Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To manage traffic on provincial roads within a defined Region and improve safety and efficiency of traffic flow by operating of Advanced Traffic Management Systems, on a rotating shifts basis.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Under the general direction of the Supervisor Communications Centre, the incumbent is responsible for communications, information and dispatch services related to wide ranging and diverse situation that may be of an emergency nature. The volume and nature of calls can vary in accordance with rapidly changing demands and workload fluctuations beyond the operator's control. The incumbent will be required to operate the Fleetnet Radio System and the Advanced Traffic Management Systems.


Responds promptly and manages incidents reported through Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), fild staff such as Area Maintenance Contractors, ministry staff through the Fleetnet Radio System, Ontario Provincial Police (O.P.P.) and emergency services. Maintains and monitors communications with dispatched vehicles, personnel, field offices and external agencies.

Performs call taking duties and answering and assessing request for information and using pre-approved protocols to establish a response. Receives phone calls from the general public, media, emergency agencies and other stakeholders and elicits information from callers regarding the nature of the situation and providing instruction or direction as required: regarding road and weather conditions, damage to MTO property, maintenance and construction problems, incidents, traffic impacts and congestion and takes appropriate action as required.

Monitors and records incidents as required in accordance to developed guidelines and policies to provide video traffic data for subsequent analysis purposes within a defined Region.

Communicates with various contractors that are employed by or for the ministry as required for incidents within a defined Region. Contacts other related response teams and agencies as required for spills or other emergency situations. Informs appropriate Ministry Personnel when incidents escalate to a higher level of authority.

Prepare and review a variety of logs and reports. Monitors and maintains traffic information that would have impacts on the Highway network and makes subsequent decision on signing strategies for incidents in accordance with protocols. Proposes recommendations for Communications Centre, operational improvements and response plan modifications. Assist in training of new operators. Operates a variety of communications equipment such as Fleetnet, telephone system, facsimile and computer terminals.

Performs basic equipment checks and trouble-shooting to ensure operational readiness and makes initial contract with ATMS contractors, I&IT services, FleetNet or MTO personnel to repair non-functional equipment.

Other duties as assigned.

Staffing and Licencing :

Proficiency in oral French at the Advanced level.

Knowledge :

The job requires knowledge and understanding of the theory, principles and practices and operation of the Advanced Traffic Management System, Fleetnet Radio System and maintenance/ construction practices.

Job requires knowledge of ministry traffic management and emergency service requirement and procedures to initiate appropriate response action.

Job requires a basis knowledge of the operational aspect of desktop computer system.

Knowledge of ATMS computer based information systems.

Knowledge and understanding of relevant Ministry policies, procedures and protocols of external agencies in order to provide callers with advice and assistance.

Maintains familiarization with regional geography.

Skills :

Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures and protocols with the use of problem solving and decision making skills.

Analysing all pertinent information and determine the appropriate course of action that attempts to stabilize the situation and make the most efficient and effective use of available resource dealing with competing requests of service at the same time.

Ability to multi-task in a fast pace environment under tight deadlines and difficult situations with the ability to set priorities within defined parameters.

Excellent communication skills such as verbal and written skills and the ability to deal well with tact when dealing with the public in stressful situations.

Ability to respond promptly and effectively to a wide range of traffic generated incidents and emergencies.

Interpretative skills in the observation and understanding of the ATMS components.

Use analytical skills to anticipate problems based on the nature of the incidents, to analyse and report on traffic incidents and to keep appropriate Ministry personnel aware of traffic management issues.

Ability to work effectively unaccompanied and in a co-ordinated team environment.

Ability to make logical and correct decisions during emergency situations while under stress.

Computer literacy in using custom software, word processing, spreadsheet, database applications.

Proficient typing skills.

Freedom of Action :

Work is performed under the general direction of the Supervisor, Communications Centre. This position functions with a degree of independence during off peak hours and weekends with some decision making and implementations tasks. Job requires working in accordance with established, policies, procedures and protocols. Must be familiar with the Operational Manuals relating to items such as emergency plans, road closure action plans and Fleetnet Radio operations. Job requires latitude to make decisions quickly and independently on traffic incidents. Sound judgment, discretion and sensitivity is required when communicating with media, public, internal/external agencies. Non routine events are referred to the supervisor.