Traffic Technicians

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

• Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures.
• Study traffic delays by noting times of delays, the numbers of vehicles affected, and vehicle speed through the delay area.
• Prepare graphs, charts, diagrams, or other aids to illustrate observations or conclusions.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Develop plans or long-range strategies for providing adequate parking space.
• Provide traffic information, such as road conditions, to the public.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)