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Posted: January 9, 2026 (6 days ago)

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Traffic Control Specialist Trainee

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Department of Transportation

Fresh

Location

Pennsylvania, 17120

Salary

$51,971 - $79,062

per year

Closes

January 23, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This entry-level trainee position at Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation involves a 12-month program where you'll learn to analyze traffic patterns, manage roadway safety, and develop strategies to keep roads running smoothly.

You'll rotate through different tasks like studying incidents, testing tools, and preparing reports to help control traffic flow statewide.

It's ideal for detail-oriented beginners with strong analytical skills who want to contribute to public safety in transportation.

Key Requirements

  • Successful completion of a 12-month structured training program with rotations in traffic control areas
  • Ability to conduct traffic pattern analysis, forecasts, and incident studies
  • Experience or aptitude in preparing data reports and formulating recommendations
  • Knowledge of traffic principles including signals, congestion management, signs, pavement markings, and work zones
  • Proficiency in gathering and analyzing traffic data for operations reports and policy development
  • Skills in evaluating and testing software applications and traffic operations tools
  • Availability for full-time evening shift (3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Monday-Friday) with possible additional hours
  • Residency or ability to work from an approved location in Pennsylvania, with part-time telework option

Full Job Description

Are you looking for an exciting career opportunity? Join our team at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) as a Traffic Control Specialist Trainee, where you will be instrumental in ensuring the safety of the state's roadways. In this dynamic position, you will engage in comprehensive research and analysis of traffic patterns, forecasts, and incidents, contributing to the development of effective traffic management strategies. If you have a keen eye for detail, exceptional analytical skills, and a commitment to excellence, this role presents a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public safety and transportation efficiency in Pennsylvania.20250527072204_DOT.jpg

Requirements

This comprehensive 12-month training program is designed to equip you with the necessary skills to become a Traffic Control Specialist at the Statewide Traffic Management Center (STMC).

Throughout this program, you will engage in various phases and rotations as outlined in the Traffic Control Specialist Trainee program plan, or as instructed by your supervisor, rotation managers, or coordinators.

Your training will encompass a wide range of areas, including the application of traffic control principles in safety and studies, signals and congestion management, sign usage, pavement markings, work zone management, and highway occupancy permits.

You will be tasked with conducting analyses, preparing traffic control data reports for studies, and formulating recommendations based on your findings.

As you advance in your training and develop your skills, you will encounter increasingly challenging projects and assignments, all of which will be reviewed for accuracy by a Traffic Control Specialist, rotation manager, or coordinator upon completion.

In addition to your core responsibilities, you will play a vital role in the creation of traffic operations reports by gathering and analyzing traffic data, as well as contributing to the formulation of policies, procedures, and guidelines for the traffic management center.

Your involvement will also extend to the evaluation and testing of various software applications and essential traffic operations tools, ensuring effective control of devices, monitoring and managing traffic flow, conducting data analysis, and performing quality assurance and control on existing operational efforts.Interested in learning more?

Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.Work Schedule and Additional Information:

  • Full-time employment
  • Work hours are 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
  • Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time.

    In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.

    If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.

    Additional details may be provided during the interview.

  • Additional or varied hours may be necessary for emergent or operational needs
  • Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
  • You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

  • One year of experience as a Traffic Control Technician (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
  • Four years of experience performing transportation engineering technical assignments such as traffic data collection, traffic studies, pavement marking program oversight, highway sign or pavement marking surveys, traffic signal inspection, materials sampling, testing, or inspection, construction inspection, bridge inspection, survey work, utility relocation, roadway programs management, or roadway materials control; and graduation from high school; or
  • Two years of experience in transportation engineering technical assignments and an Associate’s Degree in the field of mathematics, statistics, or a civil engineering technology; or
  • A Bachelor’s Degree in mathematics, statistics, civil engineering technology, or a closely related field; or
  • An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:
  • You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
  • You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Commonwealth employees who wish to use their seniority rights must apply to the internal posting for their seniority rights to be considered.

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position.

Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

  • If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
  • Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
  • Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

  • Veterans:
    • Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

    Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
    • 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

    If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

    The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

    Additional Information

    • Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
    • Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
    • Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
    • You must provide complete and accurate information or:
      • your score may be lower than deserved.
      • you may be disqualified.
    • You may only apply/test once for this posting.
    • Your results will be provided via email.

    Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

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    Posted on NEOGOV: 1/9/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/9/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-pabureau-5187675