PRINCIPAL ENGINEER TRAFFIC

Code: 02803@ Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction of a Supervising Engineer or other supervisory official, organizes, and takes the lead in, various traffic engineering studies, the design, installation, maintenance and construction of traffic control systems for the regulation and flow of traffic; in some jurisdictions, may supervise a staff conducting traffic engineering work; does other related work.

Examples of work

• Organizes, and takes the lead in, various traffic engineering studies, the design, installation, maintenance and construction of traffic control systems for the regulation and flow of traffic.
• Analyzes traffic data and patterns, operational condition of roadways, intersections or interchanges.
• Determines need for traffic control devices on highways.
• Confers with representatives from local and State government to discuss and resolve traffic problems.
• Participates in the planning of traffic operations.
• Investigates causes of highway accidents; interprets accident diagrams.
• Takes the lead in the gathering of data and conduct of data analysis for traffic engineering surveys.
• Conducts and oversees the conduct of field investigations for traffic control programs and activities.
• Make recommendations for the location of proposed traffic control devices; designs traffic control installations and traffic flow systems.
• Identifies potential safety problems in road or highway construction plans.
• Conducts traffic signal and highway lighting tests or surveys; records test data.
• Monitors and inspects construction projects.
• Designs charts, graphs, and maps from raw data.
• Plans, organizes and prioritizes engineering projects.
• Provides guidance and instruction to engineering staff.
• May supervise the work operations and/or functional programs and have responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees.
• May prepare annual budget requests.
• Prepares clear, sound, accurate and informative reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Reviews and prepares specifications for materials, supplies or equipment.
• Establishes and maintains records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and manual recording and/or information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering.

Experience

Three (3) years of experience in traffic engineering work which shall have included the collection, analysis and interpretation of data for highway design and/or traffic operations.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the principles of engineering and the procedures involved in planning and designing engineering projects.
• Knowledge of the theories, principles and techniques of traffic engineering.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used to investigate and resolve traffic problems.
• Knowledge of the factors to be considered in preparing traffic regulations.
• Knowledge of the factors used for the classification of traffic volumes.
• Knowledge of the techniques used to conduct tests of traffic control equipment.
• Knowledge of the techniques used to collect, compile, record, interpret and analyze data.
• Knowledge of engineering mathematics, including trigonometry and calculus.
• Ability to take the lead and give assignments and guidance to subordinate employees.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply the laws, rules and regulations relating to traffic control.
• Ability to compile, record, interpret and analyze traffic data.
• Ability to conduct research, investigations and surveys for traffic control programs and related traffic activities.
• Ability to draw appropriate conclusions from the analysis of data and facts.
• Ability to design charts, graphs and maps from raw data.
• Ability to provide guidance and instruction to staff.
• Ability to determine the appropriate use of traffic control devices, and to design traffic flow systems.
• Ability to review and prepare specifications.
• Ability to identify safety problems in road or highway construction plans.
• Ability to supervise the work operations and/or functional programs and effectively recommend the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees may be required.
• Ability to maintain essential records and files.
• Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate and informative reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Possession of a valid license as a Professional Engineer issued by the NJ State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree in Engineering.

Possession of a Master's degree in Engineering may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

Appointees may be required to possess a valid Professional Engineering (PE) license issued by the NJ State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, particularly for positions assuming 'responsible charge' over staff as defined by NJAC 13:40-1.3

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.