6/09/04 10858

TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST TRAINEE

DEFINITION: This is technical training work in a traffic control engineering program.

An employee in this class participates in a comprehensive twelve month on-the-job training program designed to develop technical competency and practical proficiency in the analysis and resolution of traffic control problems. Employees develop practical proficiency in the application of traffic control principles in the safety and studies area, signals and congestion management area, use of signs, the pavement markings and work zone area, and the highway occupancy permit area. Work involves developing analytical presentations of traffic control data for traffic control studies and making recommendations based on those studies. As training progresses, employees will be involved in projects of greater difficulty and complexity. Work is closely screened prior to assignment and reviewed in detail for completeness, technical accuracy, and soundness of approach both in process and upon completion by a Traffic Control Specialist or a Civil Engineer.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Assists in performing or scheduling engineering and traffic studies to determine potential changes in speed limits, no passing zones, and other traffic restrictions.

Reviews studies performed by others for instructional purposes.

Assists in evaluating requests for hazardous student walking routes and preparing recommendations and correspondence.

Assists in scheduling or collecting and validating traffic volumes, vehicle classification, turning movements, origin-and-destination and related field studies.

Assists in reviewing safety-related aspects of highway design projects.

Assists in preparing alternatives to resolve high crash areas.

Assists in conducting routine traffic control studies for traffic signals and flashing warning devices.

Assists in designing and reviewing designs of flashing warning devices and less complex traffic signal projects, including completing and reviewing technical studies.

Assists in reviewing and recommending improvements for existing traffic signals or traffic signal systems.

Assists in performing highway capacity and timing analyses using computer software to optimize signal settings.

Learns to operate and maintain equipment in a traffic control center, including CCTV, electronic message boards, data collection, and communications systems.

Assists in preparing and/or reviewing signing plans, including freeway and expressway signs.

Learns to coordinate a District-wide sign inventory management and ordering system with assistance from technicians and county maintenance personnel.

Assists in preparing and/or reviewing pavement marking plans.

Assists in preparing and/or reviewing traffic control plans for highway construction projects.

Assists in performing technical review of highway occupancy permit applications, to include high traffic volume sites.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge and understanding of the techniques and devices used in the collection, analysis and evaluation of traffic control data used for a variety of traffic surveys and studies.

Knowledge of algebra and plane geometry.

Knowledge of the use of standard types of traffic control devices such as signs, pavement markings, and signals.

Knowledge of computer capabilities and operations applicable to work assignments.

Skill in the use of CADD and GIS equipment.

Ability to conduct a variety of traffic control studies and surveys, and to analyze and compile technical data into clear, concise reports.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public, including the ability to provide functional direction to technical and clerical employees.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: A Bachelor’s Degree in mathematics, statistics, civil engineering technology, or a closely related field;

                                                                                                                                                      or

One year of experience as a Traffic Control Technician;

                                                                                                                                                     or

Four years of experience performing transportation engineering technical assignments such as traffic data collection, traffic studies, pavement marking program oversight, highway sign or pavement marking surveys, traffic signal inspection, materials sampling, testing, or inspection, construction inspection, bridge inspection, survey work, utility relocation, roadway programs management, or roadway materials control; and graduation from high school;

or

Two years of experience in transportation engineering technical assignments and an Associate’s Degree in the field of mathematics, statistics, or a civil engineering technology;

or

An equivalent combination of experience and training.