Traffic Operations Engineer IDOT

This position is accountable for administering the Traffic Operations Section of the Bureau of Operations in developing policies, procedures, and programs relating to the installation and maintenance of traffic control devices. This position ensures the fabrication and rehabilitation of highway signs, advises the department on safety, operational concepts, programs, and practices. This position also reviews and institutes traffic regulations to ensure the safe, economical, and efficient operations of the highway transportation system in the state.

Annual section operating budget: $600,000

Annual statewide traffic operating budget: $30 million

Annual traffic control contract costs: $50 million

Number of traffic control devices: 6000 signals, 400,000 signs, 100 dynamic message signs and cameras value $900 million

This position reports to the Engineer of Operations. Reporting to this position are the Engineering and Standards Unit Chief, Project Implementation Unit Chief, Highway Sign Shop Chief, and Intelligent Transportation Systems Unit Manager.

This position works in an environment that handles all aspects of traffic engineering, including flow theory, control devices, regulations, and research. The incumbent will interpret statutes, regulations, and rules relevant to traffic control and safety. S/he will represent the department at the local, state, and federal levels. The incumbent will meet with and make presentations before a wide variety of state and national associations, committees, commissions, and conferences. The incumbent will be a member of various department committees and represent the department on external committees. S/he will serve on national level committees, panels, and task forces.

Typical challenges of this position relate to the development and testing of new devices and techniques for the safer and more efficient use of the highway system. The devices involved range from traditional signs, signals, and pavement markings, to new, unique, and sometimes untested traffic control devices as well as the maintenance and operations of various Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) throughout the state. The techniques involve complex signal systems, new materials or equipment, access control, and the implementation of the latest traffic research and technology. A major challenge is maintaining a progressive and receptive point of view, while at the same time, recognizing the problems associated with varying established traffic engineering practices. Budget factors, both the restraints and the benefits of more cost-effective devices and techniques, must be considered. The implementation of new techniques may require development of training programs and presentation of various groups both in and outside the department. Other major challenges are to maintain Illinois’ leading position in both the early obligation of all available funds, the use of the funds for high cost-effective projects, and to keep abreast of ever-changing and new technologies to determine their applicability of implementation in Illinois.

The incumbent is responsible for planning, directing, controlling, and coordinating the work done and services provided by the Traffic Operations Section. The incumbent will administer resources of the Traffic Operations Section to the districts to accomplish department objectives relating to traffic operations and safety. The incumbent will ensure all available funds are obligated in the most cost-effective manner and make evaluations of projects and programs for continual improvement. S/he will maintain familiarity with the other sections and administration of the Bureau of Operations to serve in the Engineer of Operations’ capacity in their absence. The incumbent will provide timely and accurate information on the latest technological developments in department management. S/he will make decisions that will ensure the public has a safe, efficient, and cost-effective highway system. The incumbent will consult with representatives of firms manufacturing and supplying traffic materials and equipment. S/he will also consult with contractors, members of legislative staffs and commissions regarding traffic related statutes and legislation. The incumbent will meet with representatives of other state, research organizations, and universities regarding the development of improved and more cost-effective traffic control and safety techniques. S/he will provide sign-making capabilities for statewide usage, ensuring that those manufactured signs are delivered to districts in a timely and efficient manner. The incumbent will maintain the statewide sign, pavement marking, traffic signal, and ITS networks through judicious use of department forces, statewide maintenance contracts, and intergovernmental agreements. S/he will ensure the development and maintenance of a competent, well-motivated staff capable of handling all programs and projects for which the Traffic Operations Section is responsible. The incumbent will serve on national, state, and departmental task forces and committees to develop new technologies and techniques relating to traffic operations. S/he should be completely familiar with the Illinois Vehicle Code and National Uniform Vehicle Code, including the annotated version. The incumbent should be reasonably familiar with the Attorney General opinions and appropriate case law. This background is necessary to respond promptly and confidently to those inquiries and to develop comprehensive review of legislation concerning traffic laws.

