What do traffic technicians do?
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.
This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.
Job titles to recognize in your search
O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.
- Field Traffic Investigator
- Traffic Control Technician (Traffic Control Tech)
- Traffic Field Investigator
- Traffic Investigator
- Traffic Monitor Specialist
- Traffic Signal Technician (TST)
- Traffic Survey Technician (Traffic Survey Tech)
- Traffic Systems Technician (Traffic Systems Tech)
Core tasks to compare with a job posting
- 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 an application for this occupation
- Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
- Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
- Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
- Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.
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