Traffic Technicians — Tasks

Task statements

• Study factors affecting traffic conditions, such as lighting or sign and marking visibility, to assess their effectiveness.
• Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures.
• Prepare work orders for repair, maintenance, or changes in traffic systems.
• Plan, design, and improve components of traffic control systems to accommodate current or projected traffic and to increase usability and efficiency.
• Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow.
• Visit development or work sites to determine projects' effect on traffic and the adequacy of traffic control and safety plans or to suggest traffic control measures.
• Operate counters and record data to assess the volume, type, and movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic at specified times.
• Measure and record the speed of vehicular traffic, using electrical timing devices or radar equipment.
• Gather and compile data from hand count sheets, machine count tapes, or radar speed checks and code data for computer input.
• Study traffic delays by noting times of delays, the numbers of vehicles affected, and vehicle speed through the delay area.
• Prepare graphs, charts, diagrams, or other aids to illustrate observations or conclusions.
• Prepare drawings of proposed signal installations or other control devices, using drafting instruments or computer-automated drafting equipment.
• Lay out pavement markings for striping crews.
• Provide traffic information, such as road conditions, to the public.
• Maintain or make minor adjustments or field repairs to equipment used in surveys, including the replacement of parts on traffic data gathering devices.
• Place and secure automatic counters, using power tools, and retrieve counters after counting periods end.
• Review traffic control or barricade plans to issue permits for parades or other special events or for construction work that affects rights of way, providing assistance with plan preparation or revision, as necessary.
• Establish procedures for street closures or for repair or construction projects.
• Compute time settings for traffic signals or speed restrictions, using standard formulas.
• Provide technical supervision regarding traffic control devices to other traffic technicians or laborers.
• Monitor street or utility projects for compliance to traffic control permit conditions.
• Time stoplights or other delays, using stopwatches.