Traffic Studies Engineer, PE - Roads and Drainage

Polk County BoCC; Winter Haven (FL); On-site; USD 82,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

FRS Retirement

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Educational Incentives

Deferred Compensation Plan

Wellness Incentives

EAP

Free Employee Gym

Free Employee Health Clinic

Job summary

Polk County Board of County Commissioners in Winter Haven, FL seeks a Traffic Studies Engineer, PE to lead traffic signal timing and signal operations for the Roads and Drainage Division. You will work to optimize traffic flow, address public concerns, and ensure safe, efficient intersections.

Ideal candidates hold a Civil Engineering degree, 5+ years in civil engineering with 3+ years in traffic, a valid PE, and licensure eligibility in Florida within six months.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Civil Engineering and 5+ years civil engineering experience, including 3+ years in traffic engineering.
• Must be a registered Professional Engineer and able to obtain Florida PE within six months of employment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine signal timing plans for intersections and coordinated systems to reduce delays.
• Collaborate with Traffic Network Analyst to modify controller databases and perform upgrades.
• Use traffic modeling tools (e.g., Synchro) to simulate and optimize timing.
• Prepare reports documenting roadway conditions and recommendations for safety improvements.

Skills

Traffic Engineering

Signal Timing

Data Analysis

Leadership/Decision Making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

Synchro

AutoCAD

GIS/ArcView

MS Office

Job description

Job Description

TRAFFIC STUDIES ENGINEER, PE - ROADS AND DRAINAGE DIVISION

SALARY RANGE

PG 25, $3,152.00 - $3,467.20 Biweekly, $81,952.00 - $90,147.20 Annually, Exempt

WORK LOCATION AND SCHEDULE

3000 Sheffield Rd, Winter Haven, 33880. Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM (options for flexible hours available).

Employee Benefits

• Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• FRS Retirement
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Education Incentives
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Wellness Incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free Employee Gym
• Free Employee Health Clinic

Responsibilities

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:

MAJOR FUNCTION

The purpose of this position is to lead the implementation and refinement of traffic signal timing plans that enhance the performance and safety of signal systems managed by Polk County. This role ensures the efficient operation of traffic systems by addressing public concerns and optimizing traffic flow. In the absence of the Traffic Manager, the position provides leadership within the Traffic Section to maintain continuity of operations.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Traffic Signal Operations

• Develop and refine signal timing plans for individual intersections and coordinated systems to minimize delays and improve efficiency.
• Work with the Traffic Network Analyst to perform modifications and upgrades to traffic signal controller databases using system software and traffic modeling tools.
• Utilize traffic modeling software (e.g., Synchro) to simulate and optimize signal timing.
• Maintain computerized databases of traffic signal timings and related information.

Customer and Public Engagement

• Respond to complaints regarding traffic hazards and delays and develop corrective measures.
• Assist the Traffic Manager by fielding customer service requests related to traffic safety, traffic signals, and lighting.
• Confer with citizens, businesses, and public officials to resolve complaints and observed traffic-related problems.

Engineering Oversight

• Sign and seal engineering documents as required.
• Provide review comments on plan submittals generated by consultant engineers, FDOT, and other entities.
• Prepare reports documenting roadway conditions and provide engineering recommendations for improvements to enhance safety and efficiency.
• Act on engineering and administrative matters relating to the Traffic Engineering Program in the absence of the Traffic Manager.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Determine the requirements for and direct the collection of statistical and physical data for minor traffic studies, including vehicular traffic data, roadway capacity, and projected traffic volumes.
• Analyze traffic data, including volume, speed, delay, and crash data to identify areas for improvement.

Street Lighting Program

• Lead and oversee the street lighting program for the county.

Other Duties

• Perform related duties as required.

Knowledge, Abilities And Skills

Traffic Engineering Knowledge

• Applies knowledge of traffic flow, signal timing theory, and traffic management techniques.
• Applies principles and techniques of traffic engineering, including Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) and Traffic Management Center (TMC) operations.
• Demonstrates familiarity with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and other relevant guidelines.
• Utilizes traffic engineering standards and references such as the HCM, FDOT Green Book, AASHTO, ITE publications, and Florida Statutes Section 316.

Technical Proficiency

• Demonstrates proficiency in traffic modeling software and tools such as Synchro, 2000 HCM, TRANSYT-7F.
• Operates software such as AutoCAD (ACAD) and GIS/ArcView (desirable).
• Utilizes Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Learns and adapts to new software and technologies as needed.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

• Performs diagnostics and resolves traffic signal issues to optimize system performance.
• Analyzes traffic data such as volume, speed, delay, and crash data to identify improvements.
• Plans and implements effective traffic engineering recommendations.
• Prepares technical reports, cost estimates, construction plans, and engineering records.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Communicates technical and non-technical information clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Presents findings in public forums and to stakeholders.
• Maintains effective working relationships with employees, officials, and the public.

Leadership and Decision-Making

• Exercises sound judgment in administrative and personnel matters.
• Makes independent decisions in a variety of operational contexts.
• Plans, assigns, and directs the work of others effectively.

Physical and Cognitive Abilities

• Performs essential physical tasks including bending, stooping, sitting, standing, walking independently, and driving.
• Speaks clearly and can be understood in technical discussions and public settings.
• Writes clearly and creatively when preparing reports and documentation.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college or university with major course work in Civil Engineering and have a minimum of five (5) years civil engineering experience including three (3) years in traffic engineering.

Must be a registered Professional Engineer and be able to obtain registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Florida within six (6) months from the date of employment within this classification.

Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license at the time of employment within this classification.

A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications with the exception of the required degree and professional registration requirements.

SPECIAL PREFERENCE

Supervisory Experience Preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.