Construction Competency Matrices

Core Curriculum Matrix Development

NOTE: The Construction Competency matrices are designed to be used in combination with the Safety and Employee Development matrices.

Subject Areas:

Contract Administration
Quality Assurance
Environment
Construction Surveying & Staking
Utilities
Grading
Drainage
Aggregate Bases & Subbases Inspection
Geotechnical Construction
New Structure Construction
PCC Pavement Field Inspection
HMA Pavement Field Inspection
Asphalt Recycling
Landscaping

Contract Administration

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Rights of Way (ROW) Management	Identifies stakes and easement limits		Obtains construction easements and work permits
Contractor Payments	Computes quantity measurements	Develops contractor payment estimates	Verifies contractor payment estimates	Recommends contractor payment estimates
Contractor Payments	Documents for application to contractor payments	Develops contractor payment estimates	Verifies contractor payment estimates	Approve contractor payment estimates
Supplemental Agreements (change orders)	Explains general change order procedures	Provides information to write change orders	Prepares change orders	Approves change orders
	Documents quantities			Recommends change orders
	Corrects quantities			Applies negotiation skills within contract limits.
Force accounts	Explains general force account procedures	Prepares force accounts	Directs labor, equipment and materials	Prepares plan and guide estimates
	Documents quantities
	Corrects quantities
Cost Estimating	Computes quantities	Applies basic principles of cost estimating	Utilizes historical bid prices to obtain prices for new or negotiated items	Develops estimate using labor, equipment, materials and historical item prices
Claims Management	Recognizes work falling outside the scope of the contract	Maintains proper project records	Implements claims management and contract claims specifications processes and procedures	Manages project to minimize claims
	Prepares construction diaries	Summarizes project records		Applies claims management process and procedures
	Prepares construction diaries	Summarizes project records		Negotiates claims
Preconstruction (field design/ redesign)	Identifies basic elements of a construction plan	Visualizes complete components of the plan	Modifies basic design (field) using available design tools	Approves design changes that can be made in the field
	Locates worksite features included on the construction plan	Identifies design conflicts or omissions		Escalates design issues that must be escalated to the designer of record
	Distinguishes among the plan, profile and cross section	Identifies design conflicts or omissions
Project Closeout		Explains the principles underlying the construction contractor performance evaluation process	Prepares project closeout documents	Completes project closeout procedures
Project Closeout			Prepares objective construction contractor performance evaluation	Recommends project acceptance
Specifications	Relates specifications to project requirements	Identifies order of precedence of specifications	Interprets specifications for change orders	Writes specifications for change orders
Specifications	Relates specifications to project requirements	Applies specifications in enforcing contract requirements	Interprets specifications for change orders	Writes specifications for change orders
Office Procedures	Follows office filing procedures for project		Prepares project-relevant reports and correspondence
Scheduling	Follows project schedule in the execution of assigned work activities	Interprets project schedule	Monitors project schedule	Reviews contractor schedule modifications
Scheduling		Interprets project schedule	Uses scheduling tools	Reviews contractor schedule modifications
Partnering	Applies principles of partnering with contractors and other involved parties	Participates in partnering with contractors and other involved parties		Fosters partnering with contractors and other involved parties
Value Engineering			Recommends VECP actions	Approves VECP actions
Value Engineering			Evaluates VECP	Approves VECP actions
Consultant Construction Engineering & Inspection (CCEI)		Monitors and documents CCEI services	Selects and contracts for professional services	Selects and negotiates CCEI contracts
		Supervises small project teams	Establishes project staffing levels and qualifications	Approves modifications to CCEI contracts
			Evaluates CCEI Services	Processes error and omission claims
			Recommends CCEI contract modifications	Processes error and omission claims

Quality Assurance

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Quality Control	Measures dimensions	Describes operations of quality control systems	Analyzes control and acceptance data	Assesses results and takes action to correct processes to meet applicable requirements
	Examines/classifies attributes	Monitors quality control systems data	Takes action at project level based on compared data	Recommends action to QC program administrator
	Documents results	Monitors quality control systems data	Takes action at project level based on compared data	Recommends action to QC program administrator
Quality Acceptance	Measures dimensions	Describes operations of quality control and acceptance systems	Analyzes control, acceptance and IA data	Assesses results and takes action to correct processes to meet applicable requirements
	Examines/classifies attributes	Monitors quality control and acceptance systems data	Takes action at project level based on compared data	Recommends action to QA program administrator
	Documents results	Documents results	Takes action at project level based on compared data	Recommends action to QA program administrator
Independent Assurance (IA)		Measures dimensions	Performs independent evaluations of the work process and technicians used for quality control or acceptance	Analyzes systems data and makes program-level decisions based on systems competence.
		Examines/classifies attributes	Recommends actions based on analysis results	Develops draft system/program improvements
		Documents results	Recommends actions based on analysis results	Develops draft system/program improvements

