What are the responsibilities and job description for the Traffic Engineer III position at Alta Planning Design?
Department: Engineering
Location: Oakland, CA
Compensation: $100,000 - $130,000 / year
Engineer III - Traffic
Alta is looking for an Traffic Engineer III to join our traffic group in our Oakland, California office. In this role, you will work on the design of a variety of sustainable transportation projects and work on projects focused on making a positive impact on communities around the country.
About Alta
Alta is a mission‑driven company working to mitigate climate change and advance safety and social justice by shaping sustainable, people‑centered communities. We bring together expertise across planning, design, engineering, education and encouragement programs, and community engagement to help communities thrive. Our work is grounded in the belief that how places are designed and experienced has a profound impact on equity, health, and opportunity—and that people should always be at the heart of those decisions.
Founded in 1996, Alta was at the forefront of the active transportation movement and has spent nearly 30 years partnering with communities to imagine a more connected, resilient, and inclusive future. Today, with more than 225 staff across the United States and beyond, we are a global leader in creating environments that support everyday life, strengthen human connection, and respond to the challenges of a changing world. Alta offers the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines, contribute to meaningful work at every scale, and be part of a team committed to making lasting, positive change for people and the places they call home.
Day to Day
Day-to-day responsibilities for this role include:
- Develop traffic signal plans, street lighting plans, ITS design, signing/striping layouts, temporary traffic control (TCPs), and PS&E packages using AutoCAD/MicroStation.
- Apply MUTCD, Caltrans, NACTO, FHWA, and local agency standards to design solutions.
- Collaborate with engineers and planners to integrate bike/pedestrian, transit, and safety enhancements into designs.
- Mentor junior staff in design best practices and contribute to internal training.
- Implement best practices and process improvements to enhance project efficiency
- Support traffic group lead in business development
Required
This position requires a combination of skills, experience and education including, but not limited to
- 4 years of experience as a Traffic Engineer in a consulting environment or public entity
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering
- Proficiency in AutoCAD or MicroStation
- Display an understanding of traffic analysis and operations
- Demonstrated experience preparing Plans, Specifications and Estimates packages for traffic design related projects (Signal, Striping, TCPs, ITS, Street Lighting)
- Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple simultaneous projects with cross-functional teams
- Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills
- Working knowledge of MS Excel, Word, MS Project or equivalent
- Registration as a PE in the State of California or ability to obtain within twelve months of hire; PTOE or CA T.E. certification a plus
- Transportation planning/operations experience: Signal timing, multimodal corridor studies, or Vision Zero initiatives
- Experience in active, non-motorized transportation planning and design
- Experience in traffic operations analysis using Synchro, VISSIM, and Vistro.
- Proficiency in AGI and/or Visual Lighting
- Active participation in industry-relevant professional associations and committees
Flexible Schedule
Alta offers a flexible, hybrid work schedule where most employees work from home three days per week. In-office days support our collaborative culture, one of our core values.
Compensation
The pay range for this job in Oakland is $100,000-$130,000 annually. Placement within the range is based upon experience, skill-sets, and qualifications.
Benefits
Alta offers comprehensive benefits to all full-time employees:
- Medical: PPO or HSA medical plans
- Dental/Vision: PPO
- Life Insurance: Alta pays 100% of the premium for life and AD&D, equal to your base compensation
- 401(k): Alta provides a match up to 3%
- PTO: 21 days accrued annually to start
- Holidays: 11 total company paid holidays
- Paid Parental Leave/Short-Term Disability
- Additional Benefits: Wellness reimbursement up to $800 annually, Alta Gets Around benefit of up to $900 annually, 5-year travel award, and professional development opportunities
Salary : $100,000 - $130,000