Traffic Operations Center Technician 1

Job Purpose and Summary

This is skilled work involved with monitoring, evaluating and coordinating communications for real-time traffic conditions from the Traffic Operations Center for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC). Work includes maintaining communications to ensure the safety and security of customers and employees while traveling or working on the highway 24/7. Incumbents must follow all operating procedures, rules and regulations set forth by the Federal Communications Commission and the PTC. Work is performed with close supervision and review by a shift supervisor or designee.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Communicates with customers, staff, 911 centers, media and external agencies by phone, radio or electronically to identify needs for assistance along the PTC highway and other locations that could impact PTC traffic. 

Provides customer service by telephone and various electronic information systems and programs. Assists with activating traveler alerts and advisories by communicating the needs of the PTC.

Dispatches service and emergency resources for incidents and events including but not limited to police, fire and rescue, medical services, safety patrol, wrecker services, hazardous material response, various departments, etc. Notifies external agencies of PTC resource needs.

Documents and updates all activities and resources for each reported incident through the Traffic Management Tracking System. 

Receives updates and communication from both emergency and non-emergency units to ensure the safety and security of the highway.

Identifies incidents and issues impacting PTC operations by monitoring traffic flow feeds, crowdsourced information, closed-circuit television (CCTV) and other technology.

Notifies key personnel of significant and unusual incidents, weather conditions and real-time system issues that could adversely impact the PTC’s operations in accordance with documented emergency procedures.

Processes emergency alarms received from automated alarms and other computerized systems from various PTC facilities.

Conducts inquiries for license plate registrations and driver’s licenses for Pennsylvania State Police through the Pennsylvania electronic communications database. Transmits information to law enforcement personnel for the apprehension of suspects.

Obtains hazardous material information from incidents and communicates to responders and affiliated agencies.

Monitors weather conditions through weather service alerts, national weather service reports, maintenance reports, roadway weather information systems and other various tools. 

Performs related duties as assigned.
 

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent certification.

One (1) year of experience in an emergency dispatch center handling communications, emergency calls or radio dispatches.

Must obtain an Emergency Telecommunication Course (ETC) certification by the end of their trial period (current employees) or probationary period (new hires).

Must acquire and maintain a valid Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network/National Crime Information Center (CLEAN/NCIC) certification within ninety (90) days.

Must demonstrate the ability to type a minimum of 30 wpm on a PTC administrated test.

Must have and maintain a clean criminal history record and appropriate security clearances.

Competencies

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Position demands include frequent speaking, writing and reading reports. Position requires frequent work at a computer utilizing business programs and PTC specific operating systems. Frequently works extended hours and must be available for emergency response 24/7 when needed. Office environment with low levels of noise, adequate lighting and comfortable temperature. 

Disclaimer

The information provided in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by the incumbent(s) within this job. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of the employee(s) assigned to this job. Management has the discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time.