Minnesota Department of Transportation

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Traffic Engineering

Class code: 003676
Bargaining unit(s): 207
Classification title: Transportation Generalist Senior
Function: Traffic Engineering without CADD
Kind of work: Intermediate level technical, skilled work and/or lead worker

Nature & purpose

Under general supervision an employee in this class performs moderately difficult construction, operations and maintenance traffic engineering work: prepares traffic control, signing, pavement marking, signal, lighting plan sets; gathers data and prepares special studies; performs operation and maintenance checks for traffic signals, lighting and Intelligent Transportation Systems; and performs related work as required.

This level is different from the Transportation Generalist in that at the Transportation Generalist Senior level, an employee initiates and/or prioritizes work activities, completes a variety of work assignments, and chooses the methods in which to complete work using acquired knowledge of the function. 

An employee resolves semi-routine yet uncommon problems by searching for solutions learned from experience.  An employee is responsible for completing multiple projects and/or work activities with competing deadlines and may set some priorities in the completion of work.  Some employees at this level may perform as lead worker having considerable freedom to organize human, equipment, material and other resources as well as prioritize, schedule, assign, direct, guide and report on the work activities of other state employees.

Examples of work

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

  • Prepares traffic engineering plans (signing, striping, temporary traffic control, signal, lighting, and Intelligent Transportation construction plans) and specifications to conform to Traffic Engineering Manual, MN MUTCD, traffic design manuals and project schedule.
  • Provides technical assistance to construction inspectors in the field to verify construction conforms to MnDOT traffic specifications/ plans and keeps engineer informed as necessary.
  • Creates, updates, and archives as-built plans.
  • Develops and implements basic traffic signal timing parameters in accordance with MnDOT standards.
  • Identifies locations for new locations or revisions to existing locations of Requester Pay Signs so it conforms to the Traffic Engineering Manual and MN MUTCD standards.
  • Performs field review of operational conditions of the electrical systems to assure that optimal system performance is occurring, and all new and existing maintenance and repair needs are noted and documented in the TAMS database.
  • Reviews construction plans for accuracy and provides comments to other functional areas.
  • Gathers data such as sight distance, safety, no passing, infrastructure inventory, Before/After, crash, etc. to complete special studies.
  • Analyzes the traffic data for reporting, planning, and study purposes.
  • Updates and maintains crash information/databases and creates detailed crash studies using Linear Reference System (LRS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.
  • Responds, orally or in writing, to customer inquiries/request by translating technical information into responses easily understood by the general public.
  • Completes basic plat/permit reviews and assists in the completion of more complex plat/permit reviews.
  • Prepares signal, signing and pavement marking work orders for traffic modifications performed by maintenance within set deadlines.
  • Identifies locations for new or revisions to existing locations of Requester Pay Signs conforms to the Traffic Engineering Manual and MN MUTCD standards.
  • Assists in implementing traffic control plans in the field.
  • Perform field review of operational conditions of the electrical systems to assure that optimal system performance is occurring and that all new and existing maintenance and repair needs are noted and documented in the TAMS database.
  • Conduct field reviews to assure lighting, signing and striping (permanent and temporary) are implemented according to work orders, project objectives and/or MnDOT specifications.
  • 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 with the design of traffic construction plans.
  • Linear Referencing System (LRS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software sufficient to run detailed reports and prepare diagrams.
  • Construction plans and field inspections practices sufficient to discern differences between design plans and actual field conditions.
  • Plan assembly sufficient to create traffic construction plans.
  • Data collection techniques and analysis sufficient to gather, interpret and prepare reports.
  • 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.
  • Lead crews as demonstrated by functioning as a lead worker.
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.
  • Do algebra and elementary statistical calculations, use polynomials, perform descriptive statistical computations and analysis sufficient to perform basic engineering calculations.
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 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.
Technical
  • Interpret traffic information to determine traffic flow and patterns.

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 TGS level can be achieved with:

  • Two years of experience performing Traffic Engineering activities;

OR

  • One year of experience performing Traffic Engineering activities AND a combination of one year of experience in any of the following areas:  road maintenance, road construction, design, surveying, materials/soils, right of way, sign repair/installation and/or permits;
  • 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.

EST:

Rev:

  • 2-15-12 Deleted degree
  • 3-15-13 Updated Nature & Purpose, Examples of Work & Min Quals

T.C.:

Former Titles:

  • N/A