Chicago Department of Transportation is looking for several Traffic Engineers with Signal Operations, Intelligent Transportation System, or Traffic Signal Design background. This is an excellent opportunity to make a difference in mobility and road safety in one of the largest  and greatest cities in the country. 

Under general supervision, performs and provides oversight in the conduct of professional traffic engineering work related to the design of traffic signal timing plans and street configuration; support and operate intelligent transportation systems and performs related duties as required.

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) implements a large Capital Plan, which was recently increased to add over $1.6B of new design and construction projects over the coming five years. These critical public infrastructure projects are much needed to ensure public safety and the continued vitality of all of Chicago's neighborhoods. This provides an opportunity to re-imagine the design of Chicago’s streets, intersections, and traffic signal systems to better serve pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and motorists. These Traffic Engineer IV positions will work within the Traffic Safety Section or Engineering-Highways Section supporting delivery of this vastly expanded scope to ensure timely, efficient implementation of improvements throughout the City.

To view the position description or submit your application for consideration, visit: https://chicago.taleo.net/careersection/100/jobdetail.ftl?job=377555

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Traffic Safety Section:

• Designs complex signal timing sequences using computer software, determines location and configuration of proposed signal installations, and reviews and approves designs prepared by staff and/or consultant engineering firms
• Monitors and operates Central Signal system and Intelligence Transportation Systems
• Conducts field surveys on arterial streets to collect data on traffic patterns, volume, speed, capacity, accidents, and parking and makes recommendations for modifications
• Analyzes survey data and recommends the installation of traffic control devices, including traffic signals, stop signs, crossing areas, and directional arrows
• Prepares engineering plans for new streets, traffic signal timing, and traffic control devices
• Drafts project work plans, specifications and estimates for labor, material, and equipment costs for traffic projects
• Reviews signal timing for construction, special events, parades, bridge repairs and recommends measures to ensure minimal disruption and traffic flow efficiency
• Monitors the work of engineering contractors, ensuring work is completed according to contract specifications
• Reviews vouchers submitted by engineering and construction firms, ensuring payment requests reflect completed work
• Investigates traffic complaints, conducts studies, and makes recommendations to eliminate problems found
• Coordinates traffic signal installation projects with other City departments, agencies, and utilities (e.g., Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago Police Department)
• Confers with contractors on plan changes and contract modifications and assists in resolving problems that arise during construction
• Maintains project activity journal and prepares engineering reports on the status of projects
• Assists in training and providing guidance to lower-level staff
• Monitors and operates Central Signal System and Intelligence Transportation Systems
• Support Traffic Management Center operations

Engineering-Highways Section:

• Serves as a Project Manager, responsible for the design and implementation of safety, operational and Complete Streets improvements to major intersections throughout Chicago
• Manages the delivery of modernizations and equipment upgrades to a network of approximately 3,000 signalized intersections
• Oversees engineering consultants’ contracts to prepare project design reports, detailed traffic signal design plans, and construction documents
• Determines scope and cost estimate of intersection improvements for both design and construction contracts
• Coordinates the design of complex timing sequences and reviews and approves designs prepared by consultant engineering firms
• Coordinates intersection improvement projects with other City departments and utilities
• Confers with construction managers on plan changes and contract modifications and assists in resolving problems that arise during construction
• Acts as a liaison between the department and other government agencies (e.g., Illinois Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and Chicago Transit Authority) to coordinate intersection improvement projects

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, plus two years of traffic engineering experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience provided the minimum degree requirement is met.
• A valid State of Illinois Driver’s license is required
• Must have the permanent use of an automobile that is properly insured, including a clause specifically insuring the city of Chicago from accident liability

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires applicants to complete an interview which will include a writing exercise.  The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected.  The interviewed bidders possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected in seniority order according to the collective bargaining agreement.

Preference will be given to external candidates possessing the following:

• Previous work experience of signal timing design
• Previous work experience with the design of traffic signals
• Previous work experience with Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
• Previous work experience with intersection design studies
• Previous work experience with Synchro and Micro-Station
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook

About Chicago Dept. of Transportation

As the public works department for the City of Chicago, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is responsible for public way infrastructure, including planning, design, construction, maintenance and management. CDOT's mission is to keep the city’s surface transportation networks and public way safe for users, environmentally sustainable, in a state of good repair and attractive, so that its diverse residents, businesses and guests all enjoy a variety of quality transportation options, regardless of ability or destination.

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