Minnesota Department of Transportation

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Traffic Engineering

Class code: 003677
Bargaining unit(s): 207
Classification title: Transportation Specialist
Function: Traffic Engineering (with CADD)
Kind of work: Senior level technical and/or specialized work

Nature & purpose

Under limited supervision an employee in this class performs difficult technical work preparing and inspecting traffic signing, striping, temporary traffic control, signal, lighting and Intelligent Traffic Systems plans; serves as the technical expert on traffic operations, studies and/or plans; provides expert technical assistance during the construction of traffic systems; assists in the training of staff members; and performs related work as required.

This position is different from the Transportation Generalist Senior in that at the Transportation Specialist level, employees plan and organize work based on deadlines, procedures and standards.  An employee determines what shall be done and how it will be done and continually improves work processes.  At this level, an employee provides technical expertise and information, in a specialized field, to others.

An employee resolves most problems using theoretical principles and concepts of a specialized field as well as knowledge of and impact on the department’s programs.  The employee is considered the technical expert in a specialized area and provides technical support and expertise to others.  A Transportation Specialist is responsible for completing or leading multiple complex projects and/or work activities and has a substantial degree of authority in planning, organizing and completing 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.

  • Oversees, reviews, and/or prepares traffic engineering plans and special provisions to conform to the Traffic Engineering Manual, MN Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and traffic design manuals.
  • Installs and inspects signing, striping, or temporary traffic control to ensure compliance with state/federal regulations, state electrical codes, and state policies/practices.
  • Creates, updates, and archives as-built plans and SignCAD files.
  • Updates and maintains the Linear Referencing System (LRS) crash database and independently runs complex reports so crash reports are accurate and complete.
  • Develops and reviews signal timing and operations of traffic signals for safe and efficient traffic flow.
  • Administers and/or supports the Pay Requestor Sign Program by evaluating the request, communicating the decision to the requestor, and if approved, creating a Traffic Engineering Work Request, and documenting the work in a sign inventory management system (TAMS).
  • Prepares complex traffic engineering requests (for example, signal, signing, or pavement marking work orders) for traffic modifications performed by maintenance within set deadlines.
  • Conducts field investigations and analysis of in place traffic control devices to conform with the MN MUTCD and the Traffic Engineering Manual.
  • Investigates traffic control device complaints by identifying problems, making recommendations, and corrections on need and placement of traffic control devices. 
  • Conducts field reviews to assure lighting, signing, or striping (permanent and temporary) are implemented to conform to work orders, project objectives and/or MnDOT specifications. 
  • Perform 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.
  • Monitors Gopher State One Call on-line for locate requests, locates utilities, or assigns request to others, and documents completed work to ensure reimbursement; upon completion, collaborates with Electrical Services Section to ensure proper utilities documentation.
  • Completes plat/permit reviews Independently. 
  • Coordinates the implementation of traffic plans in the field by acting as liaison between contractors, construction and traffic personnel and inspecting contractor’s work involving construction projects; keeps supervisor informed, as necessary.
  • Gathers data, performs field work, and prepares various study reports independently.
  • Updates and maintains the Linear Referencing System (LRS) crash database so crash reports are correct and complete and independently runs complex reports.
  • Obtains crash information and creates detailed crash studies using CADD, Linear Referencing System (LRS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software so that collision diagrams, concept drawings and maps may be prepared to provide safety information for the project development process.
  • Operates and maintains all vehicles, tools, equipment, and communications devices so 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 devices sufficient to accurately prepare, review and design plans, evaluate designs, identify unsafe traffic control features and recommend design revisions or changes.
  • CADD, MnDOT, FHWA, Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Traffic Engineering Manual and other MnDOT guidelines and standards as they apply to traffic control sufficient to independently create complete final traffic signing, striping, temporary traffic control, signal and lighting plans and perform traffic functions.
  • Transportation Information System (TIS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software sufficient to run comprehensive reports and prepare complex diagrams.
  • Principles of motorist behaviors sufficient to apply information to determine traffic flow and patterns.
  • Construction plans and field inspections practices sufficient to discern differences between design plans and actual field conditions.
  • 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.
  • Configure software to execute calculations and solve equations and use CADD/SignCAD to prepare signing/signs, striping, temporary traffic control and lighting construction plans and specifications.
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 as demonstrated by responding to questions/complaints regarding Traffic Engineering activities and communicating respectfully.
  • Train others to perform tasks demonstrated by providing assistance and serving as trainer for other employees on specialized software and Traffic Engineering duties.
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 non-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.
Class D Driver’s License may be required for positions performing field work.

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

Minimum Qualifications:

Include 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 TS level can be achieved with:

  • Four years of experience performing Traffic Engineering activities that included at least two years of experience utilizing computer-aided drafting and designing (CADD);

OR

  • Three years of experience performing Traffic Engineering activities that included at least two years of experience utilizing computer-aided drafting and designing (CADD) AND 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