Traffic Signal Specialist

Town of Chapel Hill•Chapel Hill, NC

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

The position performs fundamental engineering duties in applying traffic engineering regulations, principles, and standards which includes operating the computerized traffic signal system to analyze traffic patterns, troubleshoot signal malfunctions, and implement signal timing adjustments. The position will report to the Traffic Management Center (TMC) during peak hours (Monday-Friday, 9AM-6PM) and during adverse weather events and special events. The position reports to the Assistant Transportation Engineer. CANDIDATES SHOULD INCLUDE A RESUME AND A COVER LETTER THAT DESCRIBES WHY THEY ARE INTERESTED IN THIS POSITION AND THEIR EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYSTEMS.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), Town policies and ordinances, NCDOT standards pertaining to traffic signals and signage.
Principles and practices of Civil, Transportation, Electrical or Electronic Engineering as applied to traffic control, signal timing, and signal design.
Various computer software such as AutoCAD, ARCGIS, Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, or similar tools.
Signal system operating software such as Centras or similar software; and minimum knowledge of traffic signal cabinets and traffic signal controllers.
Traffic modeling/Signal Timing Software (Synchro, Sim-traffic, TruTraffic, etc.).
Traffic control, computer systems, and basic research and analysis techniques.
Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations governing traffic engineering projects.
Ability to: Communicate effectively orally and in writing with other Town employees, contractors, and the public
Read and interpret signal plans and maps, and compile and analyze traffic data.
Apply mathematical concepts including fractions, percentages, and ratios to traffic situations and job tasks.
Prepare written reports, letters, and summaries with correct grammar and formatting.
Model behaviors that are consistent with our values of RESPECT.
An associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer programming, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties, a bachelor's degree preferred.
A minimum of three years of progressive and directly related experience in traffic signal system operations and maintenance is required.
A valid NC driver’s Class C required.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Manages the Traffic Management Center (TMC) which includes overseeing CCTV camera feeds on the TV monitors and the operation of traffic signals using Centracs software to ensure proper traffic flow throughout the Town.
Manages the servers that provide remote access to Variable Message Sign (VMS) boards, cameras, and the traffic signal system.
Designs and implements messages to be displayed on Von VMS boards throughout the Town.
Analyze traffic signal reports, detection failures, and ensure the data within the controller matches data in the Centracs database.
In the field, manually input timing plans in the signal controller/cabinet as needed and maintain accurate signal plans in the signal cabinet.
Review and analyze traffic patterns in the office and field in order to document raw data results and prepare or fine tune signal timing plans as necessary; make redline revisions to traffic signal plans as needed.
Coordinates, reviews, and implements traffic signal timing plan revisions from NCDOT, consultants, and or as directed by the supervisor or the Transportation Division Manager.
Coordinate with the signal supervisor or other signal technicians to diagnose the extent of necessary repairs of the traffic signal system, cameras, or VMS boards for referral to external contractors or in-house signal technicians.
Notify supervisor and signal supervisor about signal-related emergencies and adjustments of timing or manual signal commands.
Implements signal timing plans for special events, generates traffic signal report data to supervisor for quarterly maintenance invoice to NCDOT.
Creates or attend meetings with vital stakeholders about special events or other collaborative information; share camera views via Microsoft Teams on request.
As needed, be present in the TMC during special events (UNC football games, 4th of July, etc.) and adverse weather events (hurricane, snowstorm).
May be asked to retrieve traffic signal timing and other signal related data for legal timing requests.
Completes all other duties as assigned.