Position Overview:

The Director of Traffic Engineering, Design, and Operations is a key leadership role within the Office of the County Engineer's Traffic Division, responsible for overseeing a comprehensive range of traffic engineering and operations services. This includes leading the execution of traffic studies, reviewing traffic impact analyses, maintaining and operating traffic control devices, and implementing innovative transportation solutions. The Director ensures that the division's objectives are met with efficiency, quality, and regulatory compliance while fostering a cohesive and responsive team environment.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manages the development and implementation of department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area; establishes, within County policy, appropriate service and staffing levels, and allocates resources accordingly.
• Leads the development of engineering standards, policies, and specifications.
• Directs and coordinates departmental activities with other departments and outside agencies and organizations; provides staff assistance to the Assistant County Engineer, County Engineer, and elected officials, and assists in preparing and presenting staff reports and other necessary communications.
• Leads a multidisciplinary team including managers, engineers, designers, technicians, and support staff, ensuring high standards of professionalism and collaboration.
• Oversees the conduct and review of over 400 internal traffic studies and 900 traffic impact analyses each year, ensuring they meet regulatory standards and contribute effectively to traffic management strategies.
• Directs the operation and maintenance of approximately 2,500 traffic signals and school zone flashers, prioritizing public safety and efficient traffic flow.
• Ensures the optimal use of resources to achieve division goals, including effective scheduling, risk management, and the facilitation of solutions to emerging challenges.
• Maintains a comprehensive understanding of the division's portfolio, including detailed awareness of high-priority tasks, directives, and projects. Plans, organizes, oversees, and reviews all traffic system programs and activities.
• Champions the adoption and integration of innovative transportation solutions, making strategic recommendations for their implementation to enhance the county's traffic systems.
• Guarantees that all division projects adhere to the highest standards of quality, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Serves as the primary communication link between the Traffic Division and executive staff, stakeholders, and external organizations, ensuring clear implementation of initiatives and directives.
• Continuously develops and standardizes procedures to boost the efficiency and effectiveness of the division's services, projects, and activities.
• Conducts forensic traffic engineering tasks, including compliance assessments, accident investigations, and the provision of expert testimonials.
• Prepares agenda items for Commissioners Court, including proposals, service contracts, additional fees, construction awards, field alterations, and funding requests.
• Supervises program and project development across all traffic modes, including neighborhood and arterial traffic operations, high-collision analysis, traffic operations investigations and implementation activities, and traffic project design delivery.
• Recommends revisions to regulations based on new legislation or changing County needs, ensuring current and effective governance.
• Prepares and submits reports on funding needs and the status of funds, ensuring financial transparency and accountability.
• Assists with recovery efforts following local disasters, contributing to the community's resilience and safety.
• Adapts to emergency or high-priority situations as needed, demonstrating flexibility and leadership in critical times.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience.
• A minimum of five (5) years of administrative or supervisory relevant experience.

Licensure:

• Professional Engineering License.
• A valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skill & Abilities (KSAs):

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to understand executive staff and client needs and align resources to accomplish objectives.
• Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information at all times.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and general oversight.
• Self-starter with the ability to motivate staff to take ownership and set goals.
• Strong knowledge and proficiency in using office-related software.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks and initiatives.
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to interact tactfully and professionally with diverse groups in a complex organization.

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) and must:

Education:

License/Certification:

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 and Environmental Exposure:

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.

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).