About This Career

Conducts field studies to determine traffic volume, speed, effectiveness of signals, adequacy of lighting, and other factors influencing traffic conditions, under direction of traffic engineer.

This career is part of the Transportation, Distribution and Logistics cluster Transportation Systems/Infrastructure Planning, Management and Regulation pathway.

A person in this career:

• Studies traffic delays by noting times of delays, the numbers of vehicles affected, and vehicle speed through the delay area.
• Interacts with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures.
• Prepares graphs, charts, diagrams, or other aids to illustrate observations or conclusions.
• Analyzes data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow.
• Prepares work orders for repair, maintenance, or changes in traffic systems.
• Plans, designs, and improves components of traffic control systems to accommodate current or projected traffic and to increase usability and efficiency.
• Computes time settings for traffic signals or speed restrictions, using standard formulas.
• Prepares drawings of proposed signal installations or other control devices, using drafting instruments or computer-automated drafting equipment.
• Studies factors affecting traffic conditions, such as lighting or sign and marking visibility, to assess their effectiveness.
• Gathers and compiles data from hand count sheets, machine count tapes, or radar speed checks and codes data for computer input.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
• Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Work in this occupation requires being outside most of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Seeing clearly at a distance
• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Regular working hours and limited travel