Traffic Control Specialist Trainee

Are you seeking a career path where you will learn how to use data, investigation techniques, and engineering insight to help make Pennsylvania roads safer for each and every traveler? Become a Traffic Control Specialist Trainee with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and take the first step toward a meaningful and fulfilling profession while building valuable skills. This position gives you hands-on training that prepares you to improve roadway safety and traffic flow. Apply today to become part of a supportive team that works to serve the public!

This position is part of a structured 12-month training program designed to prepare you for technical work in the District Traffic Unit. Within this role, you will learn how to analyze and resolve traffic related tasks that support safe travel. As a Traffic Control Specialist Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Traffic Studies: Assist with routine studies for traffic signals, warning devices, and other electronic equipment
• Signal Design: Support the review and preparation of less complex traffic signal designs and technical studies
• Safety Reviews: Evaluate traffic routes, pavement markings, and signing to identify safety concerns
• Data Analysis: Use computer software to help complete capacity reviews and timing analysis for signal optimization
• Project Review: Examine traffic control plans for construction projects and utility operations
• Technical Support: Provide information to staff and customers through reports, communications, and participation in studies

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 3 days per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Oil City. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year of experience as a Traffic Control Technician (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Four years of experience performing transportation engineering technical assignments such as traffic data collection, traffic studies, pavement marking program oversight, highway sign or pavement marking surveys, traffic signal inspection, materials sampling, testing, or inspection, construction inspection, bridge inspection, survey work, utility relocation, roadway programs management, or roadway materials control; and graduation from high school; or
• Two years of experience in transportation engineering technical assignments and an Associate's Degree in the field of mathematics, statistics, or a civil engineering technology; or
• A Bachelor's Degree in mathematics, statistics, civil engineering technology, or a closely related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.