EXPANDED SCOPE

FOR

DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION PR 1,2,3,4,5,6

JUNIOR CIVIL ENGINEER TRAINEE OC 2,3,4

PUBLIC WORKS CAPITAL PROJECTS MANAGER OC 1,2,3,5,7,8

1. PREPARING WRITTEN MATERIAL-These questions test for the ability to present information clearly and accurately, and to organize paragraphs logically and comprehensibly. For some questions, you will be given information in two or three sentences followed by four restatements of the information. You must then choose the best version. For other questions, you will be given paragraphs with their sentences out of order. You must then choose, from four suggestions, the best order for the sentences.

2. PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF CIVIL ENGINEERING-These questions test for knowledge of engineering concepts and their practical applications to the construction, operation and maintenance of public works projects, including roadways, bridges, buildings, water and sewage systems and similar types of infrastructure.

3. ENGINEERING PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATES-These questions test for knowledge of and the ability to read and interpret construction drawings and technical specifications, and for the ability to calculate cost and quantity estimates from technical presentations and/or engineering and construction drawings. Knowledge of estimating techniques and the proper method of construction for specified projects will be required.

4. METHODS AND MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION-These questions test for knowledge of the proper procedures and materials used in the construction, maintenance and repair of various types of public works projects, including such typical construction work as excavations, roadways, embankments, and building and related structural improvements.

5. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, DRAINAGE SYSTEMS AND OTHER RELATED STRUCTURES-These questions test for knowledge of the engineering concepts, practices, testing procedures, materials and computations used in the installation, repair and upkeep of roadways, overpasses, abutments, retaining walls, embankments, drainage structures and related appurtenances. 

6. SUPERVISION-These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices employed in planning, organizing, and controlling the activities of a work unit toward predetermined objectives. The concepts covered, usually in a situational question format, include such topics as assigning and reviewing work; evaluating performance; maintaining work standards; motivating and developing subordinates; implementing procedural change; increasing efficiency; and dealing with problems of absenteeism, morale, and discipline.+

7. BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PRINCIPLES, PRACTICES AND MATERIALS-These questions test for knowledge of the engineering concepts, computations, proper procedures and materials used in the design, construction and renovation of building facilities and may include such areas as structural members, walls, roofs, windows, doors, floors, foundations and electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems.

8. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPERVISION-These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices involved in directing the activities of a large subordinate staff, including subordinate supervisors. Questions relate to the personal interactions between an upper level supervisor and their subordinate supervisors in the accomplishment of objectives. These questions cover such areas as assigning work to and coordinating the activities of several units, establishing and guiding staff development programs, evaluating the performance of subordinate supervisors, and maintaining relationships with other organizational sections.

The New York State Department of Civil Service has not prepared a test guide for this examination. However, candidates may find information in the publication 'General Guide to Written Tests' helpful in preparing for this test. This publication is available on line at: https://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm.

USE OF CALCULATORS IS RECOMMENDED