Environment

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
General		Explains the environmental stipulations regarding erosion and siltation, pollution (water, air, & noise), forests and archeological, paleontological, and rare mineralogical findings
Disposal Areas		Explains the procedures that a contractor must follow in securing the approval of a disposal site	Conducts claims reviews
		Explains the contents of a contractor's site plan for a disposal area	Negotiates and resolves issues
		Explains the responsibilities of both the contractor and the DOT as they pertain to disposal areas	Approves work orders
Environmental Permits, Certificates and Licenses (Streams & Wetlands	Describes Environmental Permits, Certificates and Licenses	Verifies that all appropriate permits have been obtained	Conducts claims reviews
	Reviews Environmental Permits, Certificates and Licenses for project-applicable commitments	Verifies that the contractor adheres to the provisions of all environmental permits	Negotiates and resolves issues
	Verifies that all permits and special provisions are maintained on-site and the dates are still applicable (expiration dates are current)	Verifies that the contractor has not caused the rutting, compaction and pollution or other harm to the wetland mitigation planting area	Approves work orders
	Verifies that all new pipes and/or culverts for road crossings on perennial streams are being countersunk a minimum of 6 inches for the establishment of natural habitat and that prescribed low-flow provisions are followed	Verifies that all "no impact" jurisdictional areas are marked off and protected prior to construction
	Verifies that the contractor is using mats in wetland areas to support construction equipment	Verifies that all temporary structures in jurisdictional permitted areas are properly maintained
	Verifies that the contractor has submitted for approval the design and method of temporarily relocating streams to facilitate construction	Verifies that the contractor has prevented stream constriction which would reduce flows below the prescribed minimum (normally 50%)
		Verifies that all disturbed jurisdictional stream and wetland areas are returned to natural contours
Cultural Resources	Verifies that all cultural resources (archaeological sites, historic buildings, etc.) that have been delineated on construction plans for avoidance are being protected from impact from construction		Conducts claims reviews
			Negotiates and resolves issues
			Approves work orders
Hazardous Materials		Verifies that the site-specific Environmental Plan for the removal and application of protective coatings of metals in structures has been sent to the contractor	Conducts claims reviews
		Verifies that during the startup and removal portions of the coating removal process the contractor's certified Industrial Hygienist, Licensed Lead Supervisor or Steel Structure Painting Council Supervisor (as identified in the Environmental Plan) is on site	Negotiates and resolves issues
		Verifies that the contractor has collected air samples during the application and removal of protective coatings and has submitted the analysis results as specified	Approves work orders
		Verifies that the contractor has a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan on-site and adequate secondary containment for petroleum storage if more than a total of 1320 gallons of petroleum product is stored (55-gallon containers and greater) on the project
		Verifies that fuels and lubricants are stored outside of flood plains and that impoundments are in place to contain accidental spills and prevent such spills from entering waterways
Erosion and Sediment Control	Verifies that the contractor is inspecting and immediately responding to install and correct or maintain erosion and siltation measures so they function properly or when conditions dictate	Verifies that the contractor has installed temporary and permanent devices to control erosion and minimize siltation of waterways and adjacent properties	Conducts claims reviews
		Verifies that the contractor has a fully certified erosion and sediment control employee on the project during any land disturbing operations	Negotiates and resolves issues
		Verifies that the contractor has uniformly graded disturbed areas to natural contours to facilitate drainage and prevent impoundment of water	Approves work orders
		Verifies that all discharge water is being filtered to remove deleterious materials prior to discharge into state waters
		Verifies that all excavated materials are being disposed of in an approved area above the mean high water elevation in a manner that will prevent their return into state waters
		Verifies that the contractor is preventing erosion of soil and the pollution and siltation of rivers, streams, and impoundments during the construction of new bridges and culverts and removal of existing bridges and culverts
Debris Burning	Explains the Specification pertaining to burning debris from construction operations	Verifies that the contractor's burning has been approved and is in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and ordinances	Conducts claims reviews
			Negotiates and resolves issues
			Approves work orders
Water & Sanitary Sewer Facilities		Verifies that cisterns, septic tanks, and other structures have been demolished and backfilled properly	Conducts claims reviews
		Verifies that all wells have been properly closed	Negotiates and resolves issues
		Verifies that water supplies are protected from contamination by sewage	Approves work orders
		Verifies that water mains and accessories have been disinfected prior to tie-ins in accordance with prescribed procedures	Approves work orders

Construction Surveying & Staking

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Surveying Verification	Identifies principles of surveying and landscape preservation	Checks grades	Verifies dimensions and volumes by trigonometric and quantity methods	Coordinates with surveyors to identify necessary changes
	Reads survey and slope stakes	Checks location from reference and slope stakes	Conducts cross sections and calculations to prepare earthwork volumes (cuts & embankments)	Adjusts contract to reflect survey changes and errors
	Interprets map contours	Confirms staking information
	Uses hand level and cloth tape for measurement purposes	Uses and calibrates survey tools and instruments

Utilities

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Permits/Agreements	Identifies basic elements of permits and agreement forms	Ensures documentation (permits/agreements) compliance	Adjusts schedule to accommodate dates of utility relocation work to avoid delay highway contractor	Coordinates with organizations to arrange for appropriate permits/agreements
Permits/Agreements	Follows basic permit and agreement form procedures	Ensures documentation (permits/agreements) compliance		Communicates and works toward resolution of discrepancies or issues
Location/Mapping/ Surveying	Identifies utility locations/mapping	Relates utility locations/mapping to construction activities (e.g., depths)	Identifies need for additional mapping/location and relationship with project schedules and delays	Ensures appropriate action for additional mapping/location and relationship with project schedules and delays
Utility Construction	Recognizes plans, specifications and safety issues related to utility construction	Identifies construction techniques, specifications and safety issues related to utility construction	Adjusts schedule to accommodate dates of utility relocation work to avoid delay highway contractor	Makes appropriate changes and adjustments based on applicable code and pipeline regulations
Railroads	Recognizes need for appropriate permits and staff	Complies with applicable permits and railroad requirements		Coordinates with railroad organizations for permits/changes
Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)	Locates (plan view) and designates (plan and profile views) utilities on the project	Assesses utility condition	Ensures utility operations	Mitigates conflicts and minimizes utility relocation
		Verifies survey and utility mapping outputs	Identifies utility conflicts	Develops relocation cost estimates
			Recognizes SUE quality levels	Resolves accommodation conflicts
			Implements accommodation policies	Resolves accommodation conflicts

Grading

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Excavation	Explains the basic principles of excavation	Interprets grading stakes	Recognizes implication of improper application (including effects on and of other structures)	Determines contract decisions related to excavation, clearing and grubbing, unsuitable material and acceptance of shoring plans
	Assists in measuring areas for payment	Explains the basics of haul diagrams in the Contract Plans	Interprets haul diagram and identifies changes in the field	Recommends changes in balance points to equalize distribution of excavated material on the jobsite
	Describes safety issues related to shoring in areas of excavation (OSHA Trenching Safety Requirements)	Identifies areas requiring shoring and reviews plans	Recommends acceptance or rejection of shoring plans
			Distinguishes between materials that can be excavated by conventional equipment (blades, loaders, hoes, rippers, etc.) or by rock excavation techniques (hydraulic & pneumatic equipment, blasting, swelling agents, etc.)
			Evaluates subgrades (proofrolling, soundings, testpits, etc.) to identify wet or unsuitable subgrade materials and recognizes solution alternatives
Controlled Blasting		Explains the basic principles of Controlled Blasting	Recognizes implication of improper application	Determines contract decisions related to controlled blasting
		Identifies safety concerns related to traveling public	Reviews Contractor's controlled blasting plan
			Verifies vibration monitoring requirements and results
			Recommends contract decisions related to controlled blasting
Contour Grading		Explains the basic principles of contour grading	Recognizes implication of improper application	Determines contract decisions related to contour grading
		Enforces specifications	Recommends contract decisions related to contour grading
		Interprets staking
		Identifies improper information
Site Preparation	Explains the difference between clearing and grubbing	Identifies limits of clearing and grubbing for payment	Recommends acceptance or rejection of limits of clearing and grubbing for payment
		Recognizes proper soil surface preparations (I.e. benching, surface drainage, scarifying, sealing, etc.)	Evaluates foundation soils (proofrolling, soundings, testpits, etc.) to identify wet or unsuitable foundation materials and recognizes solution alternatives
			Identifies limits of wet or unsuitable material and makes recommendations for shallow repair/improvement of area, or notifies geotechnical engineer if other ground improvement methods are warranted
Embankment	Explains the basic principles of embankment construction	Interprets grading stakes	Recognizes implication of improper construction of embankment	Determines contract decisions related to embankment
		Recognizes unsuitable embankment material	Recommends acceptance or rejection of embankment material	Recommends corrective actions to be taken in relationship to improperly constructed embankments
		Recognizes problems associated with density tests and notifies supervisor	Interprets results of density tests for acceptance or rejection of compacted materials
		Recognizes improper slope and embankment construction	Verifies requirements and results for ground improvement methods used for embankment construction (I.e. vertical drains, reinforced slopes, light weight fill, column supported embankments, etc.)
Borrow	Describes the basic requirements of borrow material	Identifies limits of borrow site	Recognizes implication of improper application	Determines contract decisions related to borrow
	Collects weigh tickets and identifies area of placement of material	Observes and documents the reclamation of the borrow site	Recommends acceptance of rejection of borrow site reclamation plan
		Identifies representative samples for laboratory testing	Recommends acceptance or rejection of borrow source
		Interprets material test result for suitability of material	Recommends acceptance or rejection of borrow source
Compaction	Describes principles of compaction	Interprets material test result for acceptance or rejection of compactive effort and/or soil moisture	Recognizes implication of improper application	Determines contract decisions related to compaction
		Distinguishes soil types and recognizes moisture-density relationships for all approved soil types and compactive efforts	Recommends contract decisions related to compaction
		Reviews results of compaction tests, moisture contents, and field proctor tests as required
		Recognizes problems associated with density tests and notifies supervisor
Documentation	Measures quantities of material hauled	Calculates quantities for payment	Checks calculations and approves payment	Authorizes payment for all items related to a contract
		Calculates densities and moisture contents	Compiles documentation to support contract changes	Prepares changes to the contract documents
		Recognizes proper material documentation
		Writes project diaries

Drainage

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
General Surface and Subsurface Drainage Systems	Describes the basic purposes of surface and subsurface drainage systems	Recognizes proper surface and subsurface drainage system installation procedures	Recognizes improper surface and subsurface drainage system location staking and recommends corrective actions	Determines contract decisions related to changed conditions or corrective actions pertaining to surface and subsurface drainage systems
	Identifies surface and subsurface drainage items on contract plans	Interprets surface and subsurface drainage system stakes and identifies location problems in the field	Recommends changes to the location of drainage items to accommodate conflicts in the field (after communicating with engineer)
	Recognizes special identification, test compliance stamps and certificates on drainage system materials	Documents acceptance of drainage items and records measurement for payment	Documents rejection of drainage system work and corrective action taken
Conventional Drainage Systems Construction Inspection	Describes the elements and engineering properties of conventional drainage systems	Inspects drainage pipe unloading, storage and installation procedures	Conducts conventional drainage system performance tests	Determines contract decisions related to changed conditions or corrective actions pertaining to conventional drainage system installations
Conventional Drainage Systems Construction Inspection	Performs basic inspection of standard manufactured pipe, conduit, fittings and precast elements	Inspects drainage pipe bedding and backfilling materials and procedures	Recognizes improper conventional drainage system installation and recommends corrective actions
Large and Special Drainage Systems Construction Inspection	Describes the basic elements of large and special drainage systems such as multi-plate culverts	Inspects large and special drainage pipe unloading, storage and installation procedures	Conducts large and special drainage system performance tests	Determines contract decisions related to changed conditions or corrective actions pertaining to large and special system installations
Large and Special Drainage Systems Construction Inspection	Performs basic inspection of manufactured elements of large and special drainage systems	Inspects large and special drainage pipe bedding and backfilling materials and procedures	Recognizes improper large and special drainage system installation and recommends corrective actions

Aggregate Bases & Subbases Inspection

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Surface Preparation	Assists in performing inspections of the surface upon which the aggregate materials are to be placed	Inspects subgrade or previously placed aggregate layers surface for required density and cross section in accordance with contract documents	Recommends acceptance or corrective action based on inspection results	Determines contract decisions related to surface preparation acceptance and payment
Surface Preparation			Documents and follows up on corrective actions	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
Stockpiling and Hauling	Assists in inspecting contractor's aggregate stockpiling methods	Inspects contractors stockpiling methods	Recommends acceptance or corrective action based on inspection results	Determines contract decisions related to stockpiling and hauling vehicle acceptance and payment
	Assists in performing inspections of hauling vehicles	Inspects trucks for proper loading and protection of aggregate materials	Documents and follows up on corrective actions	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
	Assists in performing inspections of hauling vehicles	Checks weigh tickets for compliance with load restrictions	Documents and follows up on corrective actions
Laydown	Assists in performing inspections related to laydown of aggregate materials	Inspects laydown and processing of aggregate materials for compliance with uniformity cross section requirements	Recommends acceptance or corrective action based on visual inspection and results of jobsite test	Determines contract decisions related to HMA laydown acceptance and payment
Laydown			Documents and follows up on corrective actions	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
Compaction	Describes basic compaction principles and roller patterns	Identifies types of compaction equipment	Recommends acceptance or corrective action based on visual inspection and results of jobsite compaction tests	Determines contract decisions related to laydown and compaction acceptance and payment
Compaction	Describes basic compaction principles and roller patterns	Explains how the types of compaction equipment are used	Documents and follows up on corrective actions	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
Surface Tolerances/ Smoothness	Recognizes the factors that control surface smoothness and how equipment is used to measure smoothness	Interprets results of job surface tolerance and smoothness checks	Recommends acceptance or corrective action based on visual inspection and results of surface tolerance and smoothness checks	Determines contract decisions related to surface tolerance and smoothness acceptance and payment
Surface Tolerances/ Smoothness	Assists in laying out roadway sections for surface tolerance checks	Calculates pay factors for incentive/disincentive where appropriate	Documents and follows up on corrective actions	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
Documentation	Selects correct inspection forms to be used for different aggregate layers	Completes inspection forms	Documents acceptance or corrective action based on a review of inspection reports, measurements and test results	Enters data into summary reports or statistical programs
		Performs basic mathematical calculations		Interprets data
		Reports out inspection results		Recommends corrective action on a program basis to managers

Geotechnical Construction

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
General Geotechnical Construction Inspection	Performs basic geotechnical construction inspection observations, measurements and computations	Conducts common geotechnical installation acceptance tests and inspects standard installations	Administers specialized geotechnical installation acceptance tests and unique installation inspections	Oversees common and specialized geotechnical installation acceptance tests and installation procedures
General Geotechnical Construction Inspection		Verifies locations and quantities		Decides on geotechnical installation acceptance and payment
Subsurface Exploration		Assists in performing basic subsurface exploration crew soil boring, coring, sampling tasks	Reads plans and locates borings	Supervises standard subsurface exploration boring, coring, sampling, visual description and logging crew operations
		Determines water levels in borings	Operates drilling equipment without supervision	Performs specialized geotechnical field and insitu testing
		Operates drilling equipment under direct supervision	Performs standard subsurface exploration boring, coring, disturbed and undisturbed sampling, SPT, visual description and logging tasks, and proper sample storage/transport	Installs specialized instrumentation
		Operates drilling equipment under direct supervision	Installs common instrumentation	Installs specialized instrumentation
Geosynthetic Materials Installation Inspection	Performs simple geosynthetic materials installation observations, measurements and computations	Conducts standard geosynthetic materials acceptance and inspects standard installations	Administers geosynthetic materials specialized acceptance tests and unique installation inspections	Oversees common and specialized acceptance and installation procedures
Geosynthetic Materials Installation Inspection		Verifies locations and quantities		Decides on geosynthetic materials installation acceptance and payment
Shallow Foundation Inspection		Recognizes foundation excavation requirements	Verifies bearing material	Recommends corrective actions on foundation bearing after communicating with engineer
Shallow Foundation Inspection		Recognizes foundation excavation requirements	Recognizes effects of open excavation with respect to time on bearing capacity and performance (I.e. rainwater infiltration, groundwater, soil relaxation, etc.)
Driven Foundation Inspection	Identifies pile foundation types	Performs standard driven pile foundation inspections	Correlates estimated and actual driven pile tip elevations to boring logs	Authorizes payment for all driven foundation items within contract
	Recognizes elements of an approved driven pile installation plan	Verifies compliance with the approved installation plan	Supervises standard driven pile inspection operations	Assures compliance with contract specifications and approved installation plans
		Recognizes basic driving control methods
		Performs basic load testing
Drilled Shaft Inspection	Describes the basics of drilled shaft dry, casing and wet construction methods	Performs standard drilled shaft installation inspections and	Supervises standard drilled shaft inspection crew operations	Authorizes payment for all drilled shaft items within contract
	Recognizes elements of an approved drilled shaft installation plan	Verifies compliance with the approved installation plan	Verifies and documents subsurface soil/rock and groundwater conditions	Assure compliance with the contract specifications and approved installation plans
		Recognizes construction and installation equipment components
Ground Anchor Inspection			Recognizes proper and improper installation	Communicates with engineer on documented results, and trouble-shooting as required
			Verifies and documents installation requirements and results (drilling, encountered soil/rock, hole depth, drill-hole integrity, anchors, corrosion protection, proper torque (if applicable), grouting (bonded and unbonded), seating platform and plate/nut assembly, pretensioning, lock-off, and project details)
			Verifies and documents load test requirements and results
Soil Nail Wall Inspection			Recognizes proper and improper installation	Communicates with engineer on documented results, and trouble-shooting as required
			Verifies and documents installation requirements and results (excavation, benching, nail spacing, drilling, encountered soil/rock, hole depth, drill-hole integrity, nails, corrosion protection, grouting, seating platform and plate/nut assembly, drain installation, mesh/reinforcement placement, shotcreting, and project details)
			Verifies and documents load test requirements and results
Mechanically Stabilized Earth Wall Inspection		Recognizes proper MSE wall construction	Recognizes improper MSE wall construction and conditions effecting wall performance and stability	Recommends corrective actions to MSE wall construction after communicating with engineer
		Verifies compaction and reinforcement placement requirements and documents results	Oversees wall construction
			Verifies structural and drainage detail requirements, structural connection requirements, and delivered materials, material requirements, corrosion testing results
Reinforced Soil Slopes (RSS) Inspection		Recognizes proper reinforced soil slope construction	Recognizes improper reinforced soil slope construction and conditions effecting slope performance and stability	Recommends corrective actions to RSS construction after communicating with engineer
		Verifies compaction and reinforcement placement requirements and documents results	Oversees RSS construction
			Verifies structural and drainage detail requirements, reinforcement splices, delivered materials, material requirements
Ground Improvement Inspection			Recognizes proper and improper installation of various ground improvement methods	Communicates with engineer on documented results, and trouble-shooting as required
			Verifies and documents requirements and results for ground improvement methods, including vertical drains, lightweight fill, vibrocompaction, dynamic compaction, stone columns, vibroconcrete columns, grouting (permeation, compaction, jet, soil fracture, rock fissure, and general pressure grouting), reinforced earth, deep soil mixing, and column supported embankments
			Verifies and documents results of performance testing, as required
Documentation	Describes the basics of project documentation	Calculates quantities for geotechnical installations and geosynthetic materials	Checks calculations	Authorizes payment for all geotechnical and geosynthetic items related to a contract
		Writes project diaries	Approves payment for geotechnical installations and geosynthetic material	Prepares changes to the contract documents
		Writes project diaries	Compiles documentation to support contract changes	Prepares changes to the contract documents

