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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Transportation Technician

💰 $45,000 - $85,000

EngineeringTransportationPublic WorksSkilled Trades

🎯 Role Definition

As the backbone of our transportation infrastructure projects, the Transportation Technician is a hands-on problem-solver who bridges the gap between engineering theory and real-world application. This role is instrumental in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of our roadways, traffic systems, and public transit networks. You'll be out in the field collecting critical data, in the office drafting plans, and collaborating with engineers and planners to bring transportation projects to life. A successful technician thrives on variety, technical challenges, and making a tangible impact on the community's daily commute.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Civil Engineering Technology Associate's Degree Graduate
  • Field Data Collector or Surveyor's Assistant
  • Public Works Maintenance Worker

Advancement To:

  • Senior Transportation Technician or Lead Technician
  • Transportation Planner or Analyst
  • Civil Engineer (with further education and licensure)

Lateral Moves:

  • GIS Technician or Analyst
  • Public Works Inspector
  • Civil CADD Designer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conducts comprehensive traffic studies, including manual and automated traffic volume counts, vehicle classification, speed studies, and intersection turning movement counts to gather baseline data for analysis.
  • Installs, maintains, and troubleshoots a variety of traffic data collection equipment, such as pneumatic road tubes, video cameras, and portable traffic analyzers, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
  • Operates and maintains Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) devices, including traffic signal controllers, dynamic message signs (DMS), and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, performing diagnostics and field repairs.
  • Prepares detailed and accurate traffic engineering plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) for traffic signals, signing, and pavement markings using CADD software like AutoCAD or MicroStation.
  • Assists transportation engineers in the design and analysis of traffic management plans, roadway geometry, intersection improvements, and traffic signal timing.
  • Performs field investigations and site inspections to assess traffic conditions, review signage and pavement marking visibility, and identify potential safety hazards or operational deficiencies.
  • Responds to and investigates citizen inquiries and complaints regarding traffic safety concerns, such as speeding, parking issues, or requests for new traffic control devices.
  • Collects and analyzes crash data from various sources to identify high-incident locations and contributing factors, supporting the development of safety countermeasures.
  • Prepares technical reports, memos, charts, and exhibits to clearly communicate findings from traffic studies and field investigations to engineers, planners, and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, like ArcGIS, to map transportation assets, analyze spatial data, and create visual aids for reports and public meetings.
  • Reviews construction plans and traffic control plans submitted by private developers or contractors to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal standards (e.g., MUTCD).
  • Performs routine inspections and preventative maintenance on traffic signal hardware, including cabinets, signal heads, detectors, and pedestrian push-buttons.
  • Assists with the layout and staking of traffic control devices, pavement markings, and other transportation-related infrastructure in the field prior to installation.
  • Maintains meticulous records of field activities, equipment inventory, maintenance logs, and data collected, ensuring a clear and auditable trail of work performed.
  • Develops and updates signal timing plans using traffic modeling software such as Synchro/SimTraffic to optimize traffic flow and reduce delays along corridors.
  • Manages and organizes large datasets related to traffic volumes, speeds, and system performance, preparing them for analysis by engineering staff.
  • Coordinates with utility companies, contractors, and other government agencies during the planning and construction phases of transportation projects to avoid conflicts.
  • Operates specialized vehicles, such as bucket trucks or service vans, to access and service elevated traffic control equipment safely and efficiently.
  • Conducts sight distance analysis at intersections and driveways to ensure adequate visibility for drivers according to established engineering standards.
  • Provides technical support during the implementation of new transportation technologies, including connected vehicle systems and adaptive signal control.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis for special projects or research initiatives.
  • Contribute to the organization's asset management strategy by updating databases with the condition and status of transportation infrastructure.
  • Collaborate with public outreach teams to prepare materials and answer technical questions at community meetings.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies if working within a technology-focused transportation management team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • CADD Proficiency: Strong skills in computer-aided design and drafting using AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and/or MicroStation for creating transportation plans.
  • Traffic Analysis Software: Experience with traffic engineering software such as Synchro, SimTraffic, HCS (Highway Capacity Software), or Vissim.
  • GIS Software: Competency in using GIS platforms like Esri ArcGIS for mapping, spatial analysis, and data management.
  • MUTCD Knowledge: Thorough understanding of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and other relevant state and local transportation standards.
  • Data Collection Equipment: Hands-on ability to operate and troubleshoot traffic counters, GPS units, and other field data collection hardware.
  • Technical Documentation: Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate technical reports, field notes, and project documentation.
  • Traffic Signal Systems: Familiarity with the components, operation, and maintenance of modern traffic signal controllers and cabinets (e.g., NEMA, Caltrans standards).

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to data collection, plan preparation, and record-keeping to ensure accuracy and quality.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to diagnose issues in the field and office, from faulty equipment to conflicting design elements.
  • Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities to effectively interact with engineers, field crews, contractors, and the general public.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work cooperatively within a diverse team of professionals to achieve project goals.
  • Time Management: Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment, balancing office duties with field assignments.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED, supplemented by significant, directly related work experience.
  • OR an Associate's Degree in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Civil Engineering Technology
  • Drafting and Design Technology
  • Geography / GIS
  • Urban Planning

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-7 years of progressively responsible experience in traffic engineering support, transportation planning, or a related field.

Preferred: Certification such as IMSA (International Municipal Signal Association) Traffic Signal Technician Level I or II is highly desirable.

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