What are the responsibilities and job description for the Highway Traffic Operations Center Operator/Lead position at State of Nebraska?
The work we do matters!
Hiring Agency:
Transportation - Agency 27Location:
Hiring Rate:
Job Posting:
Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
Job Description:
We reward our employee’s hard work with a friendly and supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- State-matched retirement contribution of 156%
- 13 paid holidays
- Generous leave accruals that begin immediately
- Military leave
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
- 79% employer-paid health insurance plans
- Dental and vision insurance plans
- Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
- Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
- Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
- Training and Development based on your career aspirations
- Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship
- Employee Assistance Program
- Fun, inviting teammates
Pay rate for this position is $20.029/hr.
JOB DUTIES:
Under limited supervision, the SOC (State Operations Center) Lead Operator oversees daily activities, leads a team of operators, and ensures the effective management of roadway and emergency operations.
Leadership & Team Supervision
- Oversee daily activities of the SOC and provide guidance to operators.
- Assign, review, and balance work assignments to ensure operational efficiency.
- Schedule operators for on-call shifts, ensuring adequate staffing coverage for 24/7 operations.
- Trains SOC operators on policies, procedures, and system tools to maintain performance standards.
- Answer staff questions, provide support, and ensure proper workflow is maintained.
- Monitor and report on operator work performance, identifying training needs and areas for improvement.
- Maintain shift activity logs, document key events, and ensure continuity between shifts.
Incident & Emergency Response Management
- Monitor roadway conditions, weather events, and emergency situations through real-time data sources such as cameras, sensors, and field reports.
- Assess and verify incident details received via phone calls, camera feeds, and radio transmissions, ensuring accuracy before dispatching resources.
- Coordinate with law enforcement, emergency responders, NDOT maintenance crews, and other agencies to facilitate timely response to roadway incidents, closures, and severe weather events.
- Communicate and escalate critical events to appropriate response agencies and SOC leadership.
- Implement response plans based on standard operating procedures and real-time incident assessments.
Communication & Public Information
- Transmits important roadway and emergency information to the public via: Variable Message Signs (VMS), CARS/511, Amber Alerts, and other emergency notification systems.
- Answer incoming calls and inquiries related to roadway conditions, incidents, and emergency responses.
- Ensures accurate and timely dissemination of construction and maintenance event information.
- Documents all incidents and responses in SOC systems and generates administrative reports as needed.
Operational Oversight & Continuous Improvement
- Conduct routine equipment checks, monitor system functionality, and report any technical issues for resolution.
- Adjust operational settings and work with technical support staff to resolve equipment deficiencies.
- Review and evaluate the effectiveness of SOC processes and procedures, recommending improvements as necessary.
- Maintain situational awareness of ongoing and emerging roadway conditions to provide proactive recommendations for response.
Requirements / Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications: One year of experience in communications work involving the operation of integrated/automated communication devices (e.g., multi-line phone systems, teletype machines, and message signs) and computer systems and network links, and the use of computer keyboard commands, software, and hardware to log, track, and disseminate information.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in a Traffic or Emergency Operations Center – Prior experience in a SOC, TOC, or other 24/7 operations environment.
- Working experience/knowledge in SOC Software & Tools – Experience with ATMS, OnSolve, CARS/511, or similar communication and incident tracking systems.
- Experience with decision-making under pressure – Ability to assess critical situations quickly and make informed decisions.
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:
- Emergency Operations & Incident Management – Understanding of state emergency response protocols, National Incident Management System (NIMS), and Incident Command System (ICS).
- Transportation & Roadway Operations – Familiarity with road closures, weather-related impacts, and traffic flow management.
- Technology & Systems – Proficiency in Automated Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) and state-specific software used for incident tracking and communication.
- Policies & Procedures – Knowledge of NDOT SOC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), communication protocols, and emergency escalation procedures.
- Public & Interagency Communication – Familiarity with protocols for notifying the public, law enforcement, maintenance crews, and other agencies during incidents.
Skills in:
- Decision-Making & Critical Thinking – Ability to assess incidents quickly and determine the best course of action.
- Leadership & Team Coordination – Leading SOC operators, delegating tasks, and ensuring operational efficiency.
- Communication & Reporting – Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting incidents, creating DIRKs, and briefing supervisors.
- Multitasking & Prioritization – Managing multiple incidents simultaneously while maintaining accuracy.
- Technical Proficiency – Comfortable using mapping systems, weather monitoring tools, and emergency notification systems like OnSolve.
Ability to:
- Supervise & Train Operators – Guide staff on SOC procedures, emergency response, and best practices.
- Work Under Pressure – Maintain composure during major incidents, severe weather, and high-call volume situations.
- Interagency Coordination – Collaborate effectively with NDOT maintenance crews, law enforcement, and emergency responders; disseminate information regarding incidents and coordinate emergency response units. Ability to read/understand maps.
- Monitor & Analyze Roadway Conditions – Track and assess real-time roadway conditions, weather impacts, and incident response efforts.
- Ensure Shift Continuity – Maintain up-to-date logs and reports to ensure seamless transitions between shifts.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.
Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.
Instructions for Applying
Important points to remember when applying:
- The employment application is required and is the primary source of information used to determine if you meet the minimum requirements of the job.
- Make sure your application is complete. Incomplete applications are rejected.
- You will not be allowed to change your application after you have applied for a position and you cannot re-apply for the the same position unless it is posted again.
- You have the opportunity to attach a resume; however, it should not be used to replace any information asked for on the official application.
- When you have successfully applied for a job, you will receive a confirmation on the screen and your application will be available on your Candidate Home page.
We encourage you to use the Search for Jobs feature to find jobs that are available in a particular location or a job that matches your work experience.
Applicants who need accommodation in the selection process should request this in advance. Requests can be made by contacting the Nebraska State Personnel Office 1526 K Street, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE. (402)471-2075.
These positions are subject to application of Veterans' Preