Traffic Engineering Technician

POSITION SUMMARY

The Traffic Engineering Technician supports daily operations of the Engineering unit within the Cambridge Department of Transportation, including pavement markings, traffic signs, traffic signals, traffic controls, parking meters, bike racks, and traffic studies. Reporting to the Principal Traffic Engineer, the role oversees inspections and contractor supervision for the installation and maintenance of traffic controls and pavement markings, assists traffic engineers with project development and design, and collects traffic data. The role requires frequent overnight shifts during the pavement-marking season from approximately April through November.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

• Oversee inspections and contractor supervision for the installation and maintenance of traffic controls, pavement markings, bicycle racks, and bicycle fix-it stations; address maintenance issues for all types of traffic control devices; and assist traffic engineers with project development and design.
• Conduct annual citywide inspections of pavement markings; produce maintenance lists for City and contractor crews; oversee pavement marking contractors during overnight installation; and lay out pavement markings with City and contractor crews.
• Lay out locations for new bike rack installations; oversee contractors for the installation and repair of bike racks.
• Collaborate with Engineering staff on ongoing projects, studies, and citizen requests; collect data as needed including traffic counts, observations, speed data, and field measurements.
• Prepare traffic-control work orders for the installation, improvement, and maintenance of signs, parking meters, and other traffic-control devices.
• Aid in snow-emergency traffic operations.
• Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education/Experience: Associate's degree in Engineering Science, Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or Construction Technology required; bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field may be substituted for the required experience. Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in construction inspection, traffic maintenance, or similar work highly desirable.
• License: Valid Massachusetts Class D driver's license required.
• Skills: Experience riding a bicycle or micromobility device preferred.
• Other: Ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups across diverse identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to understand engineering plans and perform tasks with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
• Proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office applications and the ability to quickly learn department software.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Supervision Received

Works under the general direction of the Principal Traffic Engineer with limited supervision; assignments are reviewed for conformance with departmental policies, safety regulations, and technical standards.

Supervision Exercised

Does not exercise direct supervisory authority over permanent City staff; provides day-to-day oversight and functional direction to contractors, consultants, and seasonal or temporary personnel assigned to related field work.

Work Environment

Work involves frequent site visits and travel to and through active construction zones and congested City roadways in all weather conditions. During the pavement-marking season from approximately April through November, the role requires frequent overnight shifts to oversee installation and maintenance of pavement markings; work hours may be adjusted by the supervisor to meet operational needs.

Physical Demands

Requires frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching in field settings; the ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds of equipment and materials; regular exposure to outdoor conditions and active roadways with appropriate personal protective equipment required; and sustained visual focus to read plans and verify markings and signs.