This position has an expected hiring range of $70.93 to $78.20 hourly, plus benefits. With successful annual evaluations, employees are eligible for 5% step increases each year until reaching the top of the salary range. Additional cost-of-living increases may be approved by City Council.
Required Education:
4 Year Degree
Internal Number: 2025.0717.3
The Traffic Engineer plans, organizes, directs, and participates in the development, operation, optimization and maintenance of the Citywide streetlights, traffic signal and fiber optic network; assumes responsibility for all transportation planning; responding to public complaints related to traffic operation and safety; and the review of development plans as they pertain to the City's transportation system.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a management level classification assigned to the Traffic Division. Positions at this level are distinguished by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken, amount of time spent performing the duties, and by the nature of the public contact made. Incumbents perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned and provide direct and indirect supervision over assigned staff. Incumbents at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned areas of responsibility.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
The Traffic Engineer receives direct administrative direction from the City Engineer under general administrative oversight from the Director of Public Works.
The position exercises direct and indirect supervision over professional, technical, maintenance, and clerical staff in the Traffic Division.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Essential and other important responsibilities and functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Develop and implement division goals, objectives, policies, and priorities.
Plan, program, optimize, and direct all City activities related to transportation planning, traffic engineering, streetlight installation, and traffic signal construction and maintenance; coordinate closely with other City departments and divisions, including the GIS Section.
Engage with the public to solicit feedback on transportation programs and address concerns and complaints promptly.
Establish and maintain communication with governmental bodies, private companies, organizations, or individuals to support City objectives and ensure compliance with laws and technical standards related to traffic engineering and maintenance.
Review development proposals for compliance with traffic engineering standards.
Review, design, and approve traffic-related plans prepared by consultants or in-house staff.
Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff.
Represent the City in legal matters related to traffic and transportation; coordinate and prepare responses to legal inquiries.
Develop and maintain a routine maintenance program for traffic control facilities.
Monitor the performance of current traffic facilities and programs; recommend and support implementation of improvements.
Oversee and contribute to the development of short- and long-term transportation plans; assess proposals for compliance with City standards.
Present transportation and traffic engineering information to City Council, commissions, and other groups.
Recommend vendors and manage contracts related to transportation planning, traffic engineering, and maintenance.
Prepare and administer the Traffic Division’s operations and capital budget.
Advise the City Engineer and Director of Public Works on transportation and traffic engineering matters.
Represent the Department and the City as needed.
Perform related duties as assigned.
EXPERIENCE & TRAINING / LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE:
Any combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: Five years of experience in professional transportation and/or traffic engineering including some experience in a responsible administrative or management capacity.
Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, traffic engineering, or a related field.
LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE • Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a professional civil engineer or professional traffic engineer in the State of California is required. • Possession of a valid California driver's license by time of appointment is required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:
• Land development, particularly as it relates to federal, state, and local laws or regulations and to City procedures affecting transportation and traffic engineering activities. • Traffic engineering, transportation engineering, civil engineering, and urban planning principles, concepts, and procedures. • Principles and laws governing public works contract administration, land use, public safety, and land division. • Design of traffic signals and interconnect systems and application of traffic control devices on street network. • Comprehensive knowledge of signal preemptions and communications with the railroad signals • Design of streetlights to provide a safe environment to the pedestrians and residents. • Traffic safety review and implementing solutions. • Computer software related to transportation systems. • Geographic Information Systems. • Practices and procedures of municipal public works department. • Construction methods and materials. • Principles of personnel management. • Budget preparation and administration.
Ability to • Clarify City practices and objectives to relevant public and private agencies, organizations, and individuals. • Interpret complex inter-disciplinary information originating from within the City or from outside public or private sources and formulate a solution if required. • Understand and apply principles of transportation systems to various unique urban conditions. • Prepare analytical reports related to budgetary, technical, and evaluative issues. • Establish and maintain systems necessary for controlling work quality and quantity. • Establish and sustain effective quality control over transportation and traffic engineering activities. • Select, train, supervise, and evaluate employees. • Represent the City, Department, and/or Public Works Director in various meetings. • Make sound and effective decisions regarding operational and personnel functions. • Establish and foster strong working relationships with individuals encountered during the course of work.
WORKING CONDITIONS
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional climbing, bending, and squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.
Work is performed in a typical temperature controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Frequent work events at construction sites and onsite roadway investigations will occur.
Positions may require occasional overtime; weekend work and travel is rare.
At the City of Palmdale, you'll find more than just a job — you'll find a career with purpose. We’re a forward-thinking, community-focused organization committed to innovation, professional growth, and public service. Our employees enjoy a supportive team environment, meaningful work that impacts residents daily, and opportunities to grow within one of the fastest-growing cities in Southern California. Join us and help shape the future of a vibrant, diverse, and thriving community.
