ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN - DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION

Jackson County; Jackson (MI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Jackson County seeks an Engineering Technician to perform construction project scoping inspections, surveying, material testing, and GIS data management for county road projects.

The role requires an Associate's degree or 2–3 years of related training, plus 2–3 years of road construction or surveying experience. A valid Michigan driver’s license and willingness to obtain additional certifications are required.

Qualifications

• Education requirement: Associate degree or 2–3 years of related training in civil drawing, surveying, construction materials, and math.
• Experience: 2–3 years in road construction and/or surveying; education/experience mix may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Review plans for compliance with specs and safety requirements.
• Oversee contractor work to ensure construction per plan with documentation.
• Record temperatures and test materials for pavement and aggregates.
• Operate survey equipment to take measurements, elevations and grades; assist with plans.
• Coordinate with private industry, agencies and the public about proposed work.

Skills

Civil drawing

Surveying

Math

Material testing

Education

Associate’s degree or 2–3 years of technical training in civil drawing, surveying, or construction materials

Tools

Survey equipment

GIS software

Drafting/maps

Job description

Position Summary

Position and wages commensurate with experience, qualifications and certifications. Possession of a valid Michigan Drivers' License required. Extended work days and work weeks (beyond 8 hours/day and/or 40 hours/week) required. Seasonal hours offering four, 10 hour shifts; Monday through Thursday, 6 am to 4 pm. Winter hours are Monday through Friday.

Position Description

This position performs construction project scoping inspections and surveying in order to ensure that contractual agreements and specifications are met. Performs tests on various types of aggregates, concrete, and asphalt to ensure specification compliance. Works with other engineering staff to assist with general concerns, issues, and oversight of data. Essential functions include but are not limited to:

1. Reviews construction plans and proposals in order to ensure compliance with Federal, State and county specifications and safety requirements. Inspects and documents project materials and prepares daily reports. Assists in correcting daily reports by making new drawings and calculations. Reviews project reports and materials.
2. Oversees contractor work to ensure project is constructed per plan through the use of material testing, daily reports, and required documentation for road, culvert, and bridge projects.
3. Inspects and records temperatures of bituminous materials on arrival; oversees placement, calculates yields, and performs depth checks on HMA paving.
4. Tests various types of aggregates to ensure specification compliance and makes recommendations to the Engineers. May perform various drafting responsibilities in regards to traffic control and certification maps.
5. Performs density tests on road subgrades, sub-bases, embankments, shoulders, and HMA; calculates and records the results.
6. Performs various GIS responsibilities including data collection and entry. Generates schematics, maps and plats from data in order to provide information regarding different infrastructure systems. Assists in the general maintenance and oversight of the local JCDOT GIS system.
7. Performs traffic counts and conducts PASER ratings for the county road system.
8. As a member of a survey crew, participates in road construction surveys by operating survey equipment to take measurements, obtain elevations and set grades; makes calculations and maintains records. Meets with representatives of private industry, local organizations, and the public to discuss proposed construction activity.
9. Acts as a liaison between construction crews, contractors, suppliers, companies, the public, and other governmental agencies to answer questions and respond to problems and inquiries regarding assigned projects and initiatives. Discusses plans, specifications, and work schedules when necessary.
10. Provides timely recommendations and input for ensuring compliance and/or implementing changes to JCDOT standard operating procedures (SOP’s), best management practices, and protocols as it relates to civil drawing, surveying, and traffic management.
11. May assist with various drafting responsibilities such as drawing certification maps and intersection diagrams for traffic control orders.
12. May train seasonal workers and staff on various test procedures as requested by the Senior Engineering Technician or Senior Project Manager.
13. May assist the Permit Agent with overseeing a variety of projects and administrative functions related to permits, roadway abandonment, surveying, rights-of-way, and strives to continually improve the professionalism of the agency and its regulatory programs, including proactive and responsive customer service.
14. Attend trainings, workshops, meetings, education seminars, classes, and/or conferences related to the position as approved by the Director of Engineering, or designee. Review and stay up-to-date with regulations, materials, method, techniques, and equipment for engineering inspections, surveying, and road construction.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Possession of an Associate’s degree or two or three years of training through a technical, vocational or trade school or the equivalent with coursework in basic civil drawing, surveying, construction materials, and math will also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of two or three years of experience in road construction and/or surveying. At the discretion of the Managing Director, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Other Requirements: Possession of a valid Michigan Drivers’ license. Upon hire, willing to obtain certifications in Concrete Level 1, Density Level 1, Aggregate Level 1, and storm water management.