Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide traffic engineering expertise for the analysis of traffic operations, geometric road designs, traffic characteristics, traffic signal design/operations and traffic regulations. To undertake detailed traffic studies for the application of traffic control devices, and to resolve traffic operational problems, while providing for motorist safety and operational efficiency. To review and provide recommendations for specific projects prepared internally or externally in the following functional areas. Pre-contract engineering/construction, traffic operations/analysis, traffic signals, planning and data collection/management.

Working within MTO and with external partners to conduct traffic operation studies, investigations, projects, data collection and analysis, as well as providing technical input to resolve safety and operational issues on the highway/road networks within the Region.

Duties / Responsibilities :

This position works under the general supervision of the Traffic Supervisor or Section Head in a team environment, and is required to:

Provide technical expertise in areas of capacity analysis, collision analysis, roadside hazards, traffic control signal systems, signing and pavement markings, illumination, collection and analysis of traffic data.

Provide technical expertise related to Ontario legislation and related regulations that apply to traffic operations.

Apply traffic engineering and transportation planning expertise in the preparation of recommendations on highway design, traffic control measures, policies, guidelines, standards, legal requirements, as well as traffic and incident management programs.

Complete operational reviews/studies and justification reports to recommend the priority of capital safety projects including the installation of traffic signals.

Monitor and analyze existing and potential future traffic operations to identify capacity and/or safety deficiencies and to develop appropriate countermeasures. Analyse collision prone locations and recommend remedial action, including removal/protection of roadside hazards.

Conduct on-site investigations to assess traffic operations, including operations within construction areas. On-site inspections may involve early morning, late night or weekend work outside of normal office hours.

Develop/review traffic control measures (recommendations, operational constraints, signing, traffic staging) for safe and efficient traffic control for construction and maintenance activities. Ensure that recommendations are implemented, both in the design and on-site; advise on technical problems and modify original recommendations, if required to suit actual site conditions; perform subsequent analysis to ensure desired operations are achieved.

Liaise with ministry and municipal technical staff on traffic related issues.

Prepare and review signing plans and sign details.

Review development proposals, traffic impact, planning studies and highway designs for safety and traffic efficiency; review work prepared by consultants, prepare reports, participate in pre-contract engineering/construction teams, participate in preliminary design, detail design, engineering and contract package review meetings.
Review traffic signal operations and recommend revisions to signal timings, phasing and integrated signal systems to ensure safe and efficient traffic operations.

Determine the need for the collection of traffic data such as volume counts, speed studies and collision summaries. Analyze, interpret and summarize traffic data and traffic characteristics information for planning, operational and design purposes. Develop traffic volume forecasts for highway planning purposes and prepare annual data reports.

Investigate and prepare response to enquiries from elected officials, other government offices and agencies as well as the public. Prepare ministerial letters and briefing notes.

Prepare documentation and information for use by designated expert witnesses
Prepare regulations and amendments to legislation as required in consultation with Section Head, Legal Services Branch and Head Office.

Provide guidance to less experienced staff as required.

Prepare sign layouts (drawings) and /or pavement marking layouts, draft Ontario Regulations for review by supervisor

Prepare/process and recommend traffic signal legal drawings (PH-M-125) for legal approval on highways and Connecting Links for review by supervisor.

Access/maintain computer databases and programs, input and extract information in order to assess traffic characteristics (i.e. volumes, vehicle speeds, collision data) and sign inventory and PHM drawings and regulations.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Staffing and Licencing :

Must possess a valid Class “G” Driver's Licence.

Knowledge :

The position requires general knowledge of transportation planning, engineering and technology (e.g. traffic characteristics, products, devices, management strategies, highway design and construction/maintenance practices) to conduct reviews, investigations, related to traffic operational issues within the Region.

Knowledge of relevant sections of provincial legislation (e.g. Highway Traffic Act, Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Municipal Act, Motorized Snowmobile Vehicle Act, Motorized Off Road Vehicle Act) and related ministry standards, policies, and procedures to provide advice/recommendations on traffic operation issues.

The position requires knowledge of traffic engineering to interpret and relate engineering plans and drawings to driver behaviour and traffic operations and to provide technical expertise to internal/ external clients. Knowledge in the operation of computer systems and software (e.g. relevant traffic engineering software, AutoCAD, word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail) to access and analyze traffic data, conduct simulations and to prepare reports.

Skills :

Good interpersonal and communication/presentation skills to prepare/present technical reports and general correspondence; liaise and provide technical advice and information to internal/external clients.

Research, analytical and problem solving skills to evaluate existing or potential traffic operational problems and to develop recommended solutions.

Computer skills required in order to input, access and interpret/analyze/generate traffic data.

Effective time management skills to organize/prioritise work in order to meet established deadlines.

Job requires ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as establish and maintain good working relationships.

Freedom of Action :

Work is performed under the general direction of a supervisor and within the broad framework of the ministry and regional mandate and policies related to traffic management for the region.

Job is responsible to ensure assigned tasks (eg. traffic studies, reviews and correspondence etc.) are properly carried out, meet time lines for delivery and are technically correct.

Position works independently to conduct field studies, research and analysis of data.

Job requires effective decision-making based on established practices and policies when conducting on-site investigations, gathering and analyzing data, developing recommendations to respond to inquiries/complaints, and in identifying improvements for the capital construction program. Recommendations for application non-standard practices shall be discussed with supervisor.

Failure in performance of these duties could result in a hazardous traffic operations, possible safety consequences, inconvenience to the public and possible litigations. Poor decisions and recommendations would have an adverse effect on the MTOs reputations with the public and external clients.