Highway Materials Designer

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

1d•Onsite

About The Position

At the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), we are seeking an organized, detail-oriented team member to join the Pavement Design Section to support the development of Nebraska's state highway system. This role assists in the creation and updating of specifications and performs quantity computations for heavy highway project plans. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic environment, has exceptional communication and critical thinking skills, and enjoys contributing to a collaborative team. Under limited supervision, this position reviews and analyzes highway construction plans and performs technical paraprofessional engineering work on assigned projects. Responsibilities include evaluating constructability, phasing, design elements, and quantities; assigning project pay items; and computing quantities used in project lettings for complex and specialized highway construction projects. This position plays a critical role in maintaining construction standards and ensuring the accuracy of project quantities for Nebraska's highways. It offers a unique opportunity to combine research and analytical expertise with real-world applications while contributing to infrastructure projects that impact communities across the state.

Requirements

Three years of experience in preparing design plans, sampling, and testing materials, writing construction specifications, applying construction standards, and/or conducting inspections related to highway or other civil engineering projects.
Post-high school coursework/training in the design field mentioned above may substitute for two of the three years' experience required.
Any equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation.
Regular and reliable attendance is also required.
Knowledge of the construction of concrete and asphalt pavement projects, including engineering and geometrics.
Knowledge of highway construction materials and specifications.
Must possess interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and solve problems with others, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to perform mathematical design calculations required for complex construction projects.
Ability to detect errors, discrepancies, and omissions through examination of detailed drawings and calculations.

Nice To Haves

Experience/working knowledge of construction methods and specifications for building concrete and asphalt pavements.
Experience in researching materials and creating specifications.
Experience utilizing NDOT's highway construction specifications.
Experience in reading, understanding, and interpreting plan drawings.
Experience and proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, Clarity, and OnBase.

Responsibilities

Perform mathematical calculations to determine pavement-related quantities and costs for complex highway construction projects, and schedule computation work within the Pavement Design Section.
Assist the direct supervisor in analyzing and applying special provision specifications to upcoming heavy highway construction projects.
Assist the Pavement Design Engineer and the Highway Materials and Test Manager in day-to-day activities.
Draft typical cross sections using Microstation.
Assist in developing specifications for construction applications.
Review calculations and detailed drawings prepared by co-workers, consultants, and others to ensure completeness, accuracy, and adherence to standard specifications, special contract provisions, and constructability.
Communicate with co-workers, designers, consultants, and highway staff in various state and local agencies to interpret plans, provide guidance on estimating pay items, make recommendations, solve problems, and explain construction concepts.

Benefits

State-matched retirement contribution of 156%
13 paid holidays
Generous leave accruals that begin immediately
Military leave
Tuition reimbursement program
Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
79% employer-paid health insurance plans
Dental and vision insurance plans
Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
Training and Development based on your career aspirations
Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship
Employee Assistance Program
Fun, inviting teammates
Free parking