TRAFFIC SIGNAL SPECIALIST

Town-of-Chapel-Hill,-N; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Chapel Hill is seeking an experienced Traffic Engineer to manage the Traffic Management Center, analyze patterns, and implement signal timing adjustments in the field and office.

You'll work with Centracs/Centracs, CCTV feeds, and timing plans, coordinating with NCDOT and consultants while supporting special events and adverse weather operations.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in civil/electrical engineering or related field.
• Minimum 3 years in traffic signal system operations.
• Knowledge of MUTCD and local standards.
• Strong data analysis and reporting abilities.
• Ability to operate Centracs and signal controllers.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Traffic Management Center (TMC) and CCTV feeds for traffic flow.
• Input and update signal timing plans in the controller cabinet.
• Analyze data and adjust timing plans; document results.
• Coordinate timing plan revisions with NCDOT and consultants.
• Support special events and adverse weather signal operations.

Skills

Traffic engineering knowledge

CCTV operation

Data analysis

Signal timing

Communications

Education

Associates degree in Civil/Electrical Engineering or related field

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

ARCGIS

Microsoft Office

Centras/Centracs

Synchro/TruTraffic

Job description

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described here. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned that are not specifically spelled out in this job description, but which may be reasonably considered to require similar knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Summary of Position:

The position performs fundamental engineering duties in applying traffic engineering regulations, principles, and standards which includes operating the computerized traffic signal system to analyze traffic patterns, troubleshoot signal malfunctions, and implement signal timing adjustments. The position will report to the Traffic Management Center (TMC) during peak hours (Monday-Friday, 9AM-6PM) and during adverse weather events and special events. The position reports to the Assistant Transportation Engineer.

What you can expect to be doing (Essential Functions):

• Manages the Traffic Management Center (TMC) which includes overseeing CCTV camera feeds on the TV monitors and the operation of traffic signals using Centracs software to ensure proper traffic flow throughout the Town.
• Manages the servers that provide remote access to Variable Message Sign (VMS) boards, cameras, and the traffic signal system.

• Designs and implements messages to be displayed onVon VMS boards throughout the Town.

• Analyze traffic signal reports, detection failures, and ensure the data within the controller matches data in the Centracs database.
• In the field, manually input timing plans in the signal controller/cabinet as needed and maintain accurate signal plans in the signal cabinet.
• Review and analyze traffic patterns in the office and field in order to document raw data results and prepare or fine tune signal timing plans as necessary; make redline revisions to traffic signal plans as needed.
• Coordinates, reviews, and implements traffic signal timing plan revisions from NCDOT, consultants, and or as directed by the supervisor or the Transportation Division Manager.

• Coordinate with the signal supervisor or other signal technicians to diagnose the extent of necessary repairs of the traffic signal system, cameras, or VMS boards for referral to external contractors or in-house signal technicians.
• Notify supervisor and signal supervisor about signal-related emergencies and adjustments of timing or manual signal commands.
• Implements signal timing plans for special events, generates traffic signal report data to supervisor for quarterly maintenance invoice to NCDOT.

• Creates or attend meetings with vital stakeholders about special events or other collaborative information; share camera views via Microsoft Teams on request.
• As needed, be present in the TMC during special events (UNC football games, 4th of July, etc.) and adverse weather events (hurricane, snowstorm).
• May be asked to retrieve traffic signal timing and other signal related data for legal timing requests.
• Completes all other duties as assigned.

Do you supervise or not?

This position has no responsibility for the direction or supervision of others.

What are the physical demands?

The work is typically performed while standing or stooping. The employee uses equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity and strength.

Where and how do you work?

The work is typically performed in the office and some field environments, including high traffic volumes.

What do you need to know to do this job effectively?

Knowledge of:

• Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), Town policies and ordinances, NCDOT standards pertaining to traffic signals and signage. Principles and practices of Civil, Transportation, Electrical or Electronic Engineering as applied to traffic control, signal timing, and signal design.
• Various computer software such as AutoCAD, ARCGIS, Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, or similar tools.
• Signal system operating software such as Centras or similar software; and minimum knowledge of traffic signal cabinets and traffic signal controllers.
• Traffic modeling/Signal Timing Software (Synchro, Sim-traffic, TruTraffic, etc.).
• Traffic control, computer systems, and basic research and analysis techniques.
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations governing traffic engineering projects.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing with other Town employees, contractors, and the public
• Read and interpret signal plans and maps, and compile and analyse traffic data.
• Apply mathematical concepts including fractions, percentages, and ratios to traffic situations and job tasks.
• Prepare written reports, letters, and summaries with correct grammar and formatting.
• Model behaviours that are consistent with our values of RESPECT.

What is education and/or experience do you need to be considered for this job?

An associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer programming, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties, a bachelor's degree preferred.

Education

Experience

A minimum of three years of progressive and directly related experience in traffic signal system operations and maintenance is required.

What are the safety considerations for this job?

• This position is designated safety sensitive and driving- essential.
• You will be subject to the Drug and Alcohol-free Workplace policy.
• You will be subject to the Safe Driving and Accident Policy.

Here is other information you should know about the position:

• A valid NC driver's Class C required.
• This position is designated safety sensitive.
• This position is driving essential and must conform to the Town's Safe Driving and Accident policy.
• This position is designated as non-exempt and subject to FLSA overtime rules.

The Town of Chapel Hill has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

The Town of Chapel Hill does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.