TRAFFIC CONTROL WORKER
(SKILL-BASED PAY)

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Under general supervision, to install, repair, replace and construct traffic control signs and devices; to apply traffic control lines, symbols and markings; to assist in the installation and maintenance of traffic control signals; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Transportation Maintenance Division within the Department of Transportation and Development maintains the County's roads, bridges, culverts, traffic control devices, buildings and equipment related to road and ferry systems. The Traffic Control section performs activities involved in the design, layout, construction, installation and maintenance of all traffic control devices including traffic signs, traffic signals, traffic control lines and symbols, pavement marking and channelization.

The Traffic Control Worker maintains a variety of traffic control aids and devices. An incumbent may work independently, as part of a crew or take the lead on a project to train or coordinate the work of other County and/or temporary employees.

The Traffic Control Worker differs from the Traffic Operations Specialist which maintains an inventory of traffic control devices and materials, prepares billings and assists in budget administration. It also differs from the Traffic Signal Technician which performs electronic and electrical maintenance and repair work requiring a Limited Maintenance Electrician's License.

TYPICAL TASKS

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Installs, repairs, replaces and inspects traffic control signs, markings and posts; identifies appropriate location for sign placement; digs post hole and secures post; attaches signs and checks post height, level and angle of sign; removes brush and cleans signs to make them visible and readable; requests needed replacement signs.
Paints and inspects lines, legends, arrows and other traffic control markings; loads paint, reflective beads and thinner onto paint truck; selects appropriate paint color, line width or stencil for project; applies paint and regulates flow to ensure line quality and uniformity; installs, replaces and inspects reflective devices; drives paint truck; performs maintenance on paint truck and equipment such as cleaning paint guns, hoses, pumps and tanks.
Responds to complaints and requests for new, additional or replacement signs, striping and markings from citizens and jurisdictions which contract for services; investigates specified location and identifies conditions, hazards and potential liability; reviews regulations regarding traffic control locations; recommends and implements solutions such as type and location of new sign or changing location of existing sign.
Assists in non-electrical and non-electronic installation, maintenance and repair work on traffic signals; relamps bulbs; installs detection loops according to schematics; coordinates work of paving contractor; transports and lays out materials; acts as ground person when work is performed from elevated bucket; operates bucket truck; digs ditches and holes.
Constructs traffic control street name, building, window, promotional and other signs; silk screens signs; adheres sign faces to proper sized wood or metal sign blanks; creates design and stencil material using computer software to combine letters and symbols; formats and cuts to desired size; cuts and spray paints plywood for usable sign blanks; engraves and installs signs composed of plastic laminates.
Plans sequence of daily work assignments; determines route and on-site project layout; loads vehicles with necessary equipment, tools and supplies; inspects roads and signs to identify striping needs and damaged or missing signs.
Coordinates completion of assignments; provides work direction, assigns tasks and inspects work of crews; trains new and temporary employees in proper and safe sign installation, equipment operation and street markings.
Completes and maintains records on work performed and traffic control field inventory; requests or orders supplies; documents type and location of new, existing and replaced signs and pavement markings; assists in gathering and evaluating information on potential equipment purchases; participates in the data collection for budget recommendations.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Working knowledge of: Standard traffic signs and markings; regulations regarding installation and placement of traffic control signs and markings; layout striping techniques; standard traffic control methods, materials, tools and equipment; occupational hazards and safety precautions; basic traffic engineering principles; basic maintenance and repair techniques of mechanical equipment and paint truck; basic recordkeeping procedures; public and customer service techniques; basic supervisory techniques; electronic and manual measuring devices; basic math.

Skill to: Operate a variety of hand and power tools and equipment such as road striping equipment, post hole digger, hand and power saws and sign shop equipment; interpret road maps, schematics and blueprints; layout and paint or apply street markings; prioritize daily assignments with time efficient routes; complete and maintain accurate work records; estimate time and materials needed for projects; enter and retrieve traffic control data using computer software and hardware; train, assign and review work performed by temporary and County personnel; establish and maintain effective working relationships with County personnel, temporary staff and the public; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a variety of conditions, including inclement weather, varying or extreme outside temperatures, paint fumes, elevated work places, moving traffic and electrical hazards and requires the ability to lift and carry 85 pounds.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

State of Oregon Traffic Flagging certification.

Incumbents perform after hours emergency response to traffic signal failures, downed signs and road closures on a call-out basis.

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license. Valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Air Brake and Hazardous Materials endorsement required within 6 months of hire. Incumbents must possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

Must pass a pre-employment drug test (DOT Regulations for CDL).

MINIMUM RECRUITING STANDARDS

Any satisfactory combination of experience and training that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and skills.

OTHER INFORMATION

This classification is compensated through a Skill-Based Pay Plan. The Skills Board determines when an employee is eligible for advancement in the salary range. Eligibility includes minimum time in current step and demonstrated proficiency in the skills needed. (Refer to Skill-Based Pay Plan and Skills Matrix for further information.)

TRAFFIC CONTROL WORKER (SKILL-BASED PAY)