Senior Traffic Engineer

Bargaining Unit: Local 21 - Supervisory Management

About the role

The Contra Costa County Public Works Department seeks a Senior Traffic Engineer to lead the Traffic Engineering team in administering the County's traffic operations program. This role involves reviewing roadway construction and subdivision plans, preparing contract plans for traffic signal projects, and administering traffic-related programs such as the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program and Vision Zero. The ideal candidate will thrive in leadership, implement safe and efficient traffic solutions, and drive innovation to solve traffic-related challenges.

Our mission is to deliver cost-effective, safe, reliable, and sustainable projects and services. As the first accredited County in California by the American Public Works Association (re-accredited in 2024), we continuously improve our processes and services. The department maintains over 650 miles of roads, 79 miles of streams and channels, and over 150 County buildings, providing services such as parks and recreation, flood control, road maintenance, and stormwater management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Traffic Engineering team in administering the County's traffic operations program.
• Review roadway construction plans and recommend traffic engineering-related changes.
• Review subdivision plans for compliance with traffic engineering requirements.
• Prepare contract plans, specifications, and cost estimates for traffic signal construction projects.
• Administer traffic-related programs, including the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program and Vision Zero.
• Provide technical expertise and oversight on traffic engineering projects and initiatives.
• Supervise, coach, and manage individual and team performance.
• Respond to traffic-related requests and deliver effective solutions.
• Evaluate and assess traffic safety concerns and make sound decisions.
• Identify and implement process improvements.
• Develop, administer, and evaluate traffic engineering programs.

Why you might love this job

• Opportunities to grow professionally and expand your skills.
• Work alongside a collaborative team of experienced professionals.
• Help shape the future of traffic operations in Contra Costa County.
• Make a direct impact on public safety.
• Improve the quality of life for the communities we serve.

Challenges you might face

• Balancing community needs and stakeholder expectations with established codes, regulations, and County policies.
• Managing competing priorities and finding solutions with available resources.
• Working with aging infrastructure while modernizing and improving systems.
• Navigating different perspectives to solve complex traffic-related challenges.

Competencies

• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job.
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards.
• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims.
• Delivering Results: Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products.
• Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue.
• Presentation Skill: Formally delivering information to groups.
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships.
• Managing Performance: Ensuring superior individual and group performance.
• Visionary Leadership: Taking a long-term view and building a shared vision with others; acting as a catalyst for organizational change.
• Political & Organizational Savvy: Working skillfully with politics, procedures, and protocols across organizational levels and boundaries.
• Project Management: Ensuring that projects are on-time, on-budget, and achieve their objectives.

Qualifications

• Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License (out-of-state licenses accepted during the application period).
• Possession of a valid certificate of registration as a Traffic Engineer or Civil Engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers.
• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in civil engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Four years of full-time or equivalent experience as a professional civil engineer, including at least two years in a traffic operations function.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience implementing Vision Zero principles.
• Experience with transportation asset management.
• Experience working for a public agency.
• Knowledge of corridor management principles and implementation.
• Experience with traffic operations technologies.

The eligible list established from this recruitment will remain in effect for six months.