10/03/2000 13050

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

DEFINITION: This is technical work in support of an environmental engineering program in the Department of Environmental Protection.

An employee in this class performs a variety of technical duties in the mine reclamation or waterways engineering programs, or in the field of general environmental monitoring. Work includes collecting and summarizing field data, preparing data reporting forms, performing numerical computations, entering data into computer databases and spreadsheets and generating reports from these systems. Work involves performing engineering drafting and assisting in the planning and preliminary design of environmental engineering projects. Work may also involve public contact in gathering information pertaining to specific project sites in order to document environmental hazards and public safety concerns; assisting engineers in preparing plans for flood protection projects, hydraulic structures and channels; and conducting routine environmental monitoring assignments such as stream flow measurements, mine drainage discharges, water sample collection, measurement of mine pool elevations, measurement of mine fire temperatures, air quality testing, hydrographic surveys and subsurface video investigations. Work is assigned with general instructions and objectives by a technical or engineering supervisor who provides assistance on difficult problems and reviews the work upon completion for overall quality and technical accuracy.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Drafts details of hydraulic structures such as dams, channels and levees with professional direction from engineers; uses standard procedures, designs, and details to draft components such as trash racks, drainage structures, concrete joists, cross sections and fence details; and plots cross sections and plans from surveyor field notes.

Prepares cost studies of projects under design by reviewing working plans, determining quantities, establishing cost per item, computing total costs, plotting cost curves, and preparing reports.

Conducts investigations of abandoned mine sites that involve researching background data in existing files for the site; conducting reconnaissance surveys to identify specific hazards and to collect measurements; sketching maps of the location, size and type of each feature in the problem area; updating computerized databases and maps; and documenting results of the survey using prescribed data collection forms.

Performs various drafting and design preparation duties such as the graphical presentation of the statistical analysis of hydrographic data, the orthographic and isometric illustration of projects, the detailing of hydraulic structures and their component parts, the limited modification of designs to incorporate unexpected conditions encountered during the conduct of onsite investigations and field surveys, and the preparation of general project drawing layouts.

Performs various types of environmental monitoring such as stream flow measurements, water sample collection, ground water elevation measurement, air quality testing, mine fire temperature measurement and subsurface video investigations.

Assists in conducting hydraulic and hydrologic studies by extracting information from rainfall records, hydrographs, and other pertinent sources, and by determining drainage basin parameters.

Conducts or participates in field surveys and on-site inspections as part of the feasibility study and design stages and as a check on construction progress.

Prepares displays for public meetings.

Reviews specifications for completeness, accuracy and conformance to departmental standards provided by the engineers.

Operates a motor vehicle to travel to field sites.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of basic engineering principles related to the development, design and construction of environmental engineering projects.

Knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, and the physical sciences.

Knowledge of the instruments, techniques, and materials used in drafting and surveying.

Knowledge of Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) applications and methods.

Ability to learn the methods of locating, installing, operating and maintaining environmental sampling and measuring devices.

Ability to develop skill in numerical and verbal reasoning.

Ability to develop skill in the use and care of the basic instruments and equipment required to perform drafting, surveying, or other related technical assignments.

Ability to use measuring and calculating devices such as engineer's and architect's scales, compasses, protractors, dividers, tape measures, and planimeters.

Ability to read and interpret technical literature, engineering plans, maps, computation tables, and other graphical presentations of related data.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, other state and Federal employees and the public.

Ability to negotiate uneven terrain that may be encountered during site investigation and data collection.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: An Associate's degree in engineering technology, Computer Aided Drafting and Design, surveying or in any other appropriate technical field;

                                                                                                                                                           or

Two years of technical experience in environmental engineering, drafting, surveying and/or construction;

                                                                                                                                                          or

An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Necessary Special Requirement: Possession of a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License.