Traffic Engineering

Class code: 003685
Bargaining unit(s): 202
Classification title: Transportation Generalist
Function: Traffic Engineering (without CADD)
Kind of work: Basic level technical and/or skilled maintenance work

Nature & purpose

Under general supervision an employee in this class assists in performing basic and/or skilled construction, operations and maintenance work; assists in the preparation of traffic construction plans; collects data for traffic engineering studies; and performs other traffic engineering activities to ensure requirements of the work unit are met; performs related work as required.

This level is different from the Transportation Associate level in that it requires less direct supervision. At the Transportation Generalist level, daily work and projects are assigned by the supervisor and/or lead worker. Work/projects are completed with a higher level of discretion than at the lower level. An employee modifies simple established procedures to improve work processes.

An employee resolves semi-routine yet similar problems using defined approaches learned through work. An employee at this level is responsible for completing daily work assignments and may identify service needs not currently being met by either taking care of it or bringing it to the attention of the supervisor/lead worker. Some employees may provide work direction to others as part of a specific assignment.

Examples of work

A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.

Performs maintenance checks to ensure the signal functions correctly.
Monitors traffic flow and performs operations checks to ensure proper, safe and efficient signal operation.
Assists in the development of traffic signal timing for proper traffic flow according to MnDOT standards.
Collects data and performs field work with assistance.
Assists with traffic engineering plans to conform to TEM, MN MUTCD, traffic design manuals, and project schedule.
Assists in the preparation of various traffic engineering studies (speed zones, traffic counts, no passing zone surveys, etc.) and/or study reports.
Provides technical assistance, with input from higher level employees, to construction inspectors and contractors in the field.
Gathers crash information and creates simple reports using Transportation Information System (TIS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.
Assists with plat/permit reviews to determine the highway/traffic impact of proposed developments.
Prepares basic traffic work orders for traffic modifications performed by maintenance.
Identifies and marks utility locations to ensure no MnDOT utilities are damaged.
Assists in implementing traffic control plans in the field.
Conducts and assists with repairs, revisions, maintenance and installation of traffic hardware (e.g., traffic signals, roadway lighting, other electrical devices) while working at heights up to 70’ above ground.
Performs field review of operational conditions of electrical systems to assure optimal system performance is occurring.
Identifies Requester Pay signs to be evaluated for replacement or removal.
Operate and maintain all vehicles, tools, equipment and communications devices so that optimal performance and condition of those assets is assured, that all record logs are maintained and monitored, and all repairs are promptly requested and scheduled.

Knowledge, skills and abilities required to be proficient at the job

Knowledge of:

Maintenance and operation of traffic signals sufficient to ensure efficient signal operation.
Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Traffic Engineering Manual and other MnDOT guidelines and standards as they apply to traffic control sufficient to assist higher level employees in completion of traffic engineering tasks.
Transportation Information System (TIS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software sufficient to run basic reports and prepare diagrams.
Basic road design principles sufficient to assist in the completion of construction plans.
Plan assembly sufficient to create traffic construction plans.
OSHA policies and procedures sufficient to perform required duties safely and efficiently.
Working knowledge of English sufficient to read, write, speak and understand oral and written information; communicate with employees and the general public in-person or via two-way radio and other electronic devices; and to maintain routine written logs and simple records.

Skill in:

Operation of electronic tools and testing devices sufficient to perform equipment inspection and maintenance and/or to perform standard highway engineering field tasks.
Operation of a variety of maintenance equipment.

Ability to:

Equipment

Handle materials as demonstrated by picking up and delivering controllers.
Perform routine, scheduled preventive maintenance as demonstrated by carrying out maintenance checks to ensure traffic signals function correctly.

Information Technology

Enter data as demonstrated by entry of time into timesheet and information into database programs.
Create and edit data files as demonstrated by obtaining information using specialized software and creating basic diagrams, memos or letters, and spreadsheets.

Interpersonal

Work cooperatively with peers as demonstrated by understanding and carrying out verbal instructions and directions within a work group.
Interact with MnDOT customers, stakeholders and co-workers sufficient to respond to questions/complaints regarding Traffic Engineering activities and communicate respectfully.

Leadership

Take responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work as demonstrated by completing assigned tasks, reporting work progress, and demonstrating behavior consistent with department direction.

Math

Add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers and divide all units of measure, including fractions, decimals and percentages.
Do pre-algebra problems; perform operations with monomials.
Calculate ratios and proportions.
Do basic geometry such as calculate areas and volumes.
Know the properties of uniform shapes such as planes and solid figures sufficient to complete work tasks.

Oral Communication

Articulate job-related questions and comprehend answers in order to fully understand work assignments and respond to customer inquiries.
Communicate in a team setting sufficient to work effectively with other employees.

Problem Solving

Follow verbal instructions and work under the direction of others sufficient to complete work assignments.
Work independently and solve routine technical, process or people-related problems as necessary to complete work tasks.

Reading

Comprehend notes, letters, memos, electronic mail, white papers, proposals, departmental forms, instruction manuals, construction plans, MnDOT manuals and spec books sufficient to facilitate effective job performance and understand plans and technical drawings.

Written Communication

Generate notes, letters, memos, and departmental forms sufficient to disseminate comprehensible and accurate information to supervisors, employees and MnDOT clientele.

Licenses, Certifications:

Some positions may require a driver’s license, as well as endorsements, specific to position demands and/or equipment required to perform the job within the work area posted.

Technical certifications may be required specific to position demands and will be documented on the posting as to the justification of why specific certification are necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

Includes years of experience, education, training, certifications, licenses required at time of application to be considered eligible for position. The level of experience to perform this job at the Transportation Generalist level can be achieved with:

Six months of experience performing Traffic Engineering activities (as listed in the examples of work) or related activities, AND six months of experience in any of the following areas: road or bridge maintenance, construction, design, materials/soils, permits, signs, surveys, traffic engineering;

A Two year Civil or Construction Technology Degree or equivalent may substitute for one year of experience. Degree equivalencies include the following four year degrees: Architectural, Civil or Mechanical Engineering; Land Surveying / Geomatics. (In order for education coursework to be considered in lieu of work experience you must submit a copy of your transcripts).
Working knowledge of English sufficient to read, write, speak and understand oral and written information; communicate with employees and the general public in-person or via two-way radio and other electronic devices; and to maintain routine written logs and simple records.

Physical capabilities and environmental work conditions:

Requires occasional lifting of heavy articles such as 50-pound bags of sand and frequently lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy tools and file boxes. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

Weather elements:

May require frequent exposure to weather elements (both cold and hot) on a daily basis.

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