State of Washington Classified Job Specification
TRAFFIC SAFETY SYSTEMS OPERATOR 1
Class Series Concept
Positions in this occupational category operate electronic communication systems. They receive, transmit and coordinate roadway conditions and services requirements via multi-frequency base stations. They monitor and operate freeway traffic control systems and operate computer enhanced distribution systems on the roadway and for the media. They monitor electronic, video and computer systems and, where assigned, adjust environment control systems for tunnel sections. Positions routinely provide independent decisions. Some positions are required to be responsible for monitoring and operating tunnel fire detection and fire suppression systems.
Definition
This is the entry level of the series. This level is designed to provide training opportunities and experience to become a successful and fully qualified traffic safety systems operator. Incumbents perform work tasks progressively independent as training is completed.
Typical Work
Operates a control center on a shift, providing either primary radio operation or monitoring of system controls for tunnel systems;
Monitors video, traffic sensors, and environmental systems to determine the occurrence of incidents such as fire, stalled vehicles, accidents, disturbances in pedestrian tunnels, and malfunctioning equipment; analyzes the magnitude of an incident and adjusts system controls in response to current conditions;
Initiates traffic management actions, monitors and adjusts ventilation rates and lighting levels within the tunnel systems to facilitate normal operation or incident response;
Works with radio, maintenance, and information technology personnel to recognize potential problems and system malfunctions so appropriate repairs can be made;
Transmits work orders to maintenance crews and equipment operators for emergency or regular maintenance repairs to roads, signs, bridges, lights, signals, radios, cameras, or mechanical equipment; maintains and updates records of available maintenance personnel and equipment. Relays emergency information to law enforcement agencies, ambulances, tow trucks, fire department, aid cars, incident response, and other aid as requested. Maintains current status of all mobile units. Maintains records of available emergency personnel and equipment and dispatches as directed for emergency work; maintains records of emergency dispatches and estimated time of arrival;
Operates a multi-frequency radio console, multi-line telephone system, computer terminal, keyboard, private line intercom system, Intelligent Transportation System devices, and other data recording equipment;
Uses a computer terminal to receive and disseminate roadway conditions region-wide. Receives and transmits road and weather information, snow and pass reports, road restrictions and avalanche control information from and to fixed stations and mobile units;
Receives information from the public by telephone and in person; records, evaluates, and disseminates reports of accidents, traffic hazards, disabled vehicles, dead animals, road debris, complaints, and initiates appropriate action; makes appropriate computer entry, updates traffic information systems, and maintains appropriate files and records as required.
Monitors video, traffic sensors, and environmental systems to determine the occurrence of incidents such as fire, stalled vehicles, accidents, disturbances in pedestrian tunnels, and malfunctioning equipment; analyzes the magnitude of an incident and adjusts system controls in response to current conditions;
Initiates traffic management actions, monitors and adjusts ventilation rates and lighting levels within the tunnel systems to facilitate normal operation or incident response;
Works with radio, maintenance, and information technology personnel to recognize potential problems and system malfunctions so appropriate repairs can be made;
Transmits work orders to maintenance crews and equipment operators for emergency or regular maintenance repairs to roads, signs, bridges, lights, signals, radios, cameras, or mechanical equipment; maintains and updates records of available maintenance personnel and equipment. Relays emergency information to law enforcement agencies, ambulances, tow trucks, fire department, aid cars, incident response, and other aid as requested. Maintains current status of all mobile units. Maintains records of available emergency personnel and equipment and dispatches as directed for emergency work; maintains records of emergency dispatches and estimated time of arrival;
Operates a multi-frequency radio console, multi-line telephone system, computer terminal, keyboard, private line intercom system, Intelligent Transportation System devices, and other data recording equipment;
Uses a computer terminal to receive and disseminate roadway conditions region-wide. Receives and transmits road and weather information, snow and pass reports, road restrictions and avalanche control information from and to fixed stations and mobile units;
Receives information from the public by telephone and in person; records, evaluates, and disseminates reports of accidents, traffic hazards, disabled vehicles, dead animals, road debris, complaints, and initiates appropriate action; makes appropriate computer entry, updates traffic information systems, and maintains appropriate files and records as required.
Legal Requirement(s)
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
Uniforms may be required and background checks may be required.
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
Uniforms may be required and background checks may be required.
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
Desirable Qualifications
High School graduation or GED
AND
One year of experience as a principle radio operator or dispatcher using multi-band, two-way radio equipment and personal computers.
Class Specification History
New class replaces 41683 Traffic System Operations Specialist In-Training; effective June 1, 2005.
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.