- Job Definition
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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.
- Job Zone
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Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Interests
- Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
- Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
- Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
- Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
- Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
- Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
- English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- Skills
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
- Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Tasks
- Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rate data, and proposed development in order to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow.
- Prepare work orders for repair, maintenance, and changes in traffic systems.
- Study factors affecting traffic conditions, such as lighting, and sign and marking visibility, in order to assess their effectiveness.
- Visit development and work sites in order to determine projects' effect on traffic and the adequacy of plans to control traffic and maintain safety, and to suggest traffic control measures.
- Lay out pavement markings for striping crews.
- Operate counters and record data in order to assess the volume, type, and movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic at specified times.
- Provide technical supervision regarding traffic control devices to other traffic technicians and laborers.
- Gather and compile data from hand count sheets, machine count tapes, and radar speed checks, and code data for computer input.
- Place and secure automatic counters, using power tools, and retrieve counters after counting periods end.
- Measure and record the speed of vehicular traffic, using electrical timing devices or radar equipment.
- Study traffic delays by noting times of delays, the numbers of vehicles affected, and vehicle speed through the delay area.
- Review traffic control/barricade plans in order to issue permits for parades and other special events and for construction work that affects rights-of-way, providing assistance with plan preparation or revision as necessary.
- Prepare graphs, charts, diagrams, and other aids in order to illustrate observations and conclusions.
- Establish procedures for street closures and for repair or construction projects.
- Compute time settings for traffic signals and speed restrictions, using standard formulas.
- Wages
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In 2008, the California average annual wage was $50,540.00.
Most people employed in this occupation were paid between $33,610.00 and $65,580.00.
- Outlook
During 2006, there were approximately 1,100 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 1,500 employed in 2016. This occupation will have about 40 openings due to growth and about 20 replacement openings for approximately 60 total annual openings. This occupation .
- Colleges and Training
- Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.
- Traffic, Customs, and Transportation Clerk/Technician - A program that prepares individuals to perform duties associated with managing revenue-based transportation services, such as toll roads and waterways, and to assist in the dispatch and control of fleet-based traffic for businesses and public services. Includes instruction in such subjects as record-keeping; operation of communications equipment; basic transportation operations management; revenue collection and change-making; and applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
- Similar Occupations
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- Mathematicians - Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve or direct solutions to problems in various fields by mathematical methods.
- Mathematical Technicians - Apply standardized mathematical formulas, principles, and methodology to technological problems in engineering and physical sciences in relation to specific industrial and research objectives, processes, equipment, and products.
- Civil Drafters - Prepare drawings and topographical and relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, pipelines, flood control projects, and water and sewerage control systems.
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- Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation - Inspect and monitor transportation equipment, vehicles or systems to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.
- Freight and Cargo Inspectors - Inspect the handling, storage, and stowing of freight and cargoes.
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- Job Openings
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