06/16/2008 10850

REGIONAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT CENTER OPERATOR

DEFINITION: This is technical work monitoring, evaluating and coordinating communications for real-time traffic conditions at a twenty- four hour Department of Transportation Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC).

An employee in this job monitors, evaluates, and disseminates information concerning emergency and non-emergency traffic conditions. Work is performed by receiving and monitoring information on traffic incidents and conditions from multiple sources such as police scanners and the operation of cameras to confirm and identify traffic events, verifying incidents with appropriate authorities, dispatching information over two- way radios and telephone units, evaluating and determining the course of action, recommending modified traffic routes, entering information into computer systems including, but not limited to, the Road Condition Reporting System (RCRS) and operating Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) equipment. Work also involves dispatching Freeway Service Patrols (FSPs) and coordinating traffic assistance with Department personnel and other incident and emergency management agencies. Work is performed independently within established policies and procedures and is reviewed for technical accuracy and completeness by a Regional Traffic Operations Shift Supervisor.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Receives and monitors information on traffic incidents and conditions from multiple sources.

Coordinates communications with law enforcement, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) watch officers, emergency response and incident management entities, PennDOT personnel and others concerning traffic issues and disruptions.

Dispatches PennDOT FSPs and coordinates specific FSP incident deployments with local law enforcement agencies.

Verifies reported incidents with Department personnel, PSP, and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).

Determines the severity level of an incident and executes the appropriate incident response protocols, policies, and procedures based on existing and predicted traffic conditions.

Recommends modified emergency detour routes if conditions or closures exist which render a preplanned detour route unusable.

Operates ITS field devices, such as Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) and Highway Advisory Radio (HAR), to assist in directing traffic and disseminating incident information to the traveling public.

Submits help desk tickets to the Bureau of Information Systems to report software malfunctions and notifies ITS personnel for resolution of hardware device malfunctions.

Enters information on PennDOT’s traffic and incident management software such as the Road Condition Reporting System (RCRS) for recording, tracking and monitoring incidents.

Collects, evaluates and prepares data needed to produce accurate progress reports, operator logs, documents and matrices for RTMC operations.

Briefs the incoming shift operator of all active incidents and significant activities of the prior shift.

Answers questions from county, district, and central office personnel pertaining to roadway incidents and conditions and associated actions.

Participates in required emergency transportation operations training, including required National Incident Management System (NIMS) training.

Performs other related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of emergency management.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of incident management.

Knowledge of the techniques and devices used for effective traffic control.

Knowledge of standard desktop software such as word processing, spreadsheet and database functions.

Ability to read and interpret state and federal laws, department rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures.

Ability to read and interpret road, route and geographic maps.

Ability to operate two-way radios, telephones, personal computers and computer consoles.

Ability to interpret verbal instructions.

Ability to write technical narrative and statistical reports.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year of experience evaluating and coordinating information related to traffic data, incidents or conditions.