06/01/1989 10580

TECHNICAL ASSISTANT

DEFINITION: This is entry level work serving as entrance to one of several technical career fields within the Department of Transportation.

An employee in this class participates in technical assignments to develop competency and skill in the elementary aspects of traffic planning and control; materials sampling, testing, and inspection, construction inspection, utility relocation, map preparation and production, roadside inspection, roadway maintenance management and roadway materials control. Assignments are selected to provide experience in the practical application of the technical details and fundamental concepts of one of these fields. Work assignments are made in accordance with individual ability and development. Freedom to act is limited to well defined assignments in accordance with established standards and techniques. Work is performed under the immediate supervision of a technical supervisor who assigns projects, gives detailed preliminary instructions and reviews work in progress and upon completion for quality, technical development, and the proper utilization of established principles and practices.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: As part of a technical program, performs a number of introductory materials or soils tests and analyses or assists with such tests as penetration, solubility, flash point, specific gravity, absorption, hydrometer analysis, brittleness and tear resistance on material such as cement, aggregate, paint, and steel.

Assists a materials technician in the review of routine production methods, procedures and techniques required to evaluate plant production capabilities, as part of the trainee program.

Performs entry-level assignments in the use of conventional and/or computer aided drafting methods to plot, ink or scribe roads or other technical data in preparing maps.

Assists a higher level roadside technician in inspecting landscaping materials such as top soil, seed, mulch, trees and sod for conformity with applicable specifications.

Performs entry level assignments in the extraction of data from plans, survey books and field inspection diaries and computes simple quantities and costs of materials.

May learn to apply elementary photogrammetric methods and procedures to the production of topographic maps.

As part of a technical program, may perform a variety of standard construction inspection duties such as : inspecting earthwork removal and fill; checking cuts in fills for grade, compaction and quality; conducting tests for proper embankment and compaction; and inspecting aggregates, asphalt, and processing methods at bituminous or concrete plants.

Performs entry level assignments in the review and analysis of output data from a roadway management system to ensure maintenance work program goals are achieved and to maintain system control, as part of the trainee program.

Performs entry level assignments in the review and analysis of output data from a roadway materials control system to ensure materials purchased are consistent with system requirements, as part of the trainee program.

Assists technicians in gathering tabulating, compiling and analyzing data for studies and reports, performing routine mathematical computations as necessary.

Records traffic volumes, types of vehicles, and turning movements at intersections; assists with transportation studies by conducting interviews of vehicle operators and private citizens or business people.

Performs other related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the basic mathematical applications of addition, subtraction, division, algebra, trigonometry and plane geometry.

Ability to learn to read and interpret specifications, plans, and/or reports.

Ability to analyze data following established procedures and draw conclusions.

Ability to read and understand written material at the eleventh grade level.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with associates and the public.

Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Graduation from high school.

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training.