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Traffic Operations Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Iteris is seeking a Traffic Operations Specialist to help identify operational concerns that are affecting traffic flow and initiates the implementation of strategies to eliminate or mitigate those ...

Iteris is seeking a Traffic Operations Specialist to help identify operational concerns that are affecting traffic flow and initiates the implementation of strategies to eliminate or mitigate those ...

Traffic Operations Specialist

Tampa, FL · On-site

$57K - $64K/yr

Traffic Operations Specialists are signal timing specialists who are experienced in the field of arterial traffic operations and are extremely familiar with the traffic operations along the program ...

Traffic Operations Specialists are signal timing specialists who are experienced in the field of arterial traffic operations and are extremely familiar with the traffic operations along the program ...

Traffic Operations Specialists are signal timing specialists who are experienced in the field of arterial traffic operations and are extremely familiar with the traffic operations along the program ...

Traffic Operations Specialists are signal timing specialists who are experienced in the field of arterial traffic operations and are extremely familiar with the traffic operations along the program ...

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Traffic Operations Specialist information

See salary details

$25.5K

$92.5K

$182K

How much do traffic operations specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for traffic operations specialist in the United States is $92,458.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Traffic Operations Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Traffic Operations Specialist, you need a background in transportation planning or engineering, strong analytical abilities, and usually a relevant degree such as civil engineering or urban planning. Familiarity with traffic management systems, GIS software, and sometimes certifications like Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) are often required. Excellent communication, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail help you coordinate with stakeholders and respond swiftly to traffic issues. These competencies are vital for ensuring efficient traffic flow, public safety, and effective incident response in busy roadway networks.

How does a Traffic Operations Specialist typically collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth traffic flow?

Traffic Operations Specialists work closely with teams such as law enforcement, public works, and emergency management to coordinate responses to incidents, road closures, or construction projects. They often communicate in real-time using radios, traffic management systems, and digital dashboards to share updates and adjust signal timing or traffic patterns as needed. This collaboration is essential for minimizing congestion, ensuring public safety, and maintaining efficient transportation networks.

What is the difference between Traffic Operations Specialist vs Traffic Engineer?

AspectTraffic Operations SpecialistTraffic Engineer
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in transportation, civil engineering, or related field; certifications like AICP or traffic control certifications are commonBachelor's or Master's degree in civil engineering or transportation engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often required
Work EnvironmentFieldwork managing traffic flow, installing signage, monitoring traffic patterns, and coordinating traffic control devicesDesigning traffic systems, analyzing traffic data, planning roadway improvements, and overseeing traffic safety projects
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, transportation agencies, construction firmsGovernment agencies, consulting firms, transportation departments

While both roles focus on traffic management, Traffic Operations Specialists primarily handle on-the-ground traffic control and monitoring, whereas Traffic Engineers focus on planning, designing, and analyzing traffic systems. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and required credentials.

What are Traffic Operations Specialists?

Traffic Operations Specialists are professionals responsible for monitoring, managing, and optimizing the flow of traffic on roads and highways. They use technology and data to identify issues such as congestion, accidents, or road closures, and coordinate responses to ensure safety and efficiency. Their duties may include operating traffic control systems, communicating with emergency services, and implementing traffic management plans. This role is essential for maintaining safe and efficient transportation networks in urban and rural areas.
More about Traffic Operations Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Traffic Operations Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Traffic Operations Specialist job openings:
Infographic showing various Traffic Operations Specialist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,458 per year, or $44.5 per hour.
Traffic Operations Specialist

Traffic Operations Specialist

iteris

Tampa, FL

$57K - $64K/yr

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Iteris is seeking a Traffic Operations Specialist to help identify operational concerns that are affecting traffic flow and initiates the implementation of strategies to eliminate or mitigate those concerns. Traffic Operations Specialists are signal timing specialists who are experienced in the field of arterial traffic operations and are extremely familiar with the traffic operations along the program corridors. The position will assist with the analysis, assessment, and interpretation of data, conditions, and systems to plan and execute traffic signal retiming improvements.  The position will also require regular coordination with public agencies and consultants. This position is based in Tampa and will include extensive travel within Florida and occasionally outside of Florida.

What you will be doing:

  • Ensure that critical State Road arterial corridors are being operated at a high level of efficiency and effectiveness by establishing baseline conditions for each corridor, identifying any deficiencies, monitoring the corridor on a regular basis to identify any degradation of the corridor requiring corrective action, and then initiating such corrective action
  • Provide signal timing plan development/refinement following maintaining agency protocol and practice and development/refinement of special event timing plans to be implemented as part of active arterial management
  • Focus on daily operations of multiple arterial roadways to which he/she is assigned
  • Use all available platforms (ATMS, travel time, ATSPM, CMS, etc.) to analyze and adjust signal operations to obtain maximum throughput and provide safe, reliable and efficient arterial operations
  • Extensive travel to conduct field work [at least 50% of the time]

What you need to be successful in this role:

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field (consideration will also be given for equivalent experience)
  • IMSA Traffic Signal Field Technician Level I (or obtain within 6 months)
  • Ability to learn the operation of Synchro and Tru-Traffic software programs
  • Ability to learn Traffic Management Center (TMC) operations
  • Ability to work independently with a passion for traffic engineering and operations

Iteris anticipates paying between $57,600 and $64,200 for this role. However, actual pay offered may vary depending on job related knowledge, skills, and experience. 

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