Position Overview

The Traffic Signal Maintenance and Operations Division Manager plays a pivotal role within Harris County's Traffic Division—a dynamic team dedicated to ensuring the safety and efficiency of traffic operations across the jurisdiction. This leadership position oversees the comprehensive maintenance, operation, and strategic enhancement of more than 2,500 traffic signals and school zone flashers, reflecting the county's commitment to safe and efficient traffic movement.

As a central figure in these efforts, the Traffic Signal Maintenance and Operations Division Manager facilitates essential maintenance and construction projects, efficiently allocates resources, and fosters effective communication among all stakeholders. This role is key to promoting team cohesion and operational excellence within the Traffic Division, ensuring that Harris County remains at the forefront of traffic engineering and operations services.

Job Duties/Responsibilities 

• Manage the development and implementation of divisional goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area; establish appropriate service and staffing levels within County policy and allocate resources accordingly.
• Lead the development of standards, policies, and specifications.
• Develop and manage the division’s annual budget and monitor expenditures.
• Oversee the Traffic Signal Maintenance Group, including Signal Technicians, Signal Communication Technicians, the Signal Communications Team Lead, the Signal Maintenance & Operations Team Lead, and on-call contractors.
• Provide mentorship and training to enhance skills and promote professional growth.
• Strategically allocate resources to traffic signal and communication infrastructure to ensure optimal operation and maintenance.
• Proactively monitor, identify, and mitigate risks associated with traffic signals and communication infrastructure to maintain system integrity and safety.
• Collaborate with contractors and consultants on the Advanced Transportation Management System and local controller software to ensure these systems are up to date and functioning effectively.
• Manage and maintain comprehensive asset information for traffic signal and communication infrastructure, ensuring records are accurate and accessible.
• Analyze traffic data to assess the performance of traffic signal systems, identify areas for improvement, and report on system status, project progress, and performance metrics to senior management and stakeholders.
• Address questions and concerns from stakeholders—including constituents, precincts, and the executive leadership team—by providing timely and informed responses.
• Review design plans and coordinate with developer engineers and contractors to ensure traffic signal and communication considerations are integrated into development projects.
• Attend and conduct meetings; coordinate on projects; and interact professionally with team members, other Harris County departments, external agencies, private entities, and the public.
• Develop and implement emergency response plans for traffic signal system failures, coordinating rapid restoration of service to minimize the impact on traffic flow during outages.
• Ensure all maintenance and operational activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations, with a focus on road user and public safety.
• Perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to the smooth operation of the traffic signal system.

Education

                                                                 OR

Experience

Knowledge, Skill & Abilities (KSAs):

• Solid understanding of traffic signal and communication operations, Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and TexITE best practices
• Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products on a Window based PC.
• Must be highly self-motivated with the ability to successfully multi-task and perform detail-oriented work.
• Work independently with minimum supervision, demonstrate effective time management skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the staff, other county departments, agencies, or the public.

Emergency Deployment & Continuity of Operations Requirement:

In accordance with Harris County’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols. The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF)

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications. 

Education

 Experience

• Over Ten (10+) years of experience with traffic signal and communication operation experience
• Over five (5) years of management experience

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week.

Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions: 

Occasional driving of a vehicle with automatic and four-wheel drive controls 

• Frequent standing and walking; prolonged sitting for extended periods of time 
• Frequent stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying of items up to 10 pounds with occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds 
• Extensive use of a video display terminal (computer monitor)
• Occasional sorting, filing, shelving, and handling of documents, books, files, materials, and equipment 
• Frequent standing and walking on rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces and ground during field visits. 
   

Environmental Exposure:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time:

• Approximately 90% of duties will be performed indoors in a normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, air conditions, and noise levels. 
• Approximately 10% of duties will be performed outdoors, where there will be exposure to heat, cold, moisture, air pollution, wind, and dust. 
• Must be willing to work in various weather and working conditions when visiting a field location. 

FEATURED BENEFITS:

Medical, vision, and dental insurance.

Wellness.

Professional development opportunity.

Flexible spending account.

457 deferred compensation plans.

Retirement pension (TCDRS).

Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).

Disability and life insurance.

Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).