SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXE LEV) - TRAFFIC OPERATIONS

Posting number: 38268

Department: Houston Public Works

Job classification: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-PUBLIC WORKS (EXECUTIVE LEVEL)

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Engineering, Public Works, Transportation, Management, Executive Management, Construction Maintenance, Marketing, Communications, Construction Trades

Summary

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
                     
DIVISION: TRANSPORTATION & DRAINAGE OPERATIONS
REPORTING LOCATION: 2200 PATTERSON*                      
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM*
*Subject to change

ABOUT HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKS
Houston Public Works (HPW) plays a vital role in ensuring a thriving and sustainable future for our city. We oversee the planning, operation, maintenance, construction management, and technical engineering of the City's public infrastructure, including our roadways, bridges, drainage systems, and parks. With a dedicated workforce of approximately 3,900 employees, we are constantly striving for excellence in delivering essential services to our community. 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Under the direction of the Deputy Director of Transportation & Drainage Operations, the Senior Assistant Director will direct the efficient management of the Traffic Operations branch. This position provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the City of Houston’s traffic management, maintenance and operations systems. This role is responsible for planning, designing, operating, and maintaining a safe, efficient, and resilient transportation network that supports mobility, safety, economic vitality, and quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors. The Senior Assistant Director leads multidisciplinary teams responsible for traffic signal operations, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), traffic engineering, street lighting, pavement markings, signage, and special event management.

Example of duties:

• Directs the operation and maintenance of approximately 2,500 traffic signals and 1,400 school zone flashers, prioritizing public safety and efficient traffic flow
• Establishes performance metrics, operational standards, and service level targets for traffic systems
• Lead long-term planning for modernization of traffic control infrastructure, ITS expansion, and smart mobility initiatives
• Champions the adoption and integration of innovative transportation solutions, making strategic recommendations for their implementation to enhance Houston’s traffic systems
• Oversees traffic signal timing, re-timing programs, adaptive signal systems, and corridor optimization
• Develops and implements long-term transportation strategies to reduce congestion and improve infrastructure
• Develops and implements citywide traffic operations strategies aligned with Houston’s transportation, safety, and mobility goals
• Implements proactive congestion management, event traffic planning, and special operations for emergencies and major events
• Collaborates with TxDOT, METRO, Harris County, emergency responders, regional planning organizations, and partner agencies
• Supports public outreach, responds to community concerns, and communicates traffic impacts and improvements
• Champions the adoption of emerging technologies such as connected vehicles, AI-based analytics, adaptive control, and smart infrastructure
• Promotes workforce development, succession planning, and continuous professional training
• Provides executive leadership during emergency weather events
  

WORKING CONDITIONS
The position is physically comfortable, the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.

This is a Department of Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier I Level.

Examples of duties

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of an analytical, technical or professional discipline; or the basic knowledge of more than one professional discipline.  Knowledge of the discipline would normally be obtained through a formal 4-year degree from a college or university and a professional certification/licensing is required. 

Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the