Assistant Director, Traffic Engineering and Operations

Position Overview The Assistant Director of Traffic Engineering and Operations plays a key leadership role within the Harris County Engineering Department’s Traffic Division. This position supports the Director in managing the planning, design, and operation of traffic systems across the County. The Assistant Director helps oversee traffic engineering studies, traffic impact analysis reviews, traffic signal timing, and in close coordination with operation and maintenance of traffic control infrastructure, including signals and school zone flashers. This role works closely with engineering staff, operational teams, and external partners to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant transportation systems that support the mobility needs of Harris County residents. The Assistant Director provides day‑to‑day leadership for teams of engineers, designers, technicians, and support staff while helping implement innovative transportation solutions, improve operational efficiency, and maintain high standards of public service. Job Duties & Responsibilities Assist the Director in managing the Traffic Division’s programs, services, and operational activities to support safe and efficient traffic systems across Harris County. Support the development and implementation of division goals, policies, engineering standards, and operational procedures. Provide leadership and guidance to multidisciplinary teams, including managers, engineers, designers, technicians, and administrative staff. Oversee and support the review and completion of hundreds of internal traffic studies and traffic impact analyses each year to ensure compliance with engineering standards and regulatory requirements. Assist in the operation, maintenance, and performance monitoring of approximately 2,500 traffic signals and school zone flashers throughout the County. Coordinate projects and initiatives with internal divisions, external agencies, consultants, and community stakeholders. Monitor project schedules, staffing needs, and operational priorities to ensure efficient use of resources and timely delivery of services. Help oversee the planning, design, and implementation of traffic engineering projects, including neighborhood traffic management, arterial operations, high‑collision location reviews, and system improvements. Assist in evaluating and implementing innovative traffic management technologies and transportation solutions that improve safety and mobility. Ensure that traffic engineering programs and projects maintain strong quality control, risk management, and regulatory compliance standards. Support preparation of Commissioners Court agenda items, including project approvals, service contracts, and funding requests. Provide technical guidance and support related to forensic traffic engineering activities such as accident investigations, compliance reviews, and technical analysis. Assist in developing reports on program performance, operational needs, and funding requirements. Support emergency operations and disaster response activities when required. Serve as a liaison between the Traffic Division, executive leadership, partner agencies, and the public. Promote continuous improvement by helping refine processes, procedures, and operational practices within the division. Perform other duties as assigned. Equal Opportunity Statement Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, visit If you need special services or accommodations, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate. Education Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering field. Master’s degree in Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or a related field. Experience Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant traffic engineering or transportation engineering experience. Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or leadership experience. Licensure Professional Engineering License. A valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s License. Professional Traffic Operations Engineering License. Knowledge, Skill & Abilities (KSAs) Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to effectively collaborate with executive leadership, engineers, and external stakeholders. Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast‑paced environment. Strong leadership and team development skills. Ability to handle confidential or sensitive information with discretion. Proficiency in standard office and engineering software tools. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving abilities. Ability to interact professionally with diverse teams and stakeholders in a complex public sector environment. 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: Participate in the classification process of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities. Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergency events. Confirm work assignments with their supervisor prior to reporting to any worksite during such events. Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support County operations continuity. 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 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). Employment Conditions Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department. #J-18808-Ljbffr Harris County