Traffic Controller Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a traffic controller. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a traffic controller.
Who is a Traffic Controller?
A traffic controller is a skilled and knowledgeable individual who controls the efficient movement of vehicles and people through construction zones.
By controlling traffic flow at construction sites, during road closures, and in other instances where traffic patterns need to be changed, traffic controllers are in charge of guaranteeing the safety of all users of the road. To keep everyone safe and on schedule, they utilize several techniques to direct traffic through an area or intersection, including vehicles, pedestrians, and other vehicles.
The major duty of a traffic controller is to contribute to the preservation of a secure environment for both workers and pedestrians. They frequently utilize signs to manage traffic and instruct workers on how to move about the working site safely.
The site supervisor and traffic controller put traffic management plans into effect before work starts. Traffic controllers may also work with inspectors, crew leads, foremen, managers, auditors, and regulatory officials, depending on the sort of work or services being performed.
Plans for traffic control generally designate safe paths for workers and bystanders. To reduce the chance of accidents, the paths may be designated with signs, tape, or other barriers.
Traffic controllers start managing the flow of vehicles and pedestrians after placing signs and safety barriers. They might make use of hand signals, two-way radios, and the stop/slow bat. The traffic controller maintains and cleans the equipment and signage at the end of the shift. They clear the area of trash, put the equipment in its appropriate storage location, and keep track of all the signs and barriers that were in use throughout the day.
Traffic controllers may take on additional jobs in addition to these. For instance, you might only need to keep an eye on the traffic flow for a portion of the shift while spending the rest of the time performing your regular job obligations.
Traffic controllers utilize a variety of specialized signs, tools, and technological gadgets to alert motorists to altered road conditions and any potential hazards as they pass through the construction zone. Due to the altered road conditions, certain of these indicators, like the speed limit signs, are required to be present. It’s vital to keep in mind that these signs may occasionally remain up even when no longer needed because of the condition of the road, which prevents the customary limit from being reinstated.
The safety of drivers, pedestrians, and employees is ensured by traffic controllers, who control the movement and speed of vehicles. When automatic lights are not available, such as next to road construction sites, during public events, or as part of coordinated emergency response, traffic controllers are frequently called upon to manually direct traffic.
The construction sector is where these positions are most frequently needed. For instance, traffic control specialists assist in rerouting traffic away from construction zones to ensure the security of both workers and oncoming vehicles or pedestrians. Usually, safety obstacles, signage, and the stop/slow bat are used in conjunction with this.
Additionally, you might have to adhere to rigid clothing codes. Hard helmets, steel-toed boots, and reflective vests are common accessories for controllers.
Controlling traffic is a very critical responsibility. The controller’s main responsibility is to make sure that all personnel and drivers are safe. Minimizing the project’s negative effects on the road system is the secondary responsibility.
You might perform shifts of eight to 10 hours, depending on the position. You may up, maintain, and take down road signs or obstacles throughout the shift. A traffic strategy may also need to be reviewed and used.
You might occasionally work several kilometers from other employees. To stay in touch during this, appropriate communication tools must be used. These tasks require nationally recognized training to learn how to execute.
Traffic Controller Job Description
Below are the traffic controller job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a traffic controller job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
- Observe traffic patterns to guarantee safe and orderly vehicle flow.
- Make necessary modifications to traffic signals in reaction to alterations in the environment, such as accidents or building projects.
- Oversee and organize the operations of other traffic control personnel, such as police officers, emergency personnel, and maintenance personnel.
- Guide emergency vehicles with hand signals or loudspeakers to the appropriate locations.
- Record accidents and traffic movement for future reference.
- Use the standard protocols for blocking streets to allow for cleanup after a disaster or crisis, such as a fire or flood.
- Notice and report dangerous driving situations to the relevant authorities for enforcement.
- Rush to accident scenes to aid with cleanup and to lead emergency vehicles.
- Use radar or other tools to track down violations, assess speed, and collect data.
- Data is entered into several tracking and reporting databases.
- Manage appointments, notifies technicians when they are running late, provides expected arrival times, and reschedules appointments with customers (including not home and go backs).
- Record completion codes as necessary to provide a complete service history.
- Use a computer to enter and retrieve subscriber account data and to make notes as necessary in the relevant labor management program.
- Prepare documents to offer credits for missed appointments as necessary.
- Control all vehicle traffic (test train).
Qualifications
- Capable of communicating information and understanding how to use linked equipment.
- Knowledgeable of the rules and regulations governing municipal, state, or federal traffic operations.
- Understand the basics of transportation.
Essential Skills
- Patience: When confronted with difficult conditions, traffic controllers must be able to maintain their composure and patience. They must understand how to maintain their attention on the task at hand because they might need to wait for pedestrians or other traffic control personnel to arrive at a busy crossing before they can start their shift. Waiting for drivers to heed traffic laws and directions also requires patience.
- Construction zones: Construction zones are places where work is being done on a project. These zones must be discernible to traffic controllers so they can direct traffic appropriately. Temporary stop signs, cones, and other markers that designate the area of a construction zone can be found in construction zones.
Construction zone experience may make it simpler for traffic controllers to maneuver through them while managing traffic. They might also be more knowledgeable about the kinds of tools used in building sites and how they work.
