Senior Transportation Engineer

Job Description

Primary purpose:
The Senior Transportation Engineer plays a key role in improving the safety, accessibility, and efficiency of Newton's transportation network for residents, commuters, and visitors. This position provides technical leadership in evaluating traffic operations, identifying and implementing roadway safety improvements, and advancing transportation infrastructure projects throughout the City. Working collaboratively with City departments, residents, consultants, and other stakeholders, the Senior Transportation Engineer helps develop practical solutions to transportation challenges, oversees engineering staff and contractors, and supports the delivery of projects that improve mobility for all roadway users.

Supervision:
Supervision Received:
Reporting to the Director of Transportation Operations, the Senior Transportation Engineer establishes their own work plan and completes work in accordance with established departmental and City policies, standards, and expectations.
Supervision Given:
Supervises up to four employees and consultants performing traffic and transportation engineering tasks. Assumes responsibilities of the Director in their absence.

Essential Functions:
(The essential functions or duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. 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.)
Receives and responds appropriately to calls, emails, and online "311" system comments from residents, consultants, vendors, police dispatch, and others regarding transportation and parking emergencies, questions, and requests.
Coordinates completion of traffic work orders and coordinates as needed with the DPW Engineering, Streets, and Utilities Divisions, verifies accuracy and quality of work, and communicates work order status to interested parties.
Utilizes the DPW work order database on a day-to-day basis to identify, process, and close work order requests.
Effectively communicates with City staff, elected officials, partner agencies, and members of the public regarding transportation engineering decisions, policies, and industry best practices.
Performs field work and traffic sign, signal or pavement marking inspections to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local standards.
Applies engineering judgment to make decisions based on site-specific context and field observations.
Analyzes various modes of transportation for safety, operational efficiency, and effectiveness in serving the needs of its users.
Assists in identifying and prioritizing infrastructure improvement opportunities within the transportation network.
Performs traffic operations analysis using both computer models and qualitative assessments to assist the Transportation Division in responding to various verbal and written requests.
Reviews and evaluates traffic operations analysis, completed by either the Traffic Engineer or engineering consultants, to assist the Transportation Division in responding to various verbal and written requests.
Analyzes crash data and develops safety countermeasures from concept to construction.
Conducts traffic engineering studies and city-wide field observations for traffic signal, specialty light, or streetlight outages.
Conducts seasonal city-wide condition surveys of pavement markings, traffic signs, and other infrastructure.
Creates databases and/or work orders based on field observations and downloads data from field devices into desktop computers.
Supervises employees performing traffic and transportation engineering tasks. Assumes the responsibilities of the Director in their absence, including supervising personnel.
Coordinates with and supervises Transportation Division consultants and contractors, including but not limited to design engineers, traffic signal maintenance contractors, streetlight maintenance contractors, pavement marking contractors, construction contractors, and other outside consultants and contractors.
Creates and edits engineering and analysis documents using various tools and programs: various layers and applications within the City's Geographic Information System (GIS); traffic signal plans; pavement marking plans; traffic management plans; roadway design plans; and as-built plans of transportation infrastructure.
Reviews the on-site and off-site parking and transportation issues associated with new development projects.
Reviews traffic calming proposals, roadway and traffic signal construction, and other related projects in the public way.
Completes technical memoranda to summarize conclusions and recommendations for review by the Director, other DPW Division Heads, or the Commissioner of Public Works.
Assists the Transportation Division in monitoring and reporting the status of snow and ice removal operations on sidewalks and other emergencies as declared by the City.
Assists the Director in management and oversight of Transportation Division budgets, contracts, and invoices.
Assumes responsibilities and duties of the Director and other Transportation Division staff in their absence.
Participates as a voting member on the City's Traffic Council.
Attends and participates in Department and other meetings internally and externally as well as various special events.
Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situations dictate.

Qualifications:
(To perform successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. We encourage all candidates who feel they are capable of successfully performing the responsibilities as outlined in this position description, regardless of the qualifications listed below to apply.)
Education, Training and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or a related field required. Master's Degree in Civil Engineering or a related field is desirable. Seven (7) years of experience in the traffic and transportation engineering required, or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in a public works/municipal environment with regulatory experience preferred. Proficiency with AutoCAD, GIS and traffic analysis and simulation software required; experience with and working knowledge of traffic signal control equipment required. Engineer-in-Training (EIT) status is preferred; Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is desirable. A valid Massachusetts Class D Driver's License is required.
A strong commitment to public service is required.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
Knowledge: Working knowledge of traffic signal control equipment; working knowledge and understanding of local, state and federal government operations and its role with(in) the transportation/engineering field. Working knowledge of key transportation reference manuals, including the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, AASHTO Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Street (The Green Book), National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) design manuals and guidance, and the Highway Capacity Manual. Knowledge of personal computer hardware and software, including AutoCAD, GIS and traffic analysis and simulation software.
Ability: Ability to read, interpret, and explain clearly and in basic terminology documents and plans such as construction contract documents, engineering design theory and analysis, union contracts, City ordinances, state and federal laws, regulations, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals to internal and external stakeholders, including other City Departments, contractors, residents, etc. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; ability to clearly and efficiently write technical memoranda and correspondence; ability to present information that may be controversial in nature effectively to inside and outside groups, contacts, groups of customers, or employees of the organization. Ability to interpret site plans, contract specifications, construction drawings, details and layouts. Ability to train, supervise and evaluate employees effectively and assume responsibilities of the Director in their absence. Ability to perform field work as required (e.g. measurements, mark-outs, traffic counts, etc.) and possess a high level of comfort in the field in a variety of seasons and conditions.
Skill: Effective written, oral communication skills with ability to present ideas to a group. Excellent problem-solving and research skills. Good listening skills; strong organizational and record-keeping skills; personnel management skills. Skilled in constructing and maintaining excel spreadsheets and using other general and profession-related software and technology; experience working with various computer and database programs. Strong analytical, problem solving and troubleshooting skills required.

