SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXE LEV) - TRAFFIC OPERATIONS

Salary: $6,487.07 - $7,307.69 Biweekly
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Executive Level
Job Number: 39787
Department: Houston Public Works
Opening Date: 10/08/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

POSITION OVERVIEW
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

DIVISION: TRANSPORTATION & DRAINAGE OPERATIONS
REPORTING LOCATION: 2200 PATTERSON*
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM*
*Subject to change

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.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

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 education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
More than ten years of experience is required.

Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Valid driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston driving policy (A.P. 2-2).
PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to candidates who possess:
• A Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field of study.
• An active Professional Engineer (PE) license and Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) certification.
• Demonstrates ability to manage traffic operations in high-growth, high-congestion urban environments with diverse multi modal needs.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly convey technical information to executive leadership, elected officials, and the public.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**
GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION Yes
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE 34

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: or call (832-393-0453).

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832-393-0453). (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html
01

Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?

• Yes
• No

02

Which best describes your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma / GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• None of the Above

03

If you answered that you have a college degree what was your field of study?

• Engineering
• Construction Management
• Business Administration
• Public Administration
• Non-related field of study
• I do not have a degree

04

Which best describes your years of experience that relates to the duties of this position?

• I have no experience that directly relates to the duties of this position.
• Less than 8 years
• 8 - 9 years
• 10 - 11 years
• 12 - 13 years
• 14 years or more

05

Please describe your related experience. If none use N/A. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)
06

How many years of experience in a managerial capacity do you have?

• I have no managerial experience
• Less than 3 years
• 3 - 4 years
• 5 years or more

07

Please describe your experience managing personnel in the direction, development, implementation, administration and operations of various systems, plans and projects. If none use N/A. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)
08

Which of the following do you possess?

• Active Professional Engineer (PE) License
• Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) Certification
• None of the Above

09

How many years of experience do you have in the administration of large, complex transportation infrastructure systems?

• Less than 3 years
• 3 - 5 years
• 6 - 8 years
• 9 years or more

10

Please explain your experience with the administration of large, complex transportation infrastructure systems. If none, use N/A. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)
11

How many years of experience do you have in Traffic Engineering and Maintenance?

• Less than 3 years
• 3 - 5 years
• 6 - 8 years
• 9 years or more

12

Briefly explain your experience in Traffic Engineering and Maintenance. If none, use N/A. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)
13

Do you have a current/ valid Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

Required Question