The incumbent accomplishes accountabilities through the following staff:

Engineering and Standards Unit Chief who is accountable for the planning and overall direction of the Engineering and Standards Unit in developing, publishing, updating, and distributing policies and procedures. These policies and procedures relate to the installation and maintenance of traffic control devices, providing traffic engineering services, evaluating new traffic control products and equipment, performing traffic engineering studies, and providing coordinating administrative support activities.

Project Implementation Unit Chief who is accountable for the planning and overall direction of the Project Implementation Unit in developing and implementing design standards, specifications, and special provisions relating to traffic control contracts, traffic commodity and equipment purchase specifications, work zone safety training, traffic signal system optimization technology, and other programs affecting traffic operations.

Highway Sign Shop Chief who is accountable for administering the Highway Sign Shop Unit of the Bureau of Operations. This position is responsible for formulating and implementing policies, procedures, programs, and operational concepts for maintenance and rehabilitation of the department’s extensive highway sign system throughout the state, directing the manufacture and distribution of all standard highway signs for installation by staff statewide, directing the fabrication and installation of overlay panels for rehabilitation of the statewide freeway sign network, and maintaining and supervising a complete inventory, accounting, and budgetary system to administer a specific budget allocation for support of activities.

Intelligent Transportation Systems Unit Manager who is accountable for developing policy and implementing procedures for the application of the ITS in Illinois to achieve more effective utilization of the transportation systems.

The incumbent exercises substantial independent judgment in making decisions concerning a wide variety of complex technical problems and is afforded broad latitude in the exercise of duties. The incumbent will consult and keep the Engineer of Operations informed of the major aspects of the work.

The incumbent will maintain frequent internal contact with staff in other central bureaus and the district offices for the purpose of coordinating activities relating to traffic operations and safety work. External contact is maintained with various local agency representatives, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), legislative staff representatives, attorneys, and private citizens regarding traffic laws. Occasional statewide travel and infrequent out-of-state travel with overnight stay is required. Successful completion of a background check is required.

The effectiveness of this position is measured by the incumbent’s successful ability in providing timely and accurate information and solutions to a large variety of problems concerning traffic operations. The goal is to constantly obtain the satisfactory and timely accomplishment of all projects undertaken and development of efficient and effective services, policies, procedures, and standards.

Principal Accountabilities

Administers the resources of the Traffic Operations Section to provide a high degree of services to the districts and to accomplish department objectives relating to traffic operations and safety.

Ensures all available funds are obligated in the most cost-effective manner and makes evaluations of projects and programs to continually improve their quality.

Maintains familiarity with the other sections and administration of the Bureau of Operations to serve in the absence of the Engineer of Operations.

Provides timely and accurate information on the latest technological developments to department management to allow them to make decisions that will ensure the traveling public a safe, efficient, and cost-effective highway system.

Consults with representatives of other state and local governmental agencies, the FHWA, private manufacturing firms, contractors, consultants, the legislature, and others regarding traffic operations and safety.

Provides sign-making capabilities for statewide usage, ensuring that those manufactured signs are delivered to the districts in a timely and efficient manner.

Maintains the statewide sign, pavement marking, traffic signal, and ITS networks through judicious use of department forces, statewide maintenance contracts, and intergovernmental agreements.

Ensures the development and maintenance of a competent, well-motivated staff capable of handling all programs and projects for which the Traffic Operations Section is responsible.

Serves on national, state, and departmental task forces and committees to develop new technologies and techniques relating to traffic operations.

Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules. Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Position Requirements

Education/Experience

Current registration as a Licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Illinois PLUS ten years of experience in civil engineering including six years of supervising staff and managing engineering functions.

Valid driver’s license.

Occasional statewide travel and infrequent out-of-state travel with overnight stay.

Successful completion of a background screening.

Position Desirables

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles of civil engineering with specialized knowledge of public works engineering and traffic engineering.

Comprehensive knowledge of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

Strong oral and/or written communication skills.

Work Hours:

8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. Monday-Friday

Work Location:

2300 S Dirksen Pkwy Springfield, IL 62764-0001

Office:

Office of Highways Project Implementation/Bureau of Operations

Agency Contact:

[email protected]

Posting Group:

Transportation ; Leadership & Management; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to thisposition. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employmentduring State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, theemployee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of theExecutive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subjectto a fine.

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Nearest Major Market: Springfield

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