Traffic Engineer

City of Carson, CA
Carson, California
Full Time

Email Address

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THE POSITION

The City of Carson is now accepting applications for the position of Traffic Engineer.

The City of Carson is seeking a dynamic and skilled Traffic Engineer who is eager to make a lasting impact on community safety, mobility, and quality of life. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in traffic operations, planning, and design, with the ability to develop innovative solutions that improve roadway efficiency and safety. We are looking for a collaborative professional who can lead projects, guide staff and consultants, and work effectively with City departments, outside agencies, and the public. Strong communication skills and a commitment to service are essential.

Required State License: Candidates must hold a Traffic Engineer (TE) and/or Professional Engineer (PE) license in the state of California. A TE is preferred, and candidates with both TE and PE are highly desirable. Candidates with a PE only will be supported in obtaining TE certification within their first year.

Vacancy Information

There is one (1) current full-time (FLSA Exempt) vacancy with a 4/10 schedule, working Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (including a 1-hour unpaid lunch break). Work hours and/or the work schedule may be adjusted based on the operational needs of the City.

Required documents to submit with your application:

Resume
Proof of College Degree (Must be submitted with application)
Proof of California State TE or PE License (Must be submitted with application)

Under the direction of the City Engineer, manages the City's traffic engineering program; performs professional traffic engineering related to Public Works projects; supervises the work of subordinate engineering and administration staff; performs other related traffic engineering duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

(The functions are representative and may not be present in all positions in the class. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind related duties and work assignments.)

Plans, develops and manages the City's short and long range traffic operations goals and objectives and prepares traffic impact studies.
Performs technical and administrative work pertaining to traffic operations, traffic planning and design, improvement plans, efficiency and safety analyses, and all traffic project monitoring and review.
Manages the City's traffic standards, and develops approaches and solutions to traffic problems and issues.
Reviews/evaluates, approves and directs traffic signal plans, timing plans, traffic control plans and all other traffic engineering projects.
Applies for and administers grants. Monitors and approves expenditures and assists in the budget preparation.
Reviews accident reports and prepares written and/or oral reports for management, City Council, law enforcement agencies or for presentation at public forums.
Acts as expert witness for the City and or prepares response to accident interrogatories, subpoenas, and litigation.
Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigate complaints and recommends corrective actions as necessary to resolve complaints.
Prepares agenda items, reports or other written documentation related to traffic engineering.
Confers with City and public agency staff and with the general community, on traffic policies, strategies and programs; recommends traffic solutions.
Coordinates work with City departments and outside agencies in addressing municipal transportation and traffic problems or issues, and regularly attends associated meetings.
Directs and reviews technical traffic analyses to identify traffic congestion problems and develop improvements to reduce motorist delays; assesses and recommends the acquisition and installation of additional traffic signals and upgraded signals; oversees the operations of the City's traffic signal control system, as well as traffic sign and roadway marking projects.
Supervises, trains, and evaluates employees and consultants.
Conducts field inspections.
Regularly updates engineering and traffic survey for speed zoning and traffic counts.
Maintains accurate records of engineering plans, studies, statistical reports, analyses, work orders and other engineering documents primarily related to traffic.
Reviews and makes conditions of approval recommendations for proposed private sector development, adherence to appropriate traffic safety and transportation standards, and for compliance with applicable City standards.
Reviews Environmental Impact Report prepared for any development project.
Assists with administration of traffic signal maintenance.
Facilitates the Public Works Commission
Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualification Guidelines:

A typical way to obtain the requisite qualifications to perform the duties of this class is as follows:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in civil or transportation engineering or related field and four years increasingly responsible professional level experience in traffic or transportation engineering.

License or Certificate:

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License. Possession of a TE and/or a PE certification is required at time of hire. The City will allow one year after date of hire to obtain the additional required license, if applicable.

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of transportation and/or civil engineering and urban planning.
Transportation planning principles, methods and procedures in the traffic engineering analyses, and impact studies; traffic signal devices and operations.
City organizational structure, operations, policies and objectives.
Public works administration and planning.
Applicable existing codes, regulations, policies, procedures, and laws such as right of way, ADA, and contract principles.
Project management, cost analysis, and budget preparation, control and administration.
Effective practices of supervision, training and discipline.
Office practices and procedures including recordkeeping.
Methods, equipment and materials used in civil and traffic engineering projects.

