Traffic Operations Specialist

City of Portsmouth•Portsmouth, VA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Traffic Operations Specialist programs, installs, maintains, and removes traffic control devices throughout the City of Portsmouth, including traffic signals and related equipment, traffic signs, pavement markings, poles, and other components of the city-maintained transportation system. The position reports to the Manager of Signal Operations. Duties also include utility locating and marking for traffic signals and the fiber communication backbone, coordinating work with other city departments, and arranging Miss Utility markings, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. The specialist sets up traffic control for work zones and special events, prepares daily work orders and records work performed, and enters time, material, and equipment usage into a computer for monthly Virginia Department of Transportation reports. The position requires safe operation and routine preventive maintenance of equipment, compliance with safety procedures, and effective communication and coordination with coworkers, other departments, supervisors, and the public. Assignments are determined by the supervisor based on workload and department needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One to two years of experience in construction maintenance, equipment repair, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.
Valid Commercial Driver’s License or commercial driver’s permit, with the ability to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License within six months of hire, and an acceptable driving record.
Ability to obtain a Virginia Department of Transportation Work Zone and Flaggers Certification Card within one year of employment.
Complete Virginia Department of Transportation Basic Work Zone and Intermediate Work Zone Training within one year of hire.
Within 1½ years, become familiar with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and obtain at least International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) Level 1 Sign & Marking certification and IMSA Level 1 Traffic Signal Field Technician certification, or equivalent.
Pass an acceptable general background check, including local and state criminal history and sex offender registry checks.
Complete a pre-employment medical evaluation and substance abuse testing.
Ability to operate street and highway maintenance equipment and perform heavy physical labor; exert up to 100 pounds occasionally, 50 pounds frequently, and 25 pounds constantly to move objects.
Ability to read traffic control manuals, standards, specifications, installation and maintenance manuals, policy manuals, administrative documents, and traffic engineering study reports.
Ability to communicate effectively, follow oral and written instructions, perform basic mathematical calculations, inspect objects for dimensions and shape, and coordinate hands and eyes while operating maintenance equipment.
General knowledge of traffic signal programming software, relevant tools and equipment, traffic laws and regulations, occupational hazards, safety precautions, and equipment-operation safety regulations.

Responsibilities

Program, install, maintain, and remove traffic signals, traffic signal equipment and devices, traffic signs, pavement markings, poles, and other routine-maintenance components of the city-maintained transportation system.
Locate and mark utilities for traffic signals and the fiber communication backbone and related appurtenances in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Install signs for other departments and coordinate work with city departments; schedule Miss Utility markings.
Place traffic cones and signs in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual.
Flag traffic for work zones, parades, foot races, block parties, and other special events.
Prepare daily work orders and documentation for work performed, and enter time, material, and equipment usage data into a computer for monthly Virginia Department of Transportation reports.
Follow safety procedures, protect city equipment and others, watch for overhead utility lines, and check for traffic and underground utilities.
Perform routine equipment checks and preventive maintenance and identify and report issues.
Plan and organize daily work, prioritize assignments, meet deadlines, and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, other departments, and the public.
Perform other duties as assigned.