There's a lot more to traffic than "stop" and "go." To keep motorists moving, traffic technicians perform many complex tasks. They might set the length of time a light stays red, count the number of trucks using a particular bridge, make sure a road crew is protected and well-marked, or analyze accident reports to determine if a highway interchange is too dangerous. Those are just a few examples of the work that goes into enhancing safety and the smooth flow of traffic.

Many traffic technicians work for government agencies. Their job requires engineering and mechanical skills, physical flexibility, good eyesight, patience and attention to detail. They might spend hours pouring over data at a desk or days counting cars out in the cold.

To steer toward a career managing traffic, it's important to understand that it's a science. Traffic technicians are trained on the job under the supervision of a traffic engineer. An educational foundation, including mathematics and engineering, can put you "on the road" to success.

Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Interacting With Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Public Safety and Security	Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Transportation	Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Engineering and Technology	Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Law and Government	Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.