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Job Title


PW Traffic Inspector


Company : City of Charlottesville (VA)


Location : Charlottesville, VA


Created : 2026-04-20


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

The Public Works Traffic Inspector performs technical and physical work to assist in the inspection of traffic and street/sidewalk projects and operations for compliance with state and local requirements and safety standards.  Work is performed on City streets or within the City's right-of-way including traffic operations with general supervision. Reports to the City Traffic Engineer. If job requirements cannot be met by an individual, an " In-Training" designation may be used until such time as a training plan is completed and minimum requirements are obtained while performing the job duties under immediate supervision (click here to view the In-Training Traffic Inspector description).  The incumbent will be provided with a training plan with measurable competencies that have been developed for the position. Once the training competencies have been satisfactorily achieved, including meeting all criteria of the Traffic Inspector, the incumbent may be placed in and assume the duties of the Traffic Inspector. Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity: * PW Traffic Inspector: Preferred hiring range is between $23.42 - $28.20 an hour ($48,713.60 - $58,656.00 annually).  * PW Traffic Inspector In-Training: Preferred hiring range is between $19.12 - $20.34 an hour ($39,769.60 - $42,307.20 annually). As of March 28, 2024, this position is part of the Labor and Trades bargaining unit. Future wage adjustments are subject to terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement between the City and the exclusive bargaining representative. This is a full-time, non-exempt, position which provides excellent benefits including 13 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, City's retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, and continuing education/training opportunities. * For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the 'benefits' tab on this posting, or visit * The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS, however the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS and there are certain provisions that must be met. For questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the City's Benefits Administrator at 434-970-3462. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description.  The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time. * Manages the temporary street, sidewalks and inspects street and sidewalk closures. * Assists with managing the parking permit program. * Coordinates with utility companies and other stakeholders the temporary street, sidewalks and parking adjustments needed for improvements and changes. * Inspects traffic control operations to ensure compliance with specifications and standards. Works with in-house staff and contractors to identify deficiencies and make corrections for compliance and safety. * Coordinates with Traffic Operations staff on maintenance and infrastructure improvement efforts.  * Ensures proper public notification related to work in the right of way, and traffic control measures by contractors. * Keeps progress records and prepares reports on project for planning and accountability of contractors and staff. Notifies contractors of deviations or errors and advises on corrective actions needed. * Reviews and verifies contractor billing quantities are accurate prior to payment. * Enforces safety standards and policies on construction sites. * Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time. * Regular and reliable attendance. * Subject to being called back to work to the City in emergencies or as needed to provide necessary services to the public.  Must have the ability to be contacted and respond based on Departmental guidelines. Other Duties: * Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned. Education and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education. * High School diploma or GED AND 2 years of experience in street/traffic maintenance, construction, inspection, or related area. OR * 4 years of experience in street/traffic maintenance, construction, inspection, or related area. OR * An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above. Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements: * Virginia Intermediate Traffic Control Certification within 12 months of hire. * OSHA Construction Safety training within 12 months of hire. * Must obtain and maintain a valid Virginia Driver's License and acceptable driving record according to city criteria. * Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check, pre-employment physical and pre-employment drug screening. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:  Job Knowledge * Working knowledge of state and local ordinances, laws and regulations related to traffic operations. * Working knowledge of ADA compliance, right of way operations, traffic regulations and safety standards. * Working knowledge of Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Reading * Intermediate:   Ability to read and understand written materials such as regulations, safety standards, reports, design plans, etc. Writing * Intermediate: Ability to organize data and write clear and concise reports to notify contractor of non-compliance issues and to keep management informed of project progress, changes, etc., using proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar. Math * Intermediate: Ability to work with and understand number systems; simple formulas, practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions, and measurements; including to monitor expenditures and verify billing by contractors for accuracy. Communication Skills * Intermediate: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, city staff, vendors, contractors, and the public. Ability to provide and receive complex information. May include interactions that involve stressful, negative situations requiring significant tact and the ability to diffuse aggressive behavior and reach consensus. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and understanding. Independence and Decision-Making * Requires General Direction: Normally performs the job by following general instructions or established standard operating procedures and/or policies.  There is some discretion when making decisions among a few easily identifiable choices of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance is reviewed frequently. Technical Skills * Skilled: Comprehensive, practical knowledge of traffic operations and analytical judgment and decision-making abilities. Skill in reading blueprints and design plans. Skill in the use of a computer and Microsoft Office applications, departmental software, and data entry. Fiscal Responsibilities * Assists in the monitoring of project expenditures to ensure accountability of funds. Supervisory Responsibilities * Position does not supervise staff but may serve as a resource for project teams. Other Characteristics * Organization and time management skills, sometimes under strict time constraints. * Frequent change of tasks. * Works closely with others as part of a team. * Tedious and exacting work. * Performing multiple tasks simultaneously. * May be required to work additional hours outside of normal schedule. * May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals. Physical Demands: * Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. * Must be able to move and traverse on work sites to monitor projects. * Requires frequent reaching, standing, occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting, fingering, grasping and repetitive motion.  * Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.  Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations * Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware: * Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.   * Required to use standard equipment and tools of the trade. Work Environment: * Position inspects projects with exposure to adverse weather conditions, uneven terrain, moving mechanical parts and traffic movement. Work is exposed to loud noise, chemicals/hazardous waste, fumes/airborne particles, electrical hazards, and fuels. * Some work is performed in an office environment where there may be exposure to computer screen for extended periods of time, monitor glare, dust and moderate noise levels.