Location
Tacoma, WA | United States
Job description
Traffic Signal Engineer
Salary
$92,872.00 - $130,728.00 Annually
Location
Tacoma, WA
Job Type
Non-Classified
Job Number
T0080-23B
Department
Public Works
Opening Date
12/15/2023
Closing Date
Continuous
Description
Benefits
Questions
Position Description
This position is open until filled, applications received by January 23, 2024, will receive first consideration.
The City of Tacoma Public Works Department and its Transportation Division is looking for an engineer to review, analyze, and develop signal timing and phasing to support the City’s 350+ traffic signals as well as other related determinations for similar traffic control features.
This Traffic Signal Engineer will independently, and/or with direction/guidance from a licensed engineer if/when applicable, perform engineering task assignments which support the operation and safety of the City’s transportation system. Tacoma is a sustainable community with many diverse residents, businesses, and visitors who have various transportation priorities. The City is strategic in how it plans its transportation system with an emphasis on safely conveying people and goods that foster Tacoma’s culture, character, and competitiveness. The City’s transportation system offers multimodal travel options from micromobility to high-capacity transit that support safe access for all users and neighborhoods, encourages healthy living, and protects the environment.
The incumbent will need to exhibit strong, progressively responsible experience specific to traffic signals, signal timing principles, technology, and equipment. Additionally, experience with and/or propensity to learn about streetlighting, intelligent transportation systems, and/or other areas of civil engineering and project management, including traffic operations and safety, right-of-way design, and permitting regulations, would also be valued from someone in this position. Ultimately, the position will be collaborating and building strong relationships with internal city staff, agency partners, advocacy organizations, and the community to develop decisions that are effective and supportive of the City’s goal for a safe and equitable transportation system.
The Principles that Guide Us:
Tacoma, the City of Destiny, has a workforce of dedicated, talented employees with unique skills and perspectives. We embrace innovation and strive for excellence and community engagement. The Principles that Guide Us, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Equity, speak to the values that we embody as City of Tacoma employees, and represent the core of our work in public service.
Qualifications
At a minimum:
Four (4) year degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering or related field and two (2) years of engineering-related experience*.
*Engineer in Training (EIT) Certificate or Professional Engineer License may be substituted for years of experience. Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education
Desired Qualifications:
Two or more years of progressively responsible professional traffic engineering experience specifically relating to traffic signal systems (or similar), and preferably within a government setting. An EIT certification (or Professional Engineer license) is also preferred.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Engineering in Training Certificate and/or Professional Engineering License is a desirable certification. Position may require a valid Washington Driver's License at the time of appointment with maintenance thereafter.
Knowledge & Skills
Experience with traffic signal operations and design; additional understanding/experience with streetlight systems/design and/or intelligent transportation system design is desirable.
Experience with transportation planning and engineering, and knowledge of civil engineering standards and practices.
Ability to research, prepare, and present technical recommendations to other departments, officials, and external groups.
Strong customer service skills and the ability to organize and express ideas through excellent oral and written communication to a wide variety of audiences.
Ability to work with diverse audiences and build relationships with internal and external partners.
Effective participant in multi-disciplinary teams.
Knowledge of innovative and current transportation engineering/planning best practices.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Conversant in AutoCAD, MS Office, traffic analysis software such as Synchro, and possess the ability to learn new applications.
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
To be considered for this opportunity:
Interested individuals must complete the online application and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.
In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.
This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of education, certifications, professional license and related experience. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and who most closely correspond to the City of Tacoma's needs will be placed on a referral list for review and potential interview selection.
Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment. Appointment is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment background and references check.
Supplemental questions regarding an applicant's experience and training are also included in the application form. These questions will be used to assess candidate minimum qualifications and to provide additional information to the hiring managers regarding candidate experience.
Applications received by January 23, 2024, will receive first consideration.
City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.
The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.
Our City:
With a population over 210,000, Tacoma is the second largest city in the Puget Sound region, gracing the shores of Commencement Bay. We are a diverse, progressive, international city that serves as a gateway to the Pacific Rim and the rest of the world. Named one of the most livable areas in the country by Livability.com, Tacoma and the surrounding area is a playground for outdoor and maritime enthusiasts. Our businesses are vibrant, our parks are beautiful, and our schools are exceptional.
When you work for the City of Tacoma, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work/life balance, the potential for flexible work schedules (with some job classifications), continuing education programs, leadership pathways, wellness incentives and a total rewards benefits program. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny.
The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.
For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, or questions regarding this job announcement, call the Human Resources office at (253) 591.5400 before 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement.
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Public Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
01
This supplemental questionnaire will be used to determine whether you meet minimum qualifications for this position and will be used as a tool to screen applications prior to an in depth look at your application materials. These questions should be completed thoroughly and honestly. Your responses to these questions may be accessed through the interview and reference check process. Any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration will result in disqualification from the hiring process. Do NOT refer to your resume in lieu of answering these questions.
I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment. Please check "Yes" to indicate that you have read and understand these instructions.
Yes
No
02
Do you have a four (4) year degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering or related field and two (2) years of engineering-related experience?
Engineering in Training or Professional Engineer Certificate may be substituted for years of experience
Yes.
No, degree only, and not the level of experience (if able to answer 'Yes' to the next question, then it can substitute)
No, level of experience only; no degree.
03
Do you have your Engineering in Training or Professional Engineer Certificate?
Yes
No
04
The City of Tacoma values diversity, equity, and inclusion especially when implementing progressive transportation policies. In 300 words or less, give an example of an issue or project you have worked on related to diversity, equity, and/or inclusion. Describe the strategies you used, or you think could have been used, to expand the group/community's understanding of the project or issue? If you have no relevant experience in this area, respond with "N/A" but then describe (in 300 words or less) what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you.
05
This position requires sound problem-solving and analysis skills to address traffic operations and safety concerns. In 300 words or less, describe a work-related task or project that you were responsible for that best demonstrates your ability to analyze and communicate information. If you have no relevant experience in this area, respond with N/A.
06
The work associated with this position, and municipal work in general, can be very demanding. In 300 words or less, provide an example of a time in the work environment when you had multiple demands (of any type) on your time. How did you ensure that you were able to meet the needs of your internal and external customers/stakeholders?
07
In 300 words or less, describe an engineering project you had in school or a past professional position that made you excited about the prospect of working in the traffic engineering field. Please elaborate on why you chose what you did and what was your specific role?
08
Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.
Job Interest Card notification
Professional organization
Union job posting
City of Tacoma employee
Online job board posting
Word of mouth
Tacoma community organization
General internet job search
Other
09
To complement the above response, please provide more specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. This information is used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings. Thank you for your feedback.
Required Question
Agency
City of Tacoma
Address
Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764
Phone
253-591-5400
Website
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