Skill and Ability to:

Effectively and efficiently manage and monitor the traffic operations and standards of the City.
Analyze municipal needs and categorize projects accordingly.
Plan, coordinate and supervise the work of employees and consultants.
Review and approve plans, contracts, estimates, and proposals.
Read, interpret, explain, and apply existing codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Implement and manage various City capital improvements including, but not limited to, traffic signal installations, intersection reconfigurations, and video monitoring of intersections.
Seek additional funding through local, state, and federal grants.
Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with City and other public agency staff and with the general community.
Supervise and direct the daily activities of staff as necessary and/or directed.
Provide technical information and support to other City departments, government agencies, community organizations and the public.
Perform complex mathematical calculations and data analysis.
Write clear, concise and accurate reports, procedures, correspondence and other written communication.
Effectively communicate orally and in writing, with City staff, other agencies, community groups and the public.
Operate a personal computer and related software such as Microsoft Office Suite.
Prepare RFPs, RFQs, RFIs and associated documentation.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Positions in this class normally:

Perform lifting, pushing and/or pulling which does exceed 50 pounds and is an infrequent aspect of the job.
Are subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.
Perform field inspections, including construction sites with uneven terrain.
May be required to use City vehicle in the course of employment.
May be required to attend periodic evening meetings and/or to travel within and out of City to attend meetings.
May be required to periodically work additional hours or days, other than those regularly scheduled, to meet critical deadlines or schedules.
Require vision (which may be corrected) to read small print.

Recruitment Process:

This recruitment will close at 6:00 pm on September 17, 2025. To be considered, please submit an online application, including a cover letter, resume, and proof of education in PDF format. Applications that fail to include all necessary documents will be considered incomplete and will not be taken into consideration. Applications will be reviewed for depth and breadth of experience, and for level and relatedness of education. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the recruitment process, which will consist of the following sections:

Supplemental Questionnaire, no weight
Oral exam, weighted at 100%

The Human Resources Department reserves the right to adjust, modify, delete and/or change the above exam types and/or weights. Supplemental questionnaires are used to evaluate applicant's indicated abilities with the ideal candidate profile. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to invite those amongst the highest scoring to the next phase of the recruitment.

NOTE: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and qualifying candidates will be interviewed and considered for employment on a "first come-first served" basis. Candidates interested in these positions are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Appointment:

Any offer of employment, or acceptance of an employment offer, is contingent upon passing live scan, background check and other required tests. All new employees are required to take a loyalty oath.

Other Information:

The City of Carson is an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe in the strength that comes from different perspectives and experiences, and we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the vibrant diversity of our community. This commitment is embraced at all levels of our organization, from our management staff to our policymakers. We partner with our staff and community organizations to ensure our policies and practices remain transparent and equitable. As part of this commitment, we regularly publish updated demographic information on our workforce, including data on diversity and pay equity by race and gender.

In accordance with the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Carson will consider all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history. Applicants are not required to disclose their criminal history or undergo a background check until receiving a conditional job offer. If any concerns arise from a background check, and the conviction is directly related to the role, applicants will have the opportunity to provide context, present mitigating evidence, or dispute the report's accuracy. For more information about the Fair Chance Act, please visit .

The City of Carson intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you need a special accommodation during the recruitment process or would like this information in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources at ....

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This recruitment is open.

CURRENT CITY OF CARSON EMPLOYEES: Please do not use your City of Carson email address as part of this applications. You must indicate a personal email address in order to receive communication and/or notices from Human Resources throughout the recruitment process.

For more information, please click on the link below.

AME_MOU

The following supplemental questions will be used to assist us in screening your application. You are required to answer each of the following questions truthfully and completely. This questionnaire will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this job. Your responses to this questionnaire may also be used to evaluate your qualifications beyond the minimum requirements, as part of the application screening process. As such, please take the time necessary to answer the questions thoroughly. Applications submitted without a completed supplemental questionnaire, or those that say see resume or application, may not be considered. It is imperative that your responses to the questionnaire provide a true and accurate reflection of your background. Additionally, your answers MUST be supported by the information you have entered in your general application. Responses which cannot be substantiated by information contained in your application will be deemed invalid. Falsification, exaggeration and misrepresentation will result in your disqualification. Your responses will be evaluated as submitted. Do you agree to answer the following questions truthfully and completely AND understand that falsification or overstatement of your qualifications is grounds for disqualification of your application?

Do you possess a bachelor's degree in civil or transportation engineering or related field?

This position requires at least four (4) years of professional experience in traffic engineering, traffic operations, or transportation planning. Do you meet this minimum requirement?

Yes, I have 4 or more years of experience
No, I have less than 4 years of experience

Do you currently possess a valid Traffic Engineer (TE) license and/or a Professional Engineer (PE) license issued by the State of California?

PE License (Professional Engineer)
TE License (Traffic Engineer)
Both PE and TE License
I do not possess either PE or TE License currently

Do you have professional experience with any of the following? (Check all that apply)

Traffic operations and safety analysis
Transportation planning or corridor studies
Signal timing and coordination
Traffic impact studies and development review
GIS, AutoCAD, or traffic modeling software
None of the above

What traffic engineering software or systems have you used (e.g., Synchro, VISSIM, AutoCAD, GIS)? Please list and describe your level of proficiency with each.

Have you served as a project manager or lead on engineering or traffic projects? If yes, please briefly describe the project(s) and your role.

This role requires frequent communication with City staff, outside agencies, and the public. Do you have experience presenting technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences?

To be considered for this position, you must attach all required documents (resume, copy of your degree, and state-issued license). Have you attached all required documents?