Job Specification
Position Title:
Traffic Technician
Job Code:
12944 - Technician 3, Traffic
Purpose of Position :
To provide traffic data collection services by conducting various vehicular and pedestrian surveys on the provincial highway system throughout the region. To provide preliminary processing of traffic data which leads to the production of traffic information for historical purposes, and for use by the public, MTO Offices and other Ministries and agencies.
Duties / Responsibilities :
Under the general supervision of the Traffic Information Services Supervisor:
1. Carry out traffic movement studies by planning, organizing and setting up the survey; installing, programming and operating electronic traffic counting equipment to collect volume, vehicle classifications, speed and other related survey data.
2. Processing traffic data by downloading data to microcomputer and using appropriate software program; review and analyze computer output checking for validity, quality and accuracy, correct errors and make adjustments where necessary and organize data into an intelligible format.
3. Observe and record traffic behaviour at specific locations and prepare comprehensive field notes, taking photos and videos.
4. Job requires planning, prioritizing, and scheduling own activities for assigned tasks and projects to ensure schedules are met. Prepares own time sheets, expense forms, motor vehicle forms, equipment reports, etc.
5. Provide input into the location of permanent data collection loops, the type of installation and inspection of loop installation. Determine the correct location to install a traffic data acquisition system, within predetermined Highway sections, to count and classify accurate vehicle flows. Determine the proper type and equipment/supplies to be utilized depending on the type of survey and category of highway.
6. Administer a programme for the servicing and maintenance of counting equipment, including Permanent Counting Stations.
7. Performs minor repairs to equipment and calibrates measuring devices such as radar speed measuring devices and slope metres. Keeps maintenance cost records and records of repairs. Ensure sufficient equipment is maintained in stock to complete a survey by purchasing supplies and equipment. Research for, obtain costs for and test new equipment and make appropriate recommendations to supervisor to determine if appropriate for the Ministry to purchase.
8. Processing recorded speeds samples in office by inputting data into computer program.
9. Accessing computer data bases, inputting and extracting information in order to provide assistance to Traffic Analysts. Prepare sketches of physical detail, of intersections, signs and pavement markings. Obtain measurements and provide input into updating the Highway Linear Reference System.
10. Work performed requires the planning and setting up of temporary traffic control devices as per the Traffic Control Manual for Roadway Work Operations and in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, its regulations and the Ministry's occupational and safety policies.
11. Liaison with other regions on field operations and procedures as required. Communicate with suppliers and service personnel regarding problems with equipment and vehicles. Deal tactfully with the public and be able to direct questions to the proper section or person.
NOTE: Occasionally required to work overtime and on weekends during the summer months
Staffing and Licencing :
Valid Ontario Class “G” Licence.
Knowledge :
Excellent knowledge of traffic data collection methods and procedures.
Excellent knowledge of electronic counting equipment and devices; traffic counters, classifiers, laptop computers, radars, video cameras, and distance measuring devices.
Good Knowledge of traffic data software programs such as Regional Traffic Information Systems, Rlink, software used to operate the gretchboards and the counters i.e.: Traffman. Working knowledge of computers, e-mail and word processing software.
Good knowledge of traffic sensing devices and loop installation methods.
Good knowledge of the Linear Highway Reference System and Inventory Count Station locations and information processing.
Good knowledge of relevant health and safety acts, policies and practices to provide traffic control and to operate vehicles and equipment, such as the Hiliti-Gun.
Working knowledge of mathematics to code and verify' input data and assess validity of collected data; prepare reports.
Skills :
Job requires good judgement, planning, organization and problem solving skills to determine when/where counts should be conducted and equipment to be used.
Good oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills to deal with public; to prepare field notes and sketches.