BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasTraffic Technicians

O*NET · 53-6041.00

Traffic Technicians

Conduct field studies to determine traffic volume, speed, effectiveness of signals, adequacy of lighting, and other factors influencing traffic conditions, under direction of traffic engineer.

Also called Field Traffic Investigator · Highway Traffic Control Tech · Highway Traffic Control Technician (Highway Traffic Control Tech) · Permit Tech · Permit Technician (Permit Tech) · Street Light Tech · Street Light Technician (Street Light Tech) · Traffic Control Tech
17 more

Traffic Control Technician (Traffic Control Tech) · Traffic Field Investigator · Traffic Investigator · Traffic Management Specialist · Traffic Monitor Specialist · Traffic Signal Technician (TST) · Traffic Specialist · Traffic Survey Tech · Traffic Survey Technician (Traffic Survey Tech) · Traffic Systems Tech · Traffic Systems Technician (Traffic Systems Tech) · Transportation Analyst · Transportation Planning Tech · Transportation Planning Technician (Transportation Planning Tech) · Transportation Tech · Transportation Technician (Transportation Tech) · TST

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Forest and Conservation Technicians

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic4.87
  • C Conventional4.47
  • I Investigative4.38
  • E Enterprising1.96
  • S Social1.93
  • A Artistic1.40

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent43%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate10%
  • Some College Courses23%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree13%
  • Bachelor's Degree12%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (43%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (35%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (40%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Complex Problem Solving3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Speakingbasic3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Writingbasic3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Systems Analysis3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Systems Evaluation3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Active Learningbasic3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Time Management3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
Show the other 23
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Social Perceptiveness3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Management of Personnel Resources3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Operations Analysis2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
  • Mathematicsbasic2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Instructing2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Persuasion2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Service Orientation2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Operations Monitoring2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Negotiation2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Sciencebasic2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Operation and Control2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Quality Control Analysis2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Troubleshooting2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Technology Design2.11.4Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Equipment Selection2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Programming2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Management of Financial Resources2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Equipment Maintenance2.01.0Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Repairing1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Installation1.1—

Tasks

11 core · 11 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures.4.0
  2. Study factors affecting traffic conditions, such as lighting or sign and marking visibility, to assess their effectiveness.4.0
  3. Plan, design, and improve components of traffic control systems to accommodate current or projected traffic and to increase usability and efficiency.3.9
  4. Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow.3.9
  5. Prepare work orders for repair, maintenance, or changes in traffic systems.3.9
  6. Visit development or work sites to determine projects' effect on traffic and the adequacy of traffic control and safety plans or to suggest traffic control measures.3.8
  7. Operate counters and record data to assess the volume, type, and movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic at specified times.3.7
  8. Measure and record the speed of vehicular traffic, using electrical timing devices or radar equipment.3.6
  9. Gather and compile data from hand count sheets, machine count tapes, or radar speed checks and code data for computer input.3.5
  10. Study traffic delays by noting times of delays, the numbers of vehicles affected, and vehicle speed through the delay area.3.4
  11. Prepare graphs, charts, diagrams, or other aids to illustrate observations or conclusions.3.4
Show the other 11
  1. Prepare drawings of proposed signal installations or other control devices, using drafting instruments or computer-automated drafting equipment.4.1
  2. Lay out pavement markings for striping crews.3.7
  3. Place and secure automatic counters, using power tools, and retrieve counters after counting periods end.3.6
  4. Maintain or make minor adjustments or field repairs to equipment used in surveys, including the replacement of parts on traffic data gathering devices.3.6
  5. Provide traffic information, such as road conditions, to the public.3.6
  6. Review traffic control or barricade plans to issue permits for parades or other special events or for construction work that affects rights of way, providing assistance with plan preparation or revision, as necessary.3.5
  7. Establish procedures for street closures or for repair or construction projects.3.5
  8. Compute time settings for traffic signals or speed restrictions, using standard formulas.3.5
  9. Provide technical supervision regarding traffic control devices to other traffic technicians or laborers.3.4
  10. Monitor street or utility projects for compliance to traffic control permit conditions.3.3
  11. Time stoplights or other delays, using stopwatches.2.9

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Computers and Electronics3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Public Safety and Security3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Transportation3.94.2Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
  • English Language3.63.7Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Engineering and Technology3.54.2Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Administrative3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Customer and Personal Service3.34.3Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Law and Government3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
Show all 33
  • Mathematics3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Education and Training3.23.9Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Building and Construction3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
  • Design3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Mechanical3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Administration and Management3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Geography2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • Telecommunications2.72.2Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Physics2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Communications and Media2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Production and Processing2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Economics and Accounting1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Psychology1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Chemistry1.71.6Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • History and Archeology1.4—
  • Sales and Marketing1.4—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.40.7Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Biology1.3—
  • Foreign Language1.30.5Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Therapy and Counseling1.3—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.2—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.1—
  • Food Production1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Comprehension3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity3.93.4Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Inductive Reasoning3.83.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Written Comprehension3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Deductive Reasoning3.43.9
  • Speech Clarity3.43.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
Show all 52
  • Near Vision3.33.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Category Flexibility3.13.3Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Far Vision3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Flexibility of Closure3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Information Ordering3.13.5Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Selective Attention3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Visualization3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Written Expression3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Fluency of Ideas3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Number Facility3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Originality3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Finger Dexterity2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.82.8
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Depth Perception2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Speed of Closure2.42.5Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Time Sharing2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Auditory Attention2.32.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Control Precision2.32.6Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Memorization2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Multilimb Coordination2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Reaction Time2.32.4Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Manual Dexterity2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Spatial Orientation2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Glare Sensitivity2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Night Vision2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Peripheral Vision2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Rate Control2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Response Orientation2.01.9Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Sound Localization2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Dynamic Strength1.60.9
  • Explosive Strength1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Extent Flexibility1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Stamina1.60.6Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Static Strength1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Trunk Strength1.61.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.60.8
  • Gross Body Coordination1.50.5
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.50.6
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.50.5
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.64.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Working with Computers4.64.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.44.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.34.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Getting Information4.34.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.34.9Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Processing Information4.35.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.24.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
Show all 41
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.25.0Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.25.0Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.93.5Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.94.6Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.83.7Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.85.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.63.0Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.24.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Thinking Creatively3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.94.3Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.72.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.73.2Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Training and Teaching Others2.72.9
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.62.7
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.62.9
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.53.1Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Developing and Building Teams2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.42.6
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.32.6
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail4.9
  • Telephone Conversations4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities4.5
  • Contact With Others4.3
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.3
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.3
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.1
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.0
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment4.0

Technology

28 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (2)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot

Hot (16; 2 more marked hot above)

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • C++
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Database
  • Python
  • R
  • Salesforce software
  • SAS
  • Tableau
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
Other tools (10)
  • Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
  • Dowling Associates TRAFFIX
  • ESRI ArcView
  • Geographic information system GIS systems
  • JAMAR Technologies PETRAPro
  • Pd' Programming Intersection Magic
  • Structure query language SQL
  • Traffic control software
  • Traffic signal software
  • Trafficware SimTraffic

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  2. Construction and Building Inspectors
  3. Air Traffic Controllers
  4. Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
  5. Highway Maintenance Workers
  6. Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
  7. Locomotive Engineers
  8. Surveying and Mapping Technicians
  9. Power Distributors and Dispatchers
  10. Aviation Inspectors

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.