TRAFFIC ENGINEER

Code: 04184@ 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, directs and performs engineering and other work involved in the regulation, flow, and other phases of traffic; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Performs, supervises, formulates, and directs work relating to traffic regulation, design, planning, and control.
• Supervises the training of field and office staff, gives assignments and instructions, advises and assists them when difficult and unusual situations arise, and checks their work to see that they observe the established procedures, maintain reasonable standards, and achieve desired objectives.
• Studies traffic problems and makes recommendations to expedite traffic flow and control.
• Develops plans for police officers and others concerned with traffic flow and control.
• Directs the collection, recording, analysis, and interpretation of data relating to traffic accidents, investigation of their causes, and development of preventive measures.
• Supervises the planning and execution of traffic surveys and analysis and interpretation of the data.
• Determines the need for and use of traffic regulations, design and redesign of intersections and road section, traffic considerations in the planning of road improvements and new routes, and design and location of traffic control devices.
• Analyzes local traffic ordinances.
• Consults with and assists state and local government officers in traffic control, accident prevention, and highway matters.
• Serves as technical advisor in traffic matters.
• Represents the agency at local, state, and national traffic conferences and serves on the technical committees of organizations concerned with highway traffic, parking, and related problems.
• Supervises the establishment and maintenance of records and files.
• Plans alterations and modifications to existing streets, highways, and freeways to improve traffic flow.

Education

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

Experience

Four (4) years of experience in traffic engineering work, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.

License

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.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of current geometric design practices and the laws, rules, and regulations relating to traffic control and regulation.
• Knowledge of legal limitations as to traffic regulation and control placed on local governments by state law.
• Knowledge of the collection, compilation, recording, analysis, and interpretation of data relating to traffic accidents and condition of engineering, enforcement, and education problems involved in regulating and controlling traffic and making public highways as safe as possible.
• Knowledge of procedures and methods involved in planning, development, and adoption of a work program and working procedures.
• Knowledge of procedures and methods involved in training, assignment, and supervision of the field and office staff.
• Knowledge of problems encountered in establishing standards for installation and operation of traffic control devices.
• Knowledge of procedures and methods involved in determining need for specific devices at specific places.
• Knowledge of procedures and methods involved in recommending the design, installation, and operation of suitable devices.
• Knowledge of procedures and methods involved in analyzing traffic ordinances so as to recommend their approval or disapproval and in establishing and maintaining working relations with state and local government officers concerned with traffic matters.
• Knowledge of obstacles encountered in obtaining the observance and enforcement of traffic laws, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to analyze traffic laws, rules, and regulations and apply them to specific cases.
• Ability to direct the collection, recording, compilation, analysis, and interpretation of traffic data.
• Ability to take the lead in setting up standards as to the design, need, installation, and operation of traffic signs, signals, markings, and other traffic control devices.
• Ability to use good judgment in recommending the installation of such devices and the approval or disapproval of local traffic ordinances.
• Ability to formulate a work program and suitable work procedures, to direct training of field and office staff, give them suitable assignments and instructions, advise and assist them when difficult and unusual situations arise, and check their work to ensure observance of reasonable standards and achievement of desired objectives.
• Ability to supervise the purchase, allocation, storage, proper use, and maintenance of equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Ability to prepare and obtain the preparation of clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports.
• Ability to supervise the establishment and maintenance of needed records and files.
• 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 after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The definition and 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 an engineer's license issued by the New Jersey State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors may be substituted for the above education requirement.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Traffic Engineering may be substituted for one (1) year of nonsupervisory work experience.