- Public Affairs: Traffic controllers should have good public relations abilities since they facilitate communication with the general public and other stakeholders. You might have to explain why specific measures were implemented, such as blocking a road or rerouting traffic. Interacting with people who have complaints about your job is another aspect of public relations. To calm someone down and explain why you had to close a road, for instance, you might use your knowledge of public relations.
- Safe Work Zones: Traffic controllers need to be knowledgeable about work zone safety procedures. They ought to be able to tell when a building site is in use and what kinds of tools are there. This makes it possible for them to safely direct traffic through these locations. They must adhere to all safety rules, such as donning hard helmets or wearing fluorescent clothes when directing traffic close to construction sites.
- Communication via radio: For traffic controllers, radio communication is the main form of communication. They interact through radio with other employees, such as law enforcement and emergency personnel, as well as with other road users. Traffic controllers need to be able to communicate information over the radio clearly while remaining calm under pressure.
- Writing Reports: The capacity to design and format written papers is known as report writing. You can be expected to make thorough reports regarding your work performance as a traffic controller or submit incident reports when accidents happen on the road. You can interact more effectively with coworkers and superiors thanks to this ability.
- Positivity: A traffic controller needs to be a positive person who can maintain composure under pressure. Additionally, you must be able to keep your cool and induce calm in others around you. This is crucial while interacting with kids because they could feel more at ease if you’re approachable and kind.
- Leadership: A traffic controller needs to be a capable leader who can keep their team engaged while still maintaining composure. They must understand how to assign duties, support workers, and inspire them to give their best effort. A traffic controller must set a good example for others and know how to react in an emergency. They ought to be capable of swift decision-making that keeps everyone secure.
- Organization: An organization’s capacity is its ability to keep track of a variety of responsibilities. Traffic controllers frequently do a variety of tasks, such as controlling traffic, guiding vehicles, interacting with other staff members, and maintaining records. You can keep on top of your job and make sure that the relevant information is appropriately recorded if you have great organizational abilities.
- Communication: The ability to communicate information clearly and concisely is referred to as communication. The ability to interact with coworkers, superiors, and other road users is a requirement for traffic controllers. Additionally, they must be able to communicate with one another through radio or phone to relay messages.
Traffic controllers need good communication skills because they need to work well as a team and make sure that everyone knows what is going on in an emergency.
- Management of Incidents: On the roads, incidents might happen that call for traffic controllers to take action. When a car crashes or a person is harmed, they might need to manage emergencies. It should be possible for traffic controllers to evaluate the situation and choose the appropriate course of action. For instance, if someone is hurt, they might call for medical aid. Additionally, they must be aware of what to do in the event of a fire, a natural disaster, or other situations.
- Reading a map: Maps are used by traffic controllers to navigate the streets and highways under their supervision. Maps are also used to locate construction zones, accidents, and other traffic problems so that drivers can be directed appropriately. Traffic controllers can better comprehend their surroundings and ensure that drivers are given proper directions by using maps.
- Emergency Actions: The steps you take in the event of an emergency are known as emergency procedures. For instance, if a car hits a pedestrian, you might phone for medical help and control traffic until help arrives. To ensure everyone’s safety, traffic controllers need to be able to handle situations. Calling 911, guiding pedestrians away from the area, and maintaining spectators’ composure are some examples of emergency procedures.
- Signaling Equipment: Traffic lights, stop signs, and other instruments that help you direct traffic are examples of signaling equipment. You might need to be aware of both the guidelines for when to use these tools and how to utilize them. You can use your signaling device, for instance, to turn a red light to green if a driver is waiting at an intersection with one. This will allow the driver to proceed through the intersection safely.
- Plans for Traffic Control: To construct traffic control plans, traffic controllers must be familiar with the rules and legislation that apply to their line of work. They also need to know how to use the equipment they have at their disposal, such as cones, speed limit signs, and stop signs. The ability to properly converse with other professionals present, such as police officers, firefighters, and construction workers, is another requirement for traffic controllers.
- Confidence: Because it can support their ability to maintain composure and control over their environment, confidence is a crucial trait for traffic controllers to possess. Because they frequently operate outside, traffic controllers may encounter weather conditions that make their job more difficult. Additionally, they must be able to safely direct heavy traffic through intersections. You can stay focused on your assignment and ensure everyone’s safety by having faith in your abilities to handle these circumstances.
How to Become a Traffic Controller
- Complete the necessary competency-based units as prescribed by your state or territory. The majority of states demand the completion of at least Implement traffic management plans and Control traffic using the stop-slow bat.
- Obtain a White Card so you can operate in construction zones anywhere.
- Apply for accreditation in your state or territory. It must be renewed every three years.
- Make sure you possess any additional licenses or tickets that may be necessary. Some employers can also demand that you have a valid driver’s license.
Where to Work as a Traffic Controller
- Construction Sector
- Public Sector
Traffic Controller Salary Scale
In the USA, the average annual pay for a traffic controller is $72,000, or $36.92 per hour. Most experienced workers can earn up to $123,791 per year, while entry-level occupations start at $49,500 annually.
In the UK, the average annual pay for a traffic controller is £49,931, or £25.61 per hour. Most experienced workers earn up to £50,725 per year, while entry-level roles start at £38,000.
