Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

Under direction of the City Engineer to perform traffic studies, develop/maintain traffic signal timing, develop/review temporary traffic control plans, issue permits, update/maintain databases, prepare/present reports, reply to public inquires, perform traffic engineering tasks in both the office and field environments, and support engineering personnel in achieving organizational goals.

This classification is assigned to the Turlock City Employees Association Bargaining Unit for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime, standby and call back assignments.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Traffic Technician Trainee/I

General supervision is provided by the City Engineer. Technical or functional direction/assistance may be received from a variety of para-professional or professional personnel.

Traffic Technician II

General supervision is provided by the City Engineer. Technical or functional direction/assistance may be received from a variety of para-professional or professional personnel. Responsibilities may include some functional supervision of subordinate paraprofessional positions.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Traffic Technician Trainee

This is the training level class in the paraprofessional Traffic Technician series. Incumbents in this class perform basic research, traffic studies and field reviews, respond to inquiries from the public, draft/review temporary traffic control plans, and review/process transportation related permits. Generally, work is observed and reviewed both during performance and upon completion, and changes in procedures or exceptions to rules are explained in detail as they arise until competency is established, then work is performed with greater independence. The training period will not exceed one year, at which time the incumbent must possess the minimum qualifications for the Traffic Technician I job classification. Upon successful completion of the training period and meeting minimum job requirements, the incumbent is expected to promote to Traffic Technician I.

Traffic Technician I

This is the entry-level class in the paraprofessional Traffic Technician series. Incumbents in this class perform basic research, traffic studies and field reviews, respond to inquiries from the public, draft/review temporary traffic control plans, review/process transportation related permits, develop/maintain traffic signal timing plans, prepare reports and provide presentations. Generally, work is observed and reviewed both during performance and upon completion, and changes in procedures or exceptions to rules are explained in detail as they arise until competency is established, then work is performed with greater independence.

Traffic Technician II

Positions in this class perform moderately complex research, traffic studies, field reviews and general traffic engineering work, respond to inquiries from the public, draft/review temporary traffic control plans, review/process transportation related permits, develop/maintain traffic signal timing plans, prepare reports and provide presentations. Work involves the application of precise para-professional traffic engineering knowledge and techniques. Work is ordinarily performed under the general supervision of the City Engineer who makes general assignments and inspects work to ensure that it is conducted according to instructions and in conformity with accepted traffic engineering standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: - Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

Traffic Technician Trainee:

Receive on-the-job training for the following:

• Conduct/coordinate the collection of traffic data in the public right of way;
• Conduct traffic engineering office and field studies to evaluate the speed, movement, parking and collision history of vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians within the roadway;
• Review and research of traffic engineering standards, policies, regulations, both for general competency and the resolution of specific issues;
• Review basic temporary traffic control plans for conformance to adopted standards;
• Review, processing and issuance of transportation related permits;
• Issue work orders to City staff in other departments for the completion of field work relative to signs, markings and traffic signal systems;
• Assist in the development of traffic signal timing plans and the programming of signal timing within traffic signal cabinets;
• Assist in the monitoring and updating of the City’s Pavement Management Program through the specified data management system;
• Preparation of periodic/annual reporting to regional, state and federal agencies;
• Support development and implementation of capital improvement projects affecting the City’s transportation network;
• Coordinate with other City departments, committees and commissions on the completion of studies, assignments and projects, as required;
• Use of a computer for research, communication, scheduling, and reporting;
• Assist with the deployment of transit assets and services, as required;
• Perform related duties as assigned

Traffic Technician I:

• Conduct/coordinate the collection of traffic data in the public right of way;
• Conduct traffic engineering office and field studies to evaluate the speed, movement, parking and collision history of vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians within the roadway;
• Review and research of traffic engineering standards, policies, regulations, both for general competency and the resolution of specific issues;
• Review basic temporary traffic control plans for conformance with adopted standards;
• Review, processing and issuance of transportation related permits;
• Issue work orders to City staff in other departments for the completion of field work relative to signs, markings and traffic signal systems;
• Assist in the development of traffic signal timing plans and the programming of signal timing within traffic signal cabinets;
• Assist in the monitoring and updating of the City’s Pavement Management Program through the specified data management system;
• Preparation of periodic/annual reporting to regional, state and federal agencies;
• Support development and implementation of capital improvement projects affecting the City’s transportation network;
• Coordinate with other City departments, committees and commissions on the completion of studies, assignments and projects, as required;
• Use of a computer for research, communication, scheduling, and reporting;
• Assist with the deployment of transit assets and services, as required;
• Perform related duties as assigned

