Traffic Operator

CITY OF ELKHART - JOB DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT


Street

POSITION


Traffic Operator

DIVISION


Traffic


STATUS


Full-time

CATEGORY


Hourly, AFSCME


PG 4-10 ($24.26-$29.80)


FLSA


Non-exempt

REPORTS TO


Traffic Supervisor

DATE


2026

JOB SUMMARY


Incumbent performs construction, installation, and maintenance of signals, signage, pavement markings, guard rails, and other traffic control devices in the public right-of-way. Also performs related work on public facilities in Elkhart and reacts to requests by the public or other departments for various maintenance or technical needs in the public right-of-way, as assigned by Traffic Supervisor, Crew leader or Street Commissioner

JOB FUNCTIONS

• Operates and maintains all traffic paint equipment and vehicles.
• Maintains traffic division equipment and facilities located in the public right-of-way and on City owned property. Examples are, but not limited to: on-street parking, snow plowing, sweeping, leaf removal, and other related traffic division responsibilities as assigned.
• Performs construction, installation, and maintenance of traffic signals.
• Prepares, installs, and maintains all signage and pavement markings in the public right-of-way and on all other city owned properties
• Sets up equipment for traffic counts and records information.
• Replaces or repairs damaged signs.
• Operates snow removal equipment on public streets. Plow vehicle designated by supervisor.
• Assists in the routine preventive maintenance activities on traffic signal controllers and related equipment in the public right-of-way.
• Provides assistance to the Traffic Signal Technician on troubleshooting and corrective maintenance on traffic signal controllers.
• Assists in traffic detours and removal of obstructions in the public right-of-way and performs other tasks as necessary to assure the safe movement of traffic in the public right-of-way.
• Assists in the development of skills among other Traffic division employees.
• Performs general maintenance and up keep of tools, supplies and areas of the traffic division, offices and in the shop.
• Other duties as assigned by the Traffic Supervisor, Street Commissioner, Traffic Engineer, or Planning Engineer related to transportation planning, capital improvements, or ongoing maintenance needs.

PERSONAL WORK


TRAITS

• Good work record with prompt arrival and attendance.
• Ability to communicate, gets along, and work well with fellow employees.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Must have a Commercial Driver's License (A or B) according to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
• All new hires, transfers, and bid awards for this position must have on file, or must obtain a valid Department of Transportation physical exam card and the required drug and alcohol test (NIDA) as required by the Department of Transportation.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• Technical continuing education preferred.
• Displays initiative in the performance of the work assignment
• Exhibits the ability to both follow directions and make independent decisions based on his/her experience and knowledge.
• Demonstrates the ability to work with limited supervision.
• Must have knowledge of fundamentals of electricity.
• Working knowledge of how to use most hand tools and power tools.
• Exhibits reliable judgment while working in the public right-of-way with equipment that impacts pedestrian and vehicular safety.
• Knowledge of regulations and procedures governing placement of street signs and markings.
• Knowledge and ability to use marking material and equipment, sign-making and installation equipment, and traffic signal construction and maintenance equipment.
• Knowledge of traffic regulations pertaining to work zone safety and personal protective equipment, as required on a situational basis.
• Ability to maintain and repair equipment associated with traffic control.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND VISUAL SKILLS

• Incumbent is walking, bending, and operating equipment daily; does heavy lifting when performing some duties; operates various tools and equipment which require extreme concentration and considerable dexterity.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Incumbent will be required to work outside in all kinds of weather; is exposed to potential dangers of traffic and hazards of using various tools and equipment, as well as, potential hazards of working around heavy equipment.
• May be required to work overtime and be subject to emergency on-call.

POST OFFER TESTING REQUIRED

• The City of Elkhart is a Drug Free Workplace. Therefore, successfully passing a post offer drug screen is required (random drug testing may be conducted after employment).
• Background checks producing acceptable BMV and criminal history reports required.

POLICY STATEMENT

• The incumbent is required to possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities, and the physical, mental, and visual skills described in this job description to perform the principal duties, responsibilities and essential job functions.
• This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent. Principal duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job and "other" duties and responsibilities include those that are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of this job.
• This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by the Mayor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.