This is traffic control field investigation and recommendation work. Employees in this class inspect the installation of traffic control devices, and/or review contract plans and specifications to determine the effect of construction activities on traffic flow . Work involves preparing sketches, plans and work orders and may include coordinating and reviewing the work of shop personnel and contractors. Interviewing citizens to ascertain traffic complaints, making recommendations for corrective action and contact with contractors on installation of traffic devices are significant aspects of the work. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical superior.

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be approved for this class.)

1. The position must perform traffic control field investigation and recommendation work which includes inspecting traffic control devices, and/or reviewing contract plans and specifications to determine the effects construction has on traffic flow and traffic control devices.
2. The position must perform the work in the Streets Department.

• Tours district to check on traffic conditions; interviews complainants to determine exact nature of the complaint; observes traffic conditions; takes measurements and records information; looks for missing signs, knockdowns and other unreported traffic problems; obtains information on traffic conditions from sources available in the division; performs radar speed studies.
• Evaluates complaints and recommends such corrective actions as the installation of signalized and non-signalized traffic control devices; formulates several possible alternatives for the resolution of valid complaints; confers with supervisor and/or complainants to determine the best possible solution.
• Inspects contract construction or repair work on traffic control device installation; confers with contractors to explain and interpret specifications and standards; informs contractors of areas of non-compliance; advises contractors of methods, procedures and practices required to meet standards; makes follow-up inspections to see that errors are corrected; rejects unsatisfactory material; prepares progress reports and maintains inspection records.
• Prepares rough sketches and records pertinent information; prepares block plans of locations studied including placement of corrective signs and signals; explains recommendations to supervisor; insures that traffic controls are installed by City crews in accordance with approved recommendations; prepares lists of devices installed and materials used as a result of accident reconstructions.
• Reviews construction plans to determine the possible effect on traffic; recommends and reviews designs and specifications to maintain traffic flow around construction sites; establishes traffic detours; designs legends and signalization changes and prepares appropriate work orders; arranges for public notification of detours.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the inspection principles, practices, techniques and operation of instruments used to observe and record urban traffic conditions.
• the construction methods and techniques used in the installation of traffic control devices.
• City, State and Federal laws and regulations relating to urban traffic control signs, signals and markings.
• the practices and symbols used to diagram urban traffic intersections.
• mathematics as applied to the study of urban traffic control devices.

SKILL IN:

• inspection principles, practices, techniques and operation of instruments used to observe and resolve urban traffic problems.
• making accurate notes of conditions observed in the field.
• the care and use of instruments, tools, materials and equipment.

ABILITY TO:

• reduce field notes and sketches to working diagrams.
• prepare, read, and interpret sketches, maps, plans, designs and contract specifications regarding urban traffic control devices.
• make mathematical calculations pertinent to the study of traffic control devices.
• provide design and construction personnel with adequate data, both orally and in writing.
• graphically represent items in the correct relative position on diagrams, plans and sketches.
• gather, compile and analyze data pertaining to urban traffic investigation.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and others.

EDUCATION

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.

  EXPERIENCE
  

• Two years of experience as an engineering aide, one year of which has been at the full performance level conducting and making recommendations relative to field traffic studies and touring contractor's work areas to determine contract compliance and the effects on traffic flow during work projects.

  OR
  

• Two years of experience supervising the activities of a crew engaged in the maintenance and construction of traffic signs.

  OR
  

• Two years of experience inspecting and maintaining traffic control devices.

Or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department.

NOTE:
Completion of twelve credits in post high school courses dealing with construction or engineering technology may be substituted for any of the experience requirement indicated above.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Traffic Investigator I, if required by work assignment.

PAY RANGE: 13
Class Established: 10/1977

Latest Spec. Revision:
  CSC - 6/1996 ; Ad Board - 11/1996

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