Senior Assistant Director (Exe Lev) - Traffic Operations
About The Position
Houston Public Works (HPW) plays a vital role in ensuring a thriving and sustainable future for our city. We oversee the planning, operation, maintenance, construction management, and technical engineering of the City's public infrastructure, including our roadways, bridges, drainage systems, and parks. With a dedicated workforce of approximately 3,900 employees, we are constantly striving for excellence in delivering essential services to our community. The Senior Assistant Director will direct the efficient management of the Traffic Operations branch. This position provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the City of Houston’s traffic management, maintenance and operations systems. This role is responsible for planning, designing, operating, and maintaining a safe, efficient, and resilient transportation network that supports mobility, safety, economic vitality, and quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors. The Senior Assistant Director leads multidisciplinary teams responsible for traffic signal operations, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), traffic engineering, street lighting, pavement markings, signage, and special event management.
Requirements
- Requires a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of an analytical, technical or professional discipline; or the basic knowledge of more than one professional discipline.
- Knowledge of the discipline would normally be obtained through a formal 4-year degree from a college or university and a professional certification/licensing is required.
- Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
- More than ten years of experience is required.
- Valid driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston driving policy (A.P. 2-2).
Nice To Haves
- A Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field of study.
- An active Professional Engineer (PE) license and Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) certification.
- Demonstrates ability to manage traffic operations in high-growth, high-congestion urban environments with diverse multi modal needs.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly convey technical information to executive leadership, elected officials, and the public.
- Eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.
Responsibilities
- Directs the operation and maintenance of approximately 2,500 traffic signals and 1,400 school zone flashers, prioritizing public safety and efficient traffic flow
- Establishes performance metrics, operational standards, and service level targets for traffic systems
- Lead long-term planning for modernization of traffic control infrastructure, ITS expansion, and smart mobility initiatives
- Champions the adoption and integration of innovative transportation solutions, making strategic recommendations for their implementation to enhance Houston’s traffic systems
- Oversees traffic signal timing, re-timing programs, adaptive signal systems, and corridor optimization
- Develops and implements long-term transportation strategies to reduce congestion and improve infrastructure
- Develops and implements citywide traffic operations strategies aligned with Houston’s transportation, safety, and mobility goals
- Implements proactive congestion management, event traffic planning, and special operations for emergencies and major events
- Collaborates with TxDOT, METRO, Harris County, emergency responders, regional planning organizations, and partner agencies
- Supports public outreach, responds to community concerns, and communicates traffic impacts and improvements
- Champions the adoption of emerging technologies such as connected vehicles, AI-based analytics, adaptive control, and smart infrastructure
- Promotes workforce development, succession planning, and continuous professional training
- Provides executive leadership during emergency weather events
Benefits
- Pay rates of other employees in this classification
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