New Structure Construction

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Footings	Describes types of footings	Determines specification and geotechnical requirements compliance or corrective action required	Recommends contract decisions related to foundations acceptance and payment	Determines contract decisions related to foundations
	Assists in checking staking for location	Checks staking for location in relation to plans	Verifies footing bearing elevation and location
	Assists in checking staking for location	Verifies concrete requirements and placement	Verifies steel reinforcement requirements & placement
Retaining Walls (General)	Describes types of retaining wall systems	Recognizes wall construction requirements (including concrete, concrete steel reinforcement, backfill, backfill reinforcement, drainage, and plan detail requirements)	Recognizes improper wall construction and conditions effecting wall performance and stability	Determines contract decisions related to walls
	Assists in checking line and grade	Checks staking for location in relation to plans	Oversees wall construction	Recommends corrective actions on foundation and wall bearing after communicating with engineer
		Verifies concrete requirements & placement	Verifies foundation and wall bearing subgrade conditions
		Verifies backfill requirements & placement (See Grading: Compaction)	Verifies structural and drainage detail requirements, structural connection requirements, and delivered materials, material requirements, material testing results
Forming & Falsework	Explains basic formwork and falsework specifications	Compares field layout to forming and falsework drawings	Reviews Contractor's submittals	Approves formwork and falsework submittals
Forming & Falsework	Explains basic formwork and falsework specifications	Determines specification compliance or corrective action required	Recommends contract decisions relating to forming and falsework	Determines contract decisions related to forming and falsework acceptance and payment
Concrete Girders	Explains the basic types of a concrete girder	Determines specification compliance or corrective action required	Recommends contract decisions related to concrete girders acceptance and payment	Determines contract decisions related to concrete girders acceptance and payment
	Assists in checking girder deflection	Checks for proper deflection of girders
		Observes placement of girder
		Observes handling and storage of concrete girders
Steel girders & connectors	Explains the basic properties of a steel girder	Determines specification compliance or corrective action required	Recommends contract decisions related to steel girders acceptance and payment	Determines contract decisions related to steel girders acceptance and payment
	Describes procedure for checking bolts	Verifies proper bolted connections
		Verifies for proper sandblasting of steel
		Inspects painting of girder in field
		Inspects handling and storage of girder
Reinforcing Steel - Layout	Explains basic reinforcing steel layout specifications	Identifies proper spacing, tieing and support of reinforcing steel	Recommends contract decisions related to reinforcing steel layout acceptance and payment	Determines contract decisions related to reinforcing steel layout acceptance and payment
	Describes the various types of reinforcing steel	Observes handling and storage of reinforcing steel
	Describes handling and storage of different types of reinforcing steel	Inspects reinforcing steel for damage (rust, damaged epoxy coating) and enforces corrective action
	Assists in checking reinforcing bar spacing and support	Compares field layout to contract plans
Concrete Placement & Consolidation	Describes the principles of concrete placement	Determines specification compliance or corrective action required	Recommends contract decisions related to concrete placement acceptance and payment	Determines contract decisions related to placement acceptance and payment
	Describes proper vibration techniques	Determines if the concrete is being properly vibrated
	Describes proper vibration techniques	Determines if the proper pour rate is being maintained
Joints	Describes types of Joints	Determines specification compliance or corrective action required	Recommends contract decisions related to steel girders acceptance and payment	Determines contract decisions related to then acceptance of joints and payment
Joints	Describes types of Joints	Compares layout of joints to plans and determines if proper material is used to construct joint
Finishing & Curing Concrete	Describes methods of finishing and curing concrete	Determines specification compliance or corrective action required	Recommends contract decisions related to finishing and curing concrete and payment	Determines contract decisions related to finishing concrete
	Assists in checking rails for deck finishing machine	Observes setup of deck finishing machine and checks for proper deck thickness	Documents and follows up on corrective actions	Approves removal of curing system
	Assists in checking the application of curing compound	Inspects the application of curing compound and checks to make sure the curing system is maintained	Recommends approval of removal of curing system	Approves removal of curing system
Deck Smoothness	Describes the requirements for smoothness	Determines specification compliance or corrective action required	Recommends contract decisions related to smoothness acceptance and payment	Determines contract decisions related to smoothness
Deck Smoothness	Demonstrates the proper technique for using a straightedge	Checks smoothness		Determines contract decisions related to smoothness
Precast Structures	Identifies precast items on construction plan	Recognizes proper precast structure installation procedures	Recognizes implications of improper installation	Determines contract decisions related to changes or corrective actions regarding precast units
	Recognizes precast products and materials acceptance stamps/certifications	Identifies location problems in the field	Recommends corrective actions
		Identifies product defects prior to installation	Recommends changes to the location of precast units to accommodate conflicts in the field
		Identifies product defects prior to installation	Recommends acceptance or rejection of precast units
Post Tensioning		Checks strand condition, certification of post-tensioning equipment (jack)	Monitors load and measures elongation	Recommends corrective action or rejection of product
		Inspects pre-tensioning preparations	Documents and calculates elongation for acceptance
		Verifies post tensioning layout	Recognizes implications of improper installation of grout
		Assists in monitoring tensioning sequence
		Inspects grouting operations
Documentation	Describes the basics of project documentation	Calculates quantities for payment	Checks calculations and approves payment	Authorizes payment for all items related to a contract
		Writes project diaries	Compiles documentation to support contract changes	Prepares changes to the contract documents and recommend approval
		Documents acceptance of precast units
		Records measurements for payments

