Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

Under direction of the City Engineer to perform traffic studies, develop/maintain traffic signal timing, develop/review temporary traffic control plans, issue permits, update/maintain databases, prepare/present reports, reply to public inquires, perform traffic engineering tasks in both the office and field environments, and support engineering personnel in achieving organizational goals.

This classification is assigned to the Turlock City Employees Association Bargaining Unit for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime, standby and call back assignments.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General supervision is provided by the City Engineer. Technical or functional direction/assistance may be received from a variety of para-professional or professional personnel. Responsibilities may include functional supervision of subordinate paraprofessional positions.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in this class perform highly complex research, traffic studies, field reviews and general traffic engineering work, respond to inquiries from the public, draft/review temporary traffic control plans, review/process transportation related permits, develop/maintain traffic signal timing plans, prepare reports and provide presentations. Work involves the application of precise para-professional traffic engineering knowledge and techniques, as well as the ability to provide technical supervision and oversight to subordinate paraprofessional positions. It is ordinarily performed under the general supervision of the City Engineer who makes general assignments and inspects work to ensure that it is conducted according to instructions and in conformity with accepted traffic engineering standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: - Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Complete highly complex work competently and with minimal oversight;
• Provide leadership, supervision and/or functional oversight over subordinate paraprofessional positions;
• Manage highly complex traffic engineering related projects and procurements;
• Conduct/coordinate the collection of traffic data in the public right of way;
• Perform complex traffic engineering research, studies and field reviews;
• Conduct traffic engineering office and field studies to evaluate the speed, movement, parking and collision history of vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians within the roadway;
• Review and research of traffic engineering standards, policies, regulations, both for general competency and the resolution of specific issues;
• Develop and/or review highly complex temporary traffic control plans, both for City projects and development related projects, to ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations;
• Review, processing and issuance of transportation related permits;
• Issue work orders to City staff in other departments for the completion of field work relative to signs, markings and traffic signal systems;
• Assist in the development of traffic signal timing plans and the programming of signal timing within traffic signal cabinets;
• Monitor, input data, initiate queries and run advanced reports using the City’s electronic Pavement Management Program system;
• Preparation of periodic/annual reporting to regional, state and federal agencies;
• Support development and implementation of capital improvement projects affecting the City’s transportation network;
• Coordinate with other City departments, committees and commissions on the completion of studies, assignments and projects, as required;
• Use of a computer for research, communication, scheduling, and reporting;
• Assist in the preparation and submission of grant applications for improvements to the transportation network;
• Regularly evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the City’s policies and practices relative to providing traffic engineering-related permits and services to the public and provide recommendations for improvements;
• Prepare and present detailed reports, studies and/or presentations to City staff, community stakeholders and/or the City Council;
• Assist with the deployment of transit assets and services, as required;
• Assist division/department staff in the completion of special tasks and projects, including transit, surveying, project management, construction inspection and Geographic Information Systems (GIS);
• Perform related duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Modern office methods and practices
• Leadership skills, strategies and tools to provide functional oversight and supervision of teams and/or paraprofessional subordinates
• Traffic safety principles for performing work within the public right of way
• Standard signs and markings and their application within the public right of way
• Detailed understanding of the City’s transportation system, to include core elements, classifications of streets, and various pavement treatments
• Advanced traffic engineering principles, standards and strategies as outlined in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD), the California Vehicle Code (CVC), the Turlock Municipal Code and other references affecting the transportation network
• Plans affecting transportation elements as provided in the regional and local planning documents, including the City’s General Plan and Active Transportation Plan
• Transportation related grant program guidelines and processes
• City procurement policies, procedures and processes

Ability to:

• Understand and follow directions, instructions, City policies and standards
• Demonstrate computer skills relevant to the position
• Use and maintain data collection instruments and tools
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work
• Manage highly complex traffic engineering related projects and procurements
• Perform work independently and with minimal supervision
• Proficiently use traffic engineering related databases, programs and software
• Demonstrate organizational and time management skills through the completion of tasks and assignments
• Prepare and present complex reports and/or presentations to senior management, community stakeholders and/or the City Council
• Serve as a City representative at local or regional meetings related to traffic engineering and/or transportation, as assigned, and provide appropriate input and feedback from those meetings
• Prepare grant applications for competitive state and/or federal funding
• Assist division co-workers with special projects and assignments, when needed

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Experience:

Two years of experience as a traffic technician in a position comparable to a Traffic Technician II with the City of Turlock.

Education:

Equivalent to completion of an Associate of Science Degree from an accredited college or vocational/technical institution in general studies, public administration or an engineering related field.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE

License:

Possession of an appropriate, valid California Driver's License at the time of appointment, to be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Maintain the following physical abilities: See well enough to drive a vehicle and to make visual inspections; hear well enough to converse on the telephone and in person; be able to communicate clearly without amplification; bodily mobility to move rapidly from one area to another, sometimes over rough terrain; sometimes bending over and lifting up objects.