07/13/1999 10670

MUNICIPAL SERVICES SPECIALIST

DEFINITION: This is advanced technical and administrative work in the regulation and inspection of highway related maintenance and construction projects within the municipal services function of a Transportation Engineering District.

An employee in this class functions as a District Municipal Services representative responsible for all highway related maintenance, improvement, and construction projects within an assigned group of municipalities. Work involves the performance of independent advanced technical duties in the preparation of feasibility reviews to determine actual need, economic justification, and public necessity; development of recommendations on the amount of liquid fuel funds that should be disbursed; monitoring of construction operations to ensure compliance with specifications, regulations, and project safety; administration of the construction project records; and disbursement of funds to contractors. Employees meet with city, county, township, and other municipal officials to discuss proposed projects, advise them on various aspects throughout the life of the projects, and provide technical advice in respect to problems and inspection activities. Work requires the interpretation and analysis of contract requirements and municipal roadway construction or maintenance plans, specifications, and drawings, and the application of a variety of inspection and testing techniques. Assignments require independent judgment in making on-site technical decisions. Work is assigned with general instructions by a technical supervisor who reviews work for results obtained.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Coordinates and reviews municipal services activities in an assigned geographic area of a Transportation Engineering District.

Reviews municipalities' proposed highway improvements and construction, such as highway resurfacing and relocation, for feasibility which involves analyzing economic justifications, estimated costs, and public necessity.

Prepares recommendations on the amount of liquid fuel funds which should be disbursed to the municipalities for highway construction, improvement, and maintenance.

Reviews submitted plans, specifications, drawings, and cost breakdowns prepared by consulting engineers and municipalities for proposed construction which involves mathematical calculations to determine the amount and cost of materials, acceptability of  materials, and appropriateness of the curvatures, dimensions, andgrades of highway facilities.

Interprets and explains departmental contract requirements to contractors and municipal officials.

Meets with municipal officials to review state liquid fuel tax municipal highway project proposals and construction to ensure compliance with the state regulations, construction code, contract specifications, and project safety requirements.

Serves as coordinator and controller of field construction operations and project records.

Maintains an ongoing working relationship with municipal officials and contractors through all phases of road improvement/construction programs including design, review, construction, and inspection.

Monitors and conducts surveys to obtain current data on the types and conditions of highways, streets, and bridges within municipalities and in accordance with established mathematical formulas.

Performs inspections during the progress of construction of all materials and workmanship to ensure adherence with established departmental standards and code requirements.

Maintains and administers all construction project records related to municipal services highway construction.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and methods applied in the inspection and testing of construction materials and workmanship.

Knowledge of the use and tolerances of materials and their placement in highway construction and maintenance operations.

Knowledge of high school algebra, trigonometry, and geometry.

Knowledge of referral sources which are available to resolve engineering problems.

Knowledge of the operation of standard surveying instruments.

Knowledge of applicable liquid fuels dispensation laws, labor laws, and eminent domain laws.

Skill in applying a variety of procedures and techniques in performing highway construction inspections and tests.

Skill in determining cost estimates and preparing construction related administrative reports.

Ability to interpret and explain construction codes, plans, and specifications.

Ability to recognize engineering components and potential problems which should be referred to professional engineers for resolution.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, associates, and contractors.

Ability to work in adverse weather conditions and on hazardous terrain.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year of experience as a Transportation Construction Inspector;

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Three years of experience either in state and/or municipal roadway construction inspection that included reviewing and interpreting plans, specifications, and cost estimates; or in work involving the interpretation and analysis of state regulations related to municipal construction funding programs;

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Two years of experience either in state and/or municipal roadway construction inspection that included reviewing and interpreting plans, specifications, and cost estimates; or in work involving the interpretation and analysis of state regulations related to municipal construction funding programs; and an associate's degree;

                                                                                                                                                       or

One year of experience either in state and/or municipal roadway construction inspection that included reviewing and interpreting plans, specifications, and cost estimates; or in work involving the interpretation and analysis of state regulations related to municipal construction funding programs; and a bachelor's degree;

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Any equivalent combination of experience or training which included one year of experience either in state and/or municipal roadway construction inspection that included reviewing and interpreting plans, specifications, and cost estimates; or in work involving the interpretation and analysis of state regulations related to municipal construction funding programs.