992 10310

HIGHWAY DESIGNER

DEFINITION: This is professional highway design work in designing highway projects.

An employee in this class prepares or performs technical design review of complete sets of plans for highway projects, such as limited access multi-lane with or without interchanges on new or existing location, two lanes on new location, two lane reconstruction and extensive realignment of approaches to bridge improvement projects, or prepares or reviews portions of the most complex projects, such as multi-lane, heavy traffic routes with interchanges and complicated environmental, economic, and right-of- way constraints. Work is performed with Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) instruments or through the use of conventional techniques and methods and involves following complex design procedures in performing assignments. Work often includes lead work on multiple and concurrent design plan preparation for several less complex projects over lower-level technicians engaged in drafting, detailing, and design of portions of plans and is differentiated from the next lower level by the independence, the full time emphasis on design, and the preparation of complete sets of plans for complex highway projects. Assignments are performed independently within the guidelines provided by technical standards and specifications. Work is assigned by a technical supervisor who assists with unusual problems and reviews work upon completion for accuracy, adherence to established technical standards, and results obtained.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Using CADD instruments, develops design plans for complete highway projects, such as resurfacing routes with base and drainage reconstruction or lane widening with complicated environmental and right-of-way constraints, or portions of the most complex highway projects, such as multi-lane, heavy traffic routes with interchanges and complicated environmental, economic, and right-of-way constraints; computes highway geometry; computes grads and vertical curves, determining earthwork and related calculations and detailing.

Prepares complete proposals for the contractor construction work which involves agency and Federal requirements, all special agreement requirements, and all pertinent fee and construction information.

Makes field trip investigations to study existing terrain, location, drainage and any physical problems to ensure they can be considered in the preparation design plans.

Performs technical design review of highway plans prepared by others such as resurfacing routes with base and drainage reconstruction or lane widening with complicated environmental and right-of-way constraints, or portions of complex plans prepared by consultants for technical standards and adherence to applicable specifications, attends meetings with consultant engineers, assists in resolving design problems, monitors progress, prepares correspondence and reports on assigned projects, attends public meetings, and provides coordination with other units as needed on a full range of design projects.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of CADD methods, instruments, materials, and techniques used in highway design.

Knowledge of the principles and practices applied in the location and design of highway projects.

Knowledge of algebra, plane geometry, and trigonometry.

Knowledge of departmental drafting standards.

Knowledge of the symbols used in drafting.

Knowledge of highway construction methods and materials and the preparation of cost estimates and specifications.

Skill in the development of final plans from engineering instructions and calculations.

Ability to do moderately complex highway design work.

Ability to read and interpret maps, plans, aerial photographs, blueprints, survey notes, and other records.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, and consultants.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Highway Draftsman- Designer.

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One year of professional experience in highway design work including six months involved CADD operation, and a Bachelor's Degree in civil engineering, or a closely related field.

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Three years of professional experience in highway design work including six months of CADD operation, and an Associate's Degree in civil engineering, drafting, or design technology.

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Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training.