TRAFFIC INVESTIGATOR
Traffic Investigator is a competitive local-government title, the kind you test for: the exam result, not a hiring manager's pick, decides where you land in line.
What it takes is 1 year of relevant experience. State payroll lists a single employee in the title, at Transportation.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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Agency posting
Department of Transportation posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 1 person working under this title. The median actual salary is $52,507. The agencies employing the most are:
- Transportation (1)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
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.
Definition
Under direction, conducts and makes reports concerning investigations of appealed traffic summons and citizen's complaints concerning traffic conditions; makes surveys of traffic control; does other related work.
Examples of work
- Under direction, conducts surveys and makes recommendations concerning the establishing of loading zones, bus stops and taxi stands.
- Makes investigations of appealed traffic summons and testifies in court pertaining to findings.
- Investigates and testifies on all breaking and entering of city property.
- Investigates complaints from citizens pertaining to traffic conditions and hazards.
- Submits reports on all findings and gives recommendations.
- Maintains records and files.
- Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, or related units.
Experience
One (1) year of experience in field investigations which shall have included gathering of significant personal data and compiling of data into meaningful reports.
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 the proper procedures involved in investigating.
- Knowledge of established rules and regulations pertinent to traffic investigations.
- Ability to comprehend established rules and regulations.
- Ability to interview persons of varying backgrounds
- Ability to use tact and courtesy in making investigations.
- Ability to observe significant conditions.
- Ability to prepare reports
- Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information system used by the agency, office, or related units.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiency 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 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.