Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide technical expertise in a regional traffic management function incorporating the analysis of traffic operations, geometric road design, traffic characteristics, traffic signal design/operation, and traffic regulations. To undertake detailed traffic studies for the application of traffic control devices, and to resolve traffic operational problems on Central Region highways, while providing for motorist safety and operational efficiency. To provide recommendation for, and review of, specific projects internally or externally in any of the following functional areas: Pre-contract engineering/construction, traffic operations/analysis, traffic signals, planning, and data collection/management.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Provide and Apply Technical Traffic and Transportation Expertise:

- provide technical expertise in areas of: capacity analysis, collision analysis, roadside hazards, traffic control signals and systems, signing and pavement markings, illumination requirements, collection and analysis of traffic data, and Ontario legislation and related regulations that apply to traffic operations.
- apply traffic engineering and transportation planning principles and experience in preparing and presenting recommendations to internal and external clients on highway design, traffic control measures, policies, guidelines, standards, legal requirements, and traffic and incident management programs.
- promote the usage of recognized traffic management techniques by providing consistent advice/recommendations to other ministry offices, municipalities, and consultants.
- complete operational reviews/studies and justification reports in order to prioritize capital program improvements; initiate and recommend priority for 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. Analyze accident prone locations and recommend remedial actions, 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 and weekend work outside normal office hours.
- develop safe and effective construction and maintenance area traffic control recommendations and approve signing, traffic staging and required operational constraints. Ensure that recommendations are implemented, both in the design and on site; advise on technical problems and modify original traffic recommendations, if required, to suit actual site conditions; perform subsequent analysis to ensure desired operations are achieved.
- liaise with Ministry and municipal technical staff to co-ordinate traffic operations during pre-contract engineering and construction.
- prepare and review signing plans and sign details.
- review development proposals, traffic impact and planning studies and highway designs for safety and traffic efficiency; review work prepared by consultants, prepare reports, and participate in meetings such as municipal councils, preliminary and detail design, engineering and contract package review, and public information centres.
- review traffic signal operations and implement revisions to signal timings, phasing, and integrated signal systems to ensure safe and efficient traffic operations.
- prepare legal plans for the implementation of new traffic control signals and phasing; design and implement integrated signal systems; review and recommend municipal traffic signal submissions for legal and subsidy approval.
- determine the need and arrange for the collection of traffic data such as volume counts, speed studies and collision summaries. Analyse, interpret and summarize traffic data and traffic characteristic for planning, operational and design purposes. Develop traffic volume forecasts for highway planning purposes; prepare annual data reports.

2. Provide judgement, tact, diplomacy in conjunction with well developed communication skills, investigate and respond to inquiries from selected officials, other government offices and agencies, and the public; prepare ministerial and briefing notes and meet with representatives from, municipalities, school boards, safety committees and others as necessary, in order to resolve contentious traffic operational concerns.

3. Performs other related duties:

- represent the Ministry on technical working committees and technical steering/advisory committees for regional and municipal traffic operations or other transportation studies/ Participate on non-technical Ministry committees and teams as appropriate.
- prepare documentation and information for use by designated expert witnesses and/or appearing as an expert witness in court proceedings or a coroner's inquest as required.
- prepare regulations and amendments to legislation as required in consultation with Section Head, Legal Services Branch and Head Office
- provides liaison and technical advice to other Ministry office, police forces, road authorities, task forces and conferences dealing with traffic management matters.
- identify the need for, initiate and manage consultant assignments.
- provides guidance as required to less experienced staff.
- act for Section Head in his/her absence, upon request.

Staffing and Licencing :

Valid Ontario class 'G' licence or equivalent, that will stand up to investigation.

Knowledge :

General knowledge of the theory, practices and principles of transportation planning and traffic characteristics, highway design and construction/maintenance practices. A comprehensive knowledge of traffic engineering principles, practices and procedures. Sound knowledge of traffic data collection, processing and projection techniques. The ability to interpret, apply, and provide detailed explanations on a broad range of provincial standards, procedures, and regulations related to traffic operations and traffic control signal operations.

Analytical and conceptual ability to observe and interpret existing and proposed traffic operations and characteristics in order to recommend solutions or make decisions to resolve complex traffic operational problems.

Ability to interpret and relate engineering plans, drawings, and schematics to driver behaviour and traffic operations.

Failure in performance of these duties could result in a hazardous traffic operation, possible safety consequences, inconvenience to the public and possible litigation. Poor decisions and recommendations would have an adverse effect on MTO's reputation with the public and external bodies.

Skills :

Well developed oral and written communication skills to prepare memos, letter, presentations, present technical reports, and communicate effectively with internal and external clients and consultants. Good interpersonal skills, judgement, and tact to deal directly with the clients. Ability to work in a team environment and to establish and maintain good working relationships.

The ability to effectively organize priorities, and manage diverse projects and assignments. The ability to work under stressful and/or controversial situations and tight time constraints.

Computer literacy in work processing, spreadsheet, database, and relevant traffic engineering software.

Freedom of Action :

n/a