Traffic Engineer

The City of Columbia is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking City Traffic Engineer to lead the City’s traffic engineering operations and shape the future of mobility for one of South Carolina’s most vibrant and rapidly growing communities. This leader will play a pivotal role in creating safe, efficient, and innovative transportation solutions that serve residents, businesses, and visitors. The City Traffic Engineer oversees all traffic engineering functions, from system planning and traffic control design to long-range transportation strategies. This leader manages a wide range of complex technical, operational, and community-facing responsibilities and serves as a key advisor on traffic-related issues across the City. Working with broad autonomy, the City Traffic Engineer reports progress through regular meetings and collaborates closely with senior leaders, City Council, neighborhood groups, and partner agencies. This is a critical leadership position that combines engineering expertise, policy development, strategic planning, and public engagement. To view the full position profile, please visit Columbia Traffic Engineer PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Leadership & Planning Develop and implement policies and procedures that guide the City’s traffic engineering activities. Design and oversee an effective, citywide traffic control system that improves safety and traffic flow. Lead traffic engineering studies to identify challenges, trends, and innovative solutions. Manage and monitor grants for special projects and prepare related reports. Operational Excellence Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations as well as City standards for safety and quality. Review plans, project designs, and the work of technical staff to ensure accuracy and completeness. Inspect projects for compliance and initiate corrective actions when necessary. Oversee driveway permitting and neighborhood traffic control programs. Collaboration & Community Engagement Work closely with the Division Head on annual budgeting, planning, and resource allocation. Coordinate the availability of equipment, materials, and personnel for maximum operational efficiency. Engage with the community by investigating and resolving public complaints and providing responsive customer service. Attend City Council meetings and present information on traffic engineering matters. Administration & Professional Development Prepare reports, correspondence, and documentation to support operations. Provide ongoing training and development opportunities for team members. Stay informed of emerging technologies, trends, and best practices through workshops, conferences, and professional networks. QUALIFICATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION Minimum Requirements to Perform Work Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Traffic Engineering or a closely related field. Four (4) or more years of progressively responsible experience in traffic engineering. Registered Professional Engineer (PE) in South Carolina. Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License (or the ability to obtain one). Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong applied mathematics skills and the ability to interpret and analyze complex data. Expertise in diagnosing and solving engineering and operational challenges across a large and dynamic transportation environment. The ability to negotiate, collaborate, and build consensus across departments, community groups, and stakeholders. Skill in reading technical publications, leading trainings, and preparing professional reports. Experience with traffic/electrical systems, complex equipment, and software systems associated with traffic engineering. Confidence making decisions that affect major organizational initiatives and public safety. The ability to work under pressure while balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. COMPENSATION The salary offered at the time of hire is expected to be between $90,000 – $115,000, with the broader salary range offering long term salary growth within the role. The salary offered is complemented by an exceptional benefits package. More information about benefits offered can be found here: #J-18808-Ljbffr