Traffic Technician II:

In addition to duties of a Traffic Technician I:

• Complete assigned work competently and with moderate oversight;
• Perform complex traffic engineering research, studies and field reviews;
• Assist in the preparation and submission of grant applications for improvements to the transportation network;
• Develop and/or review highly complex temporary traffic control plans, both for City projects and private development, to ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations;
• Manage moderately complex traffic engineering related projects and procurements;
• Input data, initiate queries and run advanced reports using the City’s electronic Pavement Management Program system;
• Prepare/present complex reports, studies and/or presentations to City staff, community stakeholders or the City Council;
• Regularly evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the City’s policies and practices relative to providing traffic engineering-related permits and services to the public and provide recommendations for improvements;
• Assist division/department staff in the completion of special tasks and projects, including transit, surveying, project management, construction inspection and Geographic Information Systems (GIS);
• Perform related duties as assigned;

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Traffic Technician Trainee

Knowledge of:

• Modern office methods and practices

Ability to:

• Understand and follow directions, instructions, City policies and standards
• Demonstrate computer skills relevant to the position
• Use and maintain data collection instruments and tools
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work

Traffic Technician I

In addition to required skills of a Traffic Technician Trainee:

Knowledge of:

• Basic traffic engineering standards as outlined in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD), the California Vehicle Code (CVC), the Turlock Municipal Code and other references affecting the transportation network
• Traffic safety principles for performing work within the public right of way
• Standard signs and markings and their application within the public right of way
• Basic understanding of the City’s transportation system, to include core elements, classifications of streets, and various pavement treatments

Ability to:

• Proficiently use traffic engineering related databases, programs and software
• Demonstrate organizational and time management skills through the completion of tasks and assignments

Traffic Technician II

In addition to required skills of a Traffic Technician I:

Knowledge of:

• Advanced traffic engineering principles, standards and strategies as outlined in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD), the California Vehicle Code (CVC), the Turlock Municipal Code and other references affecting the transportation network
• Plans affecting transportation elements as provided in the regional and local planning documents, including the City’s General Plan and Active Transportation Plan
• Transportation related grant program guidelines and processes
• City procurement policies, procedures and processes

Ability to:

• Prepare and present complex reports and/or presentations to senior management, community stakeholders and/or the City Council
• Serve as a City representative at local or regional meetings related to traffic engineering and/or transportation, as assigned, and provide appropriate input and feedback from those meetings
• Prepare grant applications for competitive state and/or federal funding
• Assist division co-workers with special projects and assignments, when needed

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Traffic Technician Trainee

Experience:

None required.

Education:

High School diploma or GED certificate, supplemented by college level courses or equivalent vocational/technical institutional coursework in mathematics, engineering and/or public administration.

Traffic Technician I

Experience:

At least one year of paraprofessional field and/or office experience performing tasks comparable to work performed by a Traffic Technician Trainee with the City of Turlock.

Education:

High School diploma or GED certificate, supplemented by college level courses or equivalent vocational/technical institutional coursework in mathematics, engineering and/or public administration.

Traffic Technician II

Experience:

Two years of experience as a traffic technician in a position comparable to a Traffic Technician I with the City of Turlock.

Education:

Equivalent to completion of an Associate of Science Degree from an accredited college or vocational/technical institution in general studies, public administration or an engineering related field.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE

License:

Possession of an appropriate, valid California Driver's License at the time of appointment, to be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Maintain the following physical abilities: See well enough to drive a vehicle and to make visual inspections; hear well enough to converse on the telephone and in person; be able to communicate clearly without amplification; bodily mobility to move rapidly from one area to another, sometimes over rough terrain; sometimes bending over and lifting up objects.