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Transportation Commissioner - County Government

A country government transportation commissioner is responsible for directing and organizing transportation planning and the many associated transportation processes and activities. Many employees work under the transportation commissioner, such as the transportation planners, principal planner, secretary, accountants and other subordinates. The transportation commissioner, along with supervising the transportation planning staff, train them, give them their assignments, direct their work progress, and then evaluate their job performance.

They coordinate with state, regional and local agencies and hold meetings to organize funding, programs and grants, when necessary. The transportation commissioner prepares recommendations and staff reports on transportation projects and the suitable allotment of funds. The commissioner makes presentations and proposals to commissions, public agencies, the public, community groups, the media and other boards. They are actively involved in programs such as the ridesharing program, bicycle safety programs and the handicapped and elderly programs. They review and study such issues as plans for land development and the modeling of transportation studies, among other responsibilities.

Some of the many stresses associated with holding the position of transportation commissioner are dealing with upset, angry citizens, the media, finding solutions to the problem of traffic congestion, and working with politicians and elected officials. The transportation commissioner's job is often very stressful, so they have to be able to work well under pressure, remain calm and courteous, have excellent communication skills and be excellent problem solvers. Other assets include being a quick thinker and remaining polite even when dealing with difficult people.

Common work activities include:

• Planning and coordinating traffic patterns and traffic flow over both residential, highway and city streets.
• Overseeing road safety programs, working with various community groups to ensure traffic safety in school zones and playgrounds, as well as working on special services for the elderly or handicapped citizens in the community.
• Overseeing the daily operations of the county transportation department including projects, handling citizen questions and responding to the media.
• Making presentations at community meetings, applying for funding and grants and writing proposals.
• Assessing transportation and traffic needs for new and proposed developments as well as working with contractors to get the best possible price for road development in the county.
• Working on various community committees and within various groups to represent the county transportation department.

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