Senior Traffic Operations Director

City of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Houston, Houston Public Works is seeking a Senior Assistant Director to lead Traffic Operations. You will provide executive leadership, strategic direction, and oversight of traffic signal operations, ITS, and related systems to ensure a safe, efficient transportation network.

Responsibilities include directing over 2,500 traffic signals and 1,400 school zone flashers, setting performance targets, planning modernization, and coordinating with TxDOT, METRO, and regional partners.

Qualifications

• More than ten years of related professional experience required.
• A 4-year degree and professional certification/licensing required.
• Valid driver's license and compliance with City driving policy.

Responsibilities

• Directs the efficient management of the Traffic Operations branch and provides executive leadership.
• Oversees traffic signal operations, ITS, street lighting, and related systems.
• Leads long‑term planning for modernization of control infrastructure and smart mobility.
• Sets performance metrics, standards, and service level targets for traffic systems.
• Collaborates with TxDOT, METRO, Harris County, and regional partners.
• Manages congestion mitigation, event planning, and emergency operations.

Skills

Traffic operations

ITS

Leadership

Strategic planning

Emergency management

Public outreach

Connected vehicles

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) certification

Job description

SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXE LEV) - TRAFFIC OPERATIONS | Career Pages page has loaded.

POSITION OVERVIEW

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

DIVISION: TRANSPORTATION & DRAINAGE OPERATIONS
REPORTING LOCATION:2200 PATTERSON*
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM*
*Subject to change

ABOUT HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKS
Houston Public Works (HPW) plays a vital role in ensuring a thriving and sustainable future for our city. We oversee the planning, operation, maintenance, construction management, and technical engineering of the City's public infrastructure, including our roadways, bridges, drainage systems, and parks. With a dedicated workforce of approximately 3,900 employees, we are constantly striving for excellence in delivering essential services to our community.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Under the direction of the Deputy Director of Transportation & Drainage Operations, the Senior Assistant Director will direct the efficient management of the Traffic Operations branch. This position provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the City of Houston’s traffic management, maintenance and operations systems. This role is responsible for planning, designing, operating, and maintaining a safe, efficient, and resilient transportation network that supports mobility, safety, economic vitality, and quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors. The Senior Assistant Director leads multidisciplinary teams responsible for traffic signal operations, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), traffic engineering, street lighting, pavement markings, signage, and special event management.

Example of duties:

• Directs the operation and maintenance of approximately 2,500 traffic signals and 1,400 school zone flashers, prioritizing public safety and efficient traffic flow
• Establishes performance metrics, operational standards, and service level targets for traffic systems
• Lead long-term planning for modernization of traffic control infrastructure, ITS expansion, and smart mobility initiatives
• Champions the adoption and integration of innovative transportation solutions, making strategic recommendations for their implementation to enhance Houston’s traffic systems
• Oversees traffic signal timing, re-timing programs, adaptive signal systems, and corridor optimization
• Develops and implements long-term transportation strategies to reduce congestion and improve infrastructure
• Develops and implements citywide traffic operations strategies aligned with Houston’s transportation, safety, and mobility goals
• Implements proactive congestion management, event traffic planning, and special operations for emergencies and major events
• Collaborates with TxDOT, METRO, Harris County, emergency responders, regional planning organizations, and partner agencies
• Supports public outreach, responds to community concerns, and communicates traffic impacts and improvements
• Champions the adoption of emerging technologies such as connected vehicles, AI-based analytics, adaptive control, and smart infrastructure
• Promotes workforce development, succession planning, and continuous professional training
• Provides executive leadership during emergency weather events

WORKING CONDITIONS
The position is physically comfortable, the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.

This is a Department of Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier I Level.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of an analytical, technical or professional discipline; or the basic knowledge of more than one professional discipline. Knowledge of the discipline would normally be obtained through a formal 4-year degree from a college or university and a professional certification/licensing is required.

Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
More than ten years of experience is required.

Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Valid driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston driving policy (A.P. 2-2).

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to candidates who possess:
• A Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field of study.
• An active Professional Engineer (PE) license and Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) certification.
• Demonstrates ability to manage traffic operations in high-growth, high-congestion urban environments with diverse multi modal needs.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly convey technical information to executive leadership, elected officials, and the public.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
Departmentmay administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION Yes
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE 34

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov .

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832-393-0453).

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832-393-0453). (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.