Traffic Technicians

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Transportation & Material Moving
• O*NET-SOC code: 53-6041
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Study traffic delays by noting times of delays, the numbers of vehicles affected, and vehicle speed through the delay area.
• Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures.
• Prepare graphs, charts, diagrams, or other aids to illustrate observations or conclusions.
• Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow.
• 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.
• Compute time settings for traffic signals or speed restrictions, using standard formulas.
• Prepare drawings of proposed signal installations or other control devices, using drafting instruments or computer-automated drafting equipment.
• Study factors affecting traffic conditions, such as lighting or sign and marking visibility, to assess their effectiveness.
• Gather and compile data from hand count sheets, machine count tapes, or radar speed checks and code data for computer input.
• Measure and record the speed of vehicular traffic, using electrical timing devices or radar equipment.
• Lay out pavement markings for striping crews.

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD, Bentley MicroStation, C++, ESRI ArcGIS software, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, Oracle Database

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Construction and Building Inspectors
• Air Traffic Controllers
• Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
• Highway Maintenance Workers
• Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
• Locomotive Engineers
• Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Traffic Technicians — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.