Traffic Operations Specialist

Job Title

Traffic Control Technician

Job Description

Under general supervision, this position performs programming, installation and maintenance of traffic control devices, including but not limited to traffic signals, traffic signal equipment, and traffic signs throughout the City of Portsmouth. Reports to Manager of Signal Operations.

Responsible for the proper programming, installation, maintenance and removal of traffic signals, traffic signal equipment and devices, traffic signs, pavement markings, poles and other routine maintenance for city maintainedtransportation system; includes utility location and marking for traffic signals and fiber communication backbone, appurtenances in accordance with federal, state and local regulations; installs signs for other departments as required and coordinates work to be performed with city departments, and schedules Miss Utility markings.

Places traffic cones and signs in accordance with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual; flags traffic for work zones, parades, foot races, block parties and other special events; prepares daily work orders and documentation for work performed; and enters data pertaining to time, material and equipment usage into computer for use with monthly Virginia Department of Transportation reports.

Ensures the safety of city equipment and others by following proper safety procedures, watching for overhead utility lines, and checking for traffic and underground utilities; performs routine checks and preventive maintenance on equipment; identifies and reports

Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Has general knowledge of the proper procedures for operating traffic signal programming software, soldering tools, auger/differ, eradicating machine for payment markings, sandbagging machine, chain saw, rotary-hammer, torch kit, hydraulic hole punch machine, bucket truck, platform truck, crane truck flatbed truck, and related vehicles necessary to perform essential job duties. Has general knowledge of traffic laws and regulations governing the operation of required equipment. Has general knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, and safety regulations related to equipment operation. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts within department and division, and with co- workers and the general public.

Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions."

Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities.

Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time- off requests.

Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Identifies problems or situations as they occur and implements decisions in accordance with prescribed policies, procedures, and regulations with a minimum of errors.

Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justi­fied, i.e., poor communications, variance with city policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons within the department.

Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all department employees. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the city. Interacts with courtesy and patience with fellow employees, supervisor, Manager of Signal Operations, City Engineer and the public.

Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establish a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.

Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.

Education, Experience & Special Requirements

Requires a high school diploma or the equivalent and 1 – 2 years of experience in construction maintenance or equipment repair, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience necessary to provide the skills, knowledge and abilities listed previously.

An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and sex offender registry check.

A valid Commercial Driver's license or commercial driver's permit with the ability to obtain a Commercial Driver's License within six (6) months of hire, with an acceptable driving record.

Ability to obtain a Virginia Department of Transportation Work Zone and Flaggers Certification Card within one year of employment. Must complete Virginia Department of Transportation Basic Work Zone and Intermediate Work Zone Training within one-year of hire.

Within 1 ½ years, employee must become familiar with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), obtain a minimum certification as International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) Level 1 Sign & Marking certification and IMSA Level 1 Traffic Signal Field Technician or equivalent.

This position requires pre-employment medical evaluation and substance abuse testing and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing.

Physical Demands

Must be physically able to operate street and highway maintenance equipment and to perform heavy physical labor. Requires the ability to exert 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 25 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are for Heavy Work.

Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving instructions, assignments and/or directions to co-workers or assistants, as well as receiving information and assignments from supervisor.

Requires the ability to read traffic control manuals, standards and specifications; policy manuals; installation and maintenance manuals, budget and administrative documents; and traffic engineering study reports. Requires the ability to study reports, understand correspondence, plans, policy statements, and budget and administrative documentation using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak before groups of people with poise, voice control and confidence.

Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems; to deal with nonverbal symbolism in its most difficult phases; to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables; to comprehend the most abstruse classes of concepts...

Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently using Standard English and traffic engineering terminology.

Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas, to add and subtract, multiply and divide. Must be able to determine percentages, calculate interest, profit and loss, and proportions, etc.

Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.

Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using equipment utilized for traffic signal and sign maintenance.

Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Does not require the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under high levels of stress when confronted with persons acting under stress emergency situations).

Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone.

The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

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