TRAFFIC ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN en City of Columbia, SC

About the Department

This position performs difficult technical and administrative work in the collection, compilation and analysis of traffic engineering data; maintains and monitors the daily operations of the traffic engineering database and other system data; and performs related duties as required. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

The work is considered light to medium in nature and involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis or routine keyboard operations and up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently. Also requires being able to drive a nail into asphalt pavement. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: crouching, fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Work environment involves exposure to no known environmental hazards; and is safe and secure that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.

Position Duties

• Monitors the daily operation of the City’s traffic signal system to ensure proper operations;
• Maintains the database for the signal system, which includes revising existing entries and adding new entries as intersections are brought on line in the system;
• Enters information regarding traffic accidents into database to aid in analyzing traffic control problems;
• Conducts traffic signal warrant analyses; conducts traffic studies using data collection instruments and produces related reports and recommendations;
• Reviews both commercial and residential requests for installation of new driveways and streets;
• Prepares complex signal plans, traffic control plans, parking plans, pavement marketing plans, and City neighborhood plans using computer-aided design and drafting software;
• Uses Geographic Information System (GIS) to locate and inventory City owned traffic signals, street lights, traffic cabinets, power points, traffic survey information, special signage and regulatory signage;
• Creates and edits maps using GIS to display current data and future projects;
• Creates working data sets for GPS equipment for City Staff;
• Analyzes data from GPS units and enters into GIS;
• Completes special projects as assigned;
• Maintains assigned vehicles and equipment;
• Prepares and maintains detailed work records and reports;
• Receives and responds to inquiries and requests for assistance regarding areas of responsibility; investigates and resolves public complaints;
• Performs general administrative / clerical work as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and correspondence, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, attending and conducting meetings, etc.;
• Attends meetings, workshops, conferences, etc., as appropriate to maintain knowledge of current trends and technology in assigned areas of responsibility;
• Works outside regular work schedule to include on call, holidays, nights, and weekends, as needed; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

MINUMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• Associate’s degree in GIS, science, engineering or closely related field;
• Two (2) years of relevant prior experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License;
• Availability to work on call, holidays, nights, and weekends, as needed.

Other Qualifications

• Knowledge of mathematics involving the practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions; or measurements, logarithmic or geometric construction; May use algebraic solutions of equations and inequalities; descriptive statistics; deductive geometry, plane and solid, and rectangular coordinates; mathematical classifications or schemes;
• Knowledge of personal computer equipment with skill in doing data entry and in the use of Microsoft Office 2000 preferred, utilizing Outlook, word processing, database, spreadsheet software programs, as well as skill in CADD / GIS software programs;
• Ability to gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information;
• Ability to provide information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants;
• Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring moderate instruction and experience, such as computer-aided design and drafting software; may repair power tools and light equipment and office machines;
• Ability to perform skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem-solving;
• Ability to read technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form;
• Ability to perform specialized technical or entry-level professional work requiring general understanding of operating policies and procedures and their application to problems not previously encountered; application of specialized technical or professional principles and practices or the use of a wide range of administrative methods in the solution of problems; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results and occasional exposure to unusual pressure; and
• Ability to guide others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.