Assistant Director, Traffic Engineering and Operations

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist the Director in managing the Traffic Division’s programs, services, and operational activities to support safe and efficient traffic systems across Harris County.
• Support the development and implementation of division goals, policies, engineering standards, and operational procedures.
• Provide leadership and guidance to multidisciplinary teams, including managers, engineers, designers, technicians, and administrative staff.
• Oversee and support the review and completion of hundreds of internal traffic studies and traffic impact analyses each year to ensure compliance with engineering standards and regulatory requirements.
• Aid in the operation, maintenance, and performance monitoring of approximately 2,500 traffic signals and school zone flashers throughout the County.
• Cook up and coordinate projects and initiatives with internal divisions, external agencies, consultants, and community stakeholders.
• Maintain project schedules, staffing needs, and operational priorities to ensure efficient use of resources and timely delivery of services.
• Help oversee the planning, design, and implementation of traffic engineering projects, including neighborhood traffic management, arterial operations, high-collision location reviews, and system improvements.
• Aid in evaluating and implementing innovative traffic management technologies and transportation solutions that improve safety and mobility.
• Ensure that traffic engineering programs and projects maintain strong quality control, risk management, and regulatory compliance standards.
• Support preparation of Commissioners Court agenda items, including project approvals, service contracts, and funding requests.
• Provide technical guidance and support related to forensic traffic engineering activities such as accident investigations, compliance reviews, and technical analysis.
• Aid in developing reports on program performance, operational needs, and funding requirements.
• Support emergency operations and disaster response activities when required.
• Serve as a liaison between the Traffic Division, executive leadership, partner agencies, and the public.
• Promote continuous improvement by helping with refining processes, procedures, and operational practices within the division.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering field.
• Experience: Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant traffic engineering or transportation engineering experience. Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Licensure: Professional Engineering License. A valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skill & Abilities (KSAs)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with executive leadership, engineers, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Ability to handle confidential or sensitive information with discretion.
• Proficiency in standard office and engineering software tools.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to interact professionally with diverse teams and stakeholders in a complex public sector environment.

Emergency Deployment & Continuity of Operations Requirement

• The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF) and must:
• Participate in the classification process of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities.
• Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergency events.
• Confirm work assignments with their supervisor prior to reporting to any worksite during such events.
• Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support County operations continuity.

Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure

• Occasional driving of a vehicle with automatic and four-wheel drive controls.
• Frequent standing and walking; prolonged sitting for extended periods of time.
• Frequent stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying of items up to 10 pounds with occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds.
• Extensive use of a video display terminal (computer monitor).
• Occasional sorting, filing, shelving, and handling of documents, books, files, materials, and equipment.
• Frequent standing and walking on rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces and ground during field visits.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time: Approximately 90% of duties will be performed indoors in a normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, air conditions, and noise levels. Approximately 10% of duties will be performed outdoors, where there will be exposure to heat, cold, moisture, air pollution, wind, and dust.
• Must be willing to work in various weather and working conditions when visiting a field location.

Featured Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Wellness.
• Professional development opportunity.
• Flexible spending account.
• 457 deferred compensation plans.
• Retailer pension (TCDRS).
• Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).
• Disability and life insurance.
• Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).