TECHNICAL MANAGER V - TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SPECIALIST - IPR#45916

Job Responsibilities

This position is accountable for coordinating and operating the department's advanced traffic management system (ATMS) including specification and procurement reviews, communication and coordination with vendor support staff, troubleshooting software and communications issues, and the ATMS hardware/software support and training of Bureau of Operations and district communications center staff. 

Geographical area:                       Statewide 

Existing ATMS components: 

   Dynamic message signs:          100

   Traffic surveillance systems:     10

   Fiber optic inventory:                 550 miles - Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) owned; 3,100 miles owned by other entities 

Training Sessions:                        10 annually

This position reports to the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Unit Manager. There are no subordinates reporting to this position.   

This position works in an environment that is highly technical and fast-paced with involvement in emerging and evolving traffic management software, data communications protocols, and ITS hardware including traffic surveillance cameras, dynamic message signs, and fiber optic communication lines. This position acts as a technical advisor on the use of the ATMS and various types of ITS equipment and helps establish and integrate seamless transportation systems management and operations strategies between the statewide communications center and district office/state agency/local public agency (LPA) field staff to improve the safety, efficiency, and quality of life for the motoring public in Illinois. The ATMS is also a central repository for gathering and disseminating traffic data including law enforcement computer-aided-dispatch data, automatic vehicle location (AVL) data, winter weather roadway conditions, roadway work zone information, and public crowdsource data.   

Typical problems with this position include troubleshooting the ATMS communications and programming issues both at the central and district offices and ensuring that appropriate department staff have the proper training and protocols to effectively utilize the ATMS capabilities.  The greatest challenges include maintaining good working relationships with the district offices and other state agencies; keeping abreast of the latest technologies for traffic management system hardware and software; and assisting with the maintenance, cybersecurity, and proper operation of the department-owned ITS networks and systems. 

(Job Responsibilities continued)

The incumbent is responsible for the successful day-to-day operation of the department's statewide ATMS which is the central software platform for programming ITS elements including dynamic message signs, video surveillance cameras, and vehicle detection devices. The incumbent assists with maintaining compliance with applicable ITS architecture plans, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), Bureau of Operations policies, and federal/state/local government regulations.  S/He assists with the overall coordination of the ATMS and its ability to communicate and interact with other software platforms such as the Getting Around Illinois website, Gateway Traveler Information System which feeds data to the Travel Midwest website, and other state/local traffic management systems.  The incumbent provides rapid solutions to technical issues that may arise from the use and implementation of the ATMS.  S/He provides and develops training and training materials for staff using the ATMS and assists with the ATMS maintenance items and district office requests regarding ITS hardware, software updates, and network connectivity issues. The incumbent provides management and specification development for consultant or vendor contracts associated with the purchase and ongoing use of the ATMS.   
 

The incumbent is given wide latitude in developing proper specifications and requirements for the ATMS to allow for the implementation of newer and advanced communications and data technologies and ensuring those technologies are properly accommodated within the ATMS.  The incumbent can determine if the current ATMS is meeting the needs of the department and provide recommendations for purchases or modifications of future traffic management systems. Problems of an unusual nature should be referred to the Intelligent Transportation Systems Unit Manager for resolution. 
 

Internally, the incumbent has contact with staff in the Bureaus of Operations, Construction, Design and Environment, Business Services, and Information Processing, along with district office personnel.  Externally, the incumbent has contact with contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, researchers, the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT)/Central Management Services (CMS) personnel, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) staff. Occasional statewide travel with overnight stays is required.   
 

The effectiveness of this position is measured by the level of technical guidance and assistance provided to the communications center staff and district office ITS coordinators, ability to adapt to emerging technologies, and communications with the ATMS vendor to ensure successful ATMS operation. 

Principal Accountabilities

1. Ensures ATMS operational compliance with federal and state regulations and policies.
2. Develops training materials and performs ATMS training for the central and district offices operations staff.
3. Develops ATMS standard operating procedures and guidance documents/user manuals.
4. Develops solutions and resolves issues of a highly technical nature associated with the implementation and use of the department’s ATMS.
5. Manages consultant and vendor contracts tied directly to the department’s ATMS.
6. Develops specifications and requirements for the ATMS purchase and service contracts.
7. Coordinates ATMS software updates with the central and district offices.
8. Acts as a technical advisor to the Bureau of Operations and district office staff on the use of ATMS and various types of ITS equipment.
9. Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules.  Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Position Requirements

• Education/Experience 
  • Completion of a bachelor's degree majoring in business, computer science, or information technologies plus 3 years of experience working with intelligent transportation system software and/or hardware, managing traffic incidents, troubleshooting technical issues with software and/or hardware, or a combination thereof; OR
  • Eleven years of experience working with intelligent transportation system software and/or hardware, managing traffic incidents, troubleshooting technical issues with software and/or hardware, or a combination thereof
• Valid driver's license
• Occasional statewide travel with overnight stays

Position Desirables

• Previous experience with ATMS and/or traffic signal monitoring software
• Previous experience with computer-aided dispatch systems
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative relationships with department staff, state agencies and LPA staff, traffic industry organization personnel, and the public
• Effective oral and written communication skills