01/01/1994 10862

TRAFFIC SYSTEMS CONTROL SPECIALIST

DEFINITION: This is advanced technical work in a District traffic engineering program.

An employee in this class performs highly technical duties involving the analysis of difficult traffic control problems. Work of this level is differentiated from lower level traffic engineering work by the frequent responsibility for the design of traffic systems which use advanced signalization systems technology for the management of congestion and optimization of efficient traffic flow in major metropolitan and urban areas. In addition to the design of signalization systems, employees in this class may also develop specifications for consultant designs of complex traffic control systems; review consultant designs of complex traffic control systems; advise municipalities on the design, operations and maintenance of traffic signals; design IVHS (Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems ) systems or major phases of large and complex systems; advise other engineers and Traffic Control Specialists on traffic signals or systems design, operation or maintenance; and integrate other methods of traffic control such as pavement marking and signing to systems design. Work is performed with a high degree of independence and considerable responsibility for the attainment of project objectives. Work is reviewed on completion for adherence to technical and engineering standards and effectiveness in the resolution of traffic control problems.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Designs or prepares specifications and special provisions for the design of complex traffic signal systems employing state-of-the-art communications systems, controllers and software.

Analyzes and develops traffic engineering solutions to complex congestion and incident management problems on high volume metropolitan corridors and highway systems.

Trains and provides consultative services to Traffic Control Specialists, Municipal personnel, and contractors on the design, construction, operation and maintenance of advanced traffic signals systems.

Designs integrated, several phase, multiple intersection signal systems on highly congested corridors.

Designs extensive closed-loop signal systems with features such as automated preemption capabilities; fiber-optic communications; and personal computer controlled real-time monitoring, intersection coordination and timing packages, and data collections sessions software.

Develops multiple intersection timing plans using various highway capacity and optimization software packages.

Reviews complete engineering design packages including drawings, specifications, cost estimates, design computations, and supporting data submitted by consultant engineers for conformance to project scope, specifications, provisions and design parameters.

Designs IVHS systems and phases of systems for major highways and in urbanized areas including surveillance and other advanced traffic management systems, advanced travel information systems, and advanced incident management systems including variable signing and systems for the control of signal systems on parallel routes.

Conducts studies and analyzes data to develop solutions to difficult traffic safety and traffic control and management problems involving heavily used major arteries.

Reviews and recommends improvements for existing signal systems in high traffic volume areas.

Performs technical reviews of signalization related to high traffic volume highway occupancy permits such as shopping centers, office complexes and industrial parks.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles, practices and objectives of traffic engineering and control.

Knowledge of the techniques and procedures of investigating, researching and analyzing highway traffic control problems.

Knowledge of traffic control devices and their use in traffic control systems including advanced signal controllers and related computer and communications systems and equipment.

Knowledge of highway design and highway construction as related to traffic operations and control.

Knowledge of roadway capacity as related to traffic operations and control.

Knowledge of algebra and plane geometry.

Skill in the reading, interpretation and preparation of technical drawings, specifications and codes.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.

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

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: Two years of experience as a Traffic Control Specialist involved in traffic signal design work.

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Three years of experience in traffic engineering work involving signal design and a Bachelor's Degree in civil engineering, mathematics or a closely related field.

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training.