Work Environment:
Work is performed under typical office conditions as well as other settings, such as in the field on construction sites or other outside locations in a variety of seasons and weather conditions; requires maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing, sitting, or driving a vehicle for prolonged periods of time.
Operates computers, computer software such as Microsoft Suite systems, AutoCAD, GIS, traffic analysis and simulation software and other engineering programs, printers, facsimile machine, copier, calculator, and standard office equipment. Has frequent contact with other City departments, current employees, and vendors/service providers. Has access to all department-level confidential information, which requires the application of appropriate judgment, discretion, and professional office protocols.

Physical skills and effort:
(The physical demands described here represent those requirements 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.)
Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5 - 10 pounds). Tasks require field visits to evaluate traffic and multimodal transportation operations; conditions of public roadways, sidewalks, and parking lots; and traversing public roadways, sidewalks, and parking lots in a manner comparable to travel by a member of the general public. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Tasks may involve maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing, sitting, or driving a vehicle for prolonged periods of time. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally and in writing. Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Performance Standard:

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the City through work behaviors demonstrating the City's values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

EXPECTED HIRING RANGE: The anticipated starting salary for this position will generally fall within a portion of the posted pay range. Initial placement will be based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and other relevant factors.

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

Company Description

THE CITY:

The City of Newton is a wonderful place to live and work. Newton has safe and attractive neighborhoods, an excellent public school system, an active community life, multiple transportation systems, proximity to Boston and a well-managed and financially strong City government. The City of Newton has a population of approximately 88,900, with 32,600 housing units and occupies a land area of 18.3 square miles. Newton is principally suburban-residential in character. Unlike many other communities that are established around a single Main Street or downtown, Newton is comprised of thirteen distinctive villages. Newton has a diversified economic base with approximately 4,700 establishments employing approximately 79,500 people. Newton is special in many ways. It is home to a variety of private secondary and post-secondary schools including a portion of Boston College, Lasell University, William James College, Hebrew College, and the UMass Amherst - Mount Ida Campus. The longest stretch of the Boston Marathon runs through the City, including the well-known Heartbreak Hill. Newton-Wellesley Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham health care system, serves as an important partner to the City. In September 2018, Newton was again ranked #1 in Massachusetts as the best place to live and #12 in the U.S.

OUR GOVERNMENT:

Newton has what is known as a "strong Mayor" form of government with the Mayor having the executive and administrative powers of the City. The legislative branch is comprised of 24 City Councilors. Mayor Marc C. Laredo was sworn in on January 1, 2026 after serving on the City Council. The City of Newton was evaluated by Moody's Investors Services in February 2020 and assigned its highest rating of AAA. Newton was thus well-positioned to weather the pandemic and economic downturn.

AS AN EMPLOYER:

The City of Newton believes that its employees are its greatest asset. To that end, we are committed to supporting our employees by providing competitive wages and growth, a comprehensive benefits package which includes a defined municipal pension plan, quality health and dental insurance plans, generous paid leave benefits, paid holidays, and access to supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation, short term disability plans, flexible spending accounts, and other employee benefits. We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Program and access to employee training and professional development opportunities. We continuously work to review and expand upon our benefit offerings. We encourage you to visit our Human Resources Department website to learn more about our organization and benefits which are available to our employees. And as always, you are encouraged to reach out to our dynamic HR Team by emailing View email address on click.appcast.io.

Human Resources Diversity Statement

We recognize our workforce is a source of strength that is vital to our ability to effectively serve the City of Newton's diverse community. We will:

• Actively recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and talented workforce.
• Proactively address discrimination through education and in partnership with other departments and leaders.
• Serve as a role model to celebrate and nurture diversity.
• Foster inclusion by staying curious and clarifying assumptions.
• Evaluate and develop policies and practices that reflect the diverse nature of our workforce.
• Build and strengthen accountability at all levels to support diversity efforts.

The targeted salary range reflects what the City of Newton reasonably and in good faith expects to offer for this position at the time of posting, but the final salary determination may be within or outside this range based on various factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and market factors. The range will be reviewed regularly and is subject to change.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 457 Deferred Compensation plans
• Metro Credit Union
• Verizon Wireless discount
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous paid leave time benefits and paid holidays.
• City Retirement (Mandatory)
• Weekly Direct Deposit
• Opportunity to serve the public and join a dynamic team of dedicated employees