PCC Pavement Field Inspection

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Surface Preparation	Assists in performing surface inspections	Inspects surface for proper preparation in accordance with contract documents	Recommends acceptance or corrective action based on inspection results	Determines contract decisions related to surface preparation acceptance and payment
Surface Preparation	Assists in performing surface inspections		Documents and follows up on corrective actions	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
Concrete Delivery	Assists in inspections of delivery vehicles to make sure they are in good working condition	Inspects trucks to assure that all gauges, meters, etc. are in working order	Recommends acceptance or corrective action based on inspection results	Determines contract decisions related to concrete delivery acceptance and payment
		Checks for worn parts that could affect mix quality	Documents and follows up on corrective actions	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
		Collects load tickets
		Verifies correct mix was shipped
Paving Machine	Assists in inspecting paving machine to determine that it is in good working condition	Inspects paving machine to make sure it is in good working condition	Recommends acceptance or corrective action based on inspection results	Determines contract decisions related to paving machine acceptance and payment.
Paving Machine		Checks to ensure that the machine is set up correctly to place concrete at the specified thickness, profile and finish.	Documents and follows up on corrective actions	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
Laydown (placement)/ Consolidation	Assists in performing inspections of laydown/consolidation of materials in accordance with job specific requirements	Inspects laydown/consolidation of materials to meet job specific requirements	Recommends acceptance or corrective action based on visual inspection and results of jobsite measurements	Determines contract decisions related to placement and consolidation acceptance and payment
Laydown (placement)/ Consolidation			Documents and follows up on corrective actions
Steel Placement	Assists in performing inspections of steel and placement	Inspects placement of steel to meet job specific requirements	Recommends acceptance or corrective action based on visual and jobsite inspection of steel placement	Determines contract decisions related to steel placement acceptance and payment
Steel Placement	Assists in performing inspections of steel and placement		Documents and follows up on corrective actions	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
Smoothness	Recognizes the factors that control smoothness and how equipment is used to measure smoothness	Interprets printouts of smoothness readings	Recommends corrective action based on visual inspection and results of smoothness tests actions	Determines contract decisions relating to smoothness acceptance and payment.
Smoothness	Assists in laying out roadway sections to be measured for smoothness	Calculates pay factors for incentive/disincentive where appropriate	Documents and follows up on corrective actions	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
Dowels/Joints	Assists in performing inspections of dowel placement and joints to meet job specific requirements	Performs inspection of dowel placement and joints to meet job specific requirements	Recommends acceptance or corrective action based on visual inspection	Determines contract decisions related to dowel placement and joints acceptance and payment.
Dowels/Joints			Documents and follows up on corrective actions	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
Documentation	Selects correct forms to be used in documenting inspections	Completes inspection reports	Documents acceptance or corrective action based on a review of test results, inspection reports and visual observations	Interprets data
		Conducts field tests		Recommends corrective action on a program basis to managers
		Documents equipment inspection		Enters data into summary or statistical program
		Performs basic mathematical calculations and report out results		Enters data into summary or statistical program

