Traffic Assessment Investigator

JOB SUMMARY

Road Safety & Traffic Investigations is responsible for coordinating and directing traffic investigations, collecting, analyzing and processing traffic field data, and developing procedures to enhance safety for drivers and pedestrians through the continuous review of evolving traffic and collision patterns and the timely revision of speed limits and upgraded traffic control devices. The unit manages the implementation, monitoring, assessment, refinement and development of installation criteria for traffic control devices and safety initiatives such as the Community Safety Zone Program and Adult Crossing Guard Program to maximize their effectiveness, and is responsible for the investigation of fatal collisions to determine the role of the road and its infrastructure in the cause or severity of those collisions.

You carry out investigations of complaints and requests concerning traffic safety, congestion, parking and vehicular conflict problems.  You conduct traffic field investigations and collect, summarize and verify pertinent traffic data by conducting appropriate traffic surveys (speed and delay surveys, traffic volume counts, visibility sight distance surveys, parking usage surveys and other specialized observance surveys as required).  You also prepare sketches, take photographs and field measurements of problem locations, interview complainants and other involved parties for additional information, and submit completed traffic assessment assignments to a Traffic Assessment Specialist for review and approval.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 2 year technical diploma in Civil Engineering Technology or other engineering related course

Minimum of 3 years of experience in traffic investigations, traffic operations and transportation engineering or an equivalent transportation related field.

KNOWLEDGE

• Data collection and research techniques
• Knowledge of computer operations and applications including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Fundamentals of traffic engineering
• Ontario Highway Traffic Act and Traffic Manuals, city’s Traffic and Parking By-law
• Departmental policies and procedures
• Road network throughout the City of Ottawa.

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to research data and summarize findings in an organized, clear and concise manner
• Conduct traffic investigations and prepare/craft draft e-mails and work assignments
• Write legibly, prepare documentation, information and scaled drawings accurately, and within short time frames
• Ability to make decisions/recommendations based on standard policy with reference to supervisor
• Ability to interview complainants to extract necessary information
• Ability to work and contribute in a team environment
• Operate field equipment TDC-8, sight distance targets, cameras, radar speed gun, stop watch, etc.
• Utilize a computer to process, retrieve, tabulate data and convey data
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
• Work individually and follow instructions with minimum supervision
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Physically capable of travel to sites and work outdoors
• Work overtime, including occasional weekends, as required