Career summary

Details for Traffic Technicians


Description

Conduct field studies to determine traffic volume, speed, effectiveness of signals, adequacy of lighting, and other factors influencing traffic conditions, under direction of traffic engineer.

Tasks

  • Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures.
  • Prepare drawings of proposed signal installations or other control devices, using drafting instruments or computer-automated drafting equipment.
  • Plan, design, and improve components of traffic control systems to accommodate current or projected traffic and to increase usability and efficiency.
  • Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow.
  • Prepare work orders for repair, maintenance, or changes in traffic systems.
  • Study factors affecting traffic conditions, such as lighting or sign and marking visibility, to assess their effectiveness.
  • Visit development or work sites to determine projects' effect on traffic and the adequacy of traffic control and safety plans or to suggest traffic control measures.
  • Lay out pavement markings for striping crews.
  • Operate counters and record data to assess the volume, type, and movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic at specified times.
  • Provide technical supervision regarding traffic control devices to other traffic technicians or laborers.
  • Gather and compile data from hand count sheets, machine count tapes, or radar speed checks and code data for computer input.
  • Place and secure automatic counters, using power tools, and retrieve counters after counting periods end.
  • Measure and record the speed of vehicular traffic, using electrical timing devices or radar equipment.
  • Study traffic delays by noting times of delays, the numbers of vehicles affected, and vehicle speed through the delay area.
  • Review traffic control or barricade plans to issue permits for parades or other special events or for construction work that affects rights of way, providing assistance with plan preparation or revision, as necessary.
  • Prepare graphs, charts, diagrams, or other aids to illustrate observations or conclusions.
  • Establish procedures for street closures or for repair or construction projects.
  • Compute time settings for traffic signals or speed restrictions, using standard formulas.
  • Monitor street or utility projects for compliance to traffic control permit conditions.
  • Maintain or make minor adjustments or field repairs to equipment used in surveys, including the replacement of parts on traffic data gathering devices.
  • Time stoplights or other delays, using stopwatches.
  • Interview motorists about specific intersections or highways to gather road-condition information for use in planning.
  • Develop plans or long-range strategies for providing adequate parking space.
  • Provide traffic information, such as road conditions, to the public.

Interests

  • Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
  • Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
  • Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Education, training, experience

  • Education - Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
  • Training - Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
  • Experience - Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Knowledge

  • Administration and Management -Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
  • Building and Construction -Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
  • Law and Government -Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
  • Mechanical -Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • English Language -Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Education and Training -Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
  • Public Safety and Security -Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
  • Clerical -Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
  • Mathematics -Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Engineering and Technology -Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  • Transportation -Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
  • Customer and Personal Service -Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • Computers and Electronics -Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

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