HMA Pavement Field Inspection

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Surface Preparation	Assists in performing inspections of surface preparation	Inspects surface for proper preparation in accordance with contract documents	Recommends acceptance or corrective action based on inspection results	Determines contract decisions related to surface preparation acceptance and payment.
Surface Preparation	Assists in performing inspections of surface preparation		Documents and follows up on corrective actions	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
Hauling	Assists in performing inspections of hauling vehicles	Inspects trucks for proper loading and protection of Hot Mix Asphalt material	Recommends acceptance or corrective action based on inspection results	Determines contract decisions related to hauling vehicle acceptance and payment
Hauling	Assists in performing inspections of hauling vehicles		Documents and follows up on corrective actions	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
Laydown	Assists in performing inspections related to laydown of HMA	Inspects laydown of material to meet job specific requirements	Recommends acceptance or corrective action based on visual inspection and results of jobsite tests	Determines contract decisions related to HMA laydown acceptance and payment.
Laydown	Assists in performing inspections related to laydown of HMA		Documents and follows up on corrective actions	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
Compaction	Describes basic compaction principles and roller patterns	Determines adherence to roller operation and roller plan	Recommends acceptance or corrective action based on visual inspection and results of jobsite tests	Determines contract decisions related to laydown and compaction acceptance and payment.
	Identifies types of compaction equipment		Documents and follows up on corrective actions	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
	Explains how the types of compaction equipment are used		Documents and follows up on corrective actions
Smoothness	Recognizes the factors that control smoothness and how equipment is used to measure smoothness	Interprets printouts of smoothness readings	Recommends acceptance or corrective action based on visual inspection and results of smoothness tests	Determines contract decisions related to smoothness acceptance and payment
Smoothness	Assists in laying out roadway sections to be measured for smoothness	Calculates pay factors for incentive/disincentive where appropriate		Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
Documentation	Selects correct inspection forms to be used for different layers and types of HMA	Performs basic mathematical calculations	Documents acceptance or corrective action based on a review of inspection reports, measurements and test results	Enters data into summary reports or statistical programs.
		Reports out inspection results		Interprets data
		Reports out inspection results		Recommends corrective action on a program basis to managers

Asphalt Recycling

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Inspection		Examines and verifies representative processes during production operations	Determines specification compliance or corrective action required based on individual and cumulative inspections and measurements	Enters data into summary or statistical program
		Performs field inspections and measurements of equipment as required	Monitors corrective action taken and results	Interprets results
		Identifies equipment and specification references used to inspect and verify field processes		Recommends corrective action on a program basis to managers
		Explains proper field processes (surface prep, mixing, laydown, compaction and smoothness), inspection and verification techniques
		Reports out inspection results
Documentation		Completes and submits inspection reports	Documents specification compliance or corrective action required	Enters data into summary or statistical program
		Performs basic mathematical calculations	Documents corrective action taken and results	Interprets data
		Performs basic mathematical calculations	Documents corrective action taken and results	Recommends corrective action on a program basis to managers

Landscaping

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Horticultural Practices	Explains plant growth and planting methods	Inspects, and records plant types, topsoil characteristics, soil amendments, pruning, staking and guying procedures	Reviews inspection records and results	Approves or rejects results of the inspection and review of plant types, topsoil, amendments, pruning, staking and guying procedures, nursery landscaping inspection, plant diseases and pests and landscaping establishment
	Reads planting plans	Inspects and determines plant diseases and pests	Recommends acceptance or rejection of plant types, topsoil, amendments, pruning, staking and guying procedures, nursery plant inspections, landscaping diseases and pests, and landscaping establishment	Distinguishes plant diseases and pests
	Describes pruning, staking and guying procedures	Inspects and records landscaping establishment	Applies native plant laws and xeriscape principles
	Describes pruning, staking and guying procedures	Defines and applies highway planting methods	Conducts nursery plant inspection
	Explains landscaping establishment	Defines and applies highway planting methods	Conducts nursery plant inspection
Seeding	Explains soil preparation, tillage, mulch, tackifiers and crimping	Calculates application rates	Reviews inspection records and recommends acceptance or rejection of application rates, seeds, soil preparation, tillage, mulch, tackifiers and crimping methods	Accepts or rejects application rates, seeds, soil preparation, tillage, mulch, tackifiers and crimping methods
	Describes hydro-seeding, broadcast and drilling methods	Recognizes types of seeds
	Describes the 3 classes of seeding	Differentiates characteristics of pure live seed
		Inspects and documents seeds/pure live seeds
		Summarizes batch mixing
		Inspects and documents soil preparation, tillage, mulch, tackifiers and crimping methods
Irrigation Systems	Identifies controllers, pipe, filters, flow monitor, pressure regulator, emitters, sprinklers, valves, backflow preventer	Inspects controllers, pipe, filters, flow monitor, pressure regulator, emitters, sprinklers, valves and backflow preventers	Recommends acceptance or rejection of water sources, layout, backflow prevention and equipment including controllers, filters emitters, sprinklers, flow monitors, pressure regulators, and valves (master, remote control, pressure release, isolation, check and blow off valve) testing	Accepts or rejects water sources, layout, backflow prevention and equipment including controllers, filters emitters, sprinklers, flow monitors, pressure regulators, and valves
	Describes the function of each component	Documents the function, condition, type of pipe and correct pipe joint methods
	Identifies the water source	Inspects and documents the water source
	Identifies the water source	Observes and documents irrigation testing
Landscape Incidentals	Explains landscape plans and layouts	Inspects and documents the application of herbicides and pesticides	Reviews and accepts or rejects documentation of the application of herbicides and pesticides and landscape design principles	Accepts or rejects the application of herbicides and pesticides, plating and graphics and landscape design principles
	Identifies the application of herbicides and pesticides	Confirms and records the layout of graphics and inert materials as well as grade preparation, sampling, color acceptance, landscape graphics and measurement
	Explains grade preparation, sampling, landscape graphics, color acceptance and measurement