Definition

Professional engineering and supervisory work relating to the design, construction, and maintenance of all town surface transportation network and parking systems.  Ensures the safe and efficient operations of roadways for all modes of travel, and parking activities; performs related work, as required.

Supervision

Works under the general direction of the Director of Planning

Performs responsible work of a specialized and technical nature planning, organizing and coordinating municipal traffic and parking systems; requires the exercise of professional judgment in analyzing facts and circumstances of highly technical projects to determine the appropriate course of action.

Job Environment

Work is generally performed under typical office conditions and on-site; occasionally required to work outdoors with exposure to variable weather conditions, hazards associated with construction sites, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts and heavy equipment, fumes or airborne particles, and heavy roadway traffic. Employee is required to periodically work outside normal business hours and/or at night.

Operates computers and standard office equipment; operates an automobile.

Makes regular contact with the public involving complex information requiring accuracy, tact and discretion; makes periodic contact with all other town departments, utilities, businesses, realtors, surveyors, engineers and local and State agencies.

May have access to some department-related confidential information, including bid documents.

Errors may result in time and monetary loss, poor public relations, reduced services to citizens, damage to  equipment, and facilities, personal injury, injury to colleagues, danger to public health and safety, environmental damage, and legal repercussions.

Essential Functions

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Under the direction of the Director of Planning prepares traffic studies and reports.  Investigates complaints and collects documents for the installation of traffic control devices and determines the capacity and safety of roadways for vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle travel.  Prepares, reviews and coordinates the utilization of data from various traffic impact plans relative to new developments and the overall integrity of the town’s master traffic plan.

Oversees the maintenance and operation of signal control devices.  Authorizes traffic signal timing plans. 

Represents the town in transportation and traffic engineering matters involving regional, state and federal agencies, organizations and developers.  Coordinates Town transportation requirements with various funding sources, which can assist with the subsidizing of the problem’s resolution.

Manages the parking administration activities of the town.  Oversees the maintenance and improvement of off-street parking facilities. 

Develops programs to mitigate traffic congestion, improve travel safety by all modes, and achieve environmental objectives.

In conjunction with the Police Department, advises the Town Council as to the adoption, alteration, and/or repeal of traffic and parking regulations within the Town.  Advises Mayor, Town Council, Town boards, and other relevant parties and officials in matters pertaining to traffic/transportation matters.

Responds to inquiries and complaints with appropriate professional courtesy, information, research and/or referral.

Upgrades and maintains knowledge and expertise in field through continuing education.

Performs similar or related work as required, directed, or as situation dictates.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering; seven to ten years of traffic engineering experience preferably within a municipal/state government environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  A masters degree is preferred.

Special Requirements:

Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in Massachusetts. Required.

Professional Traffic Operations Engineer certification. Preferred.

Road Safety Professional certification. Preferred.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

Knowledge. Extensive knowledge of the application of civil engineering skills to multi-modal transportation operations and improvements. Thorough knowledge of local, State, and federal laws and regulations governing the municipal infrastructure and relating to traffic administration functions. Thorough knowledge of public bidding laws as they relate to traffic system projects.  Thorough knowledge of traffic analysis and general office software applications.  Basic knowledge of traffic signal operations.

Ability. Ability to plan, organize, assign, review and evaluate the work of professional, para-professional, and clerical employees and trainees. Ability to coordinate and plan many projects at one time. Ability to analyze and identify project problems and find solutions; ability to make decisions and find solutions to engineering problems. Ability to keep accurate and detailed notes and records. Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and codes and other engineering documents. Ability to prepare and administer budgets.

Skill. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Innovative skills in the application of engineering principles to design, construction and maintenance to obtain economically acceptable solutions on traffic network projects. Skill with computers and drafting applications. Customer service and human relations skills.

Physical Requirements

Minimal physical effort required to perform functions under typical office conditions; ability to operate a keyboard. Occasionally required to carry and lift survey and other related equipment when performing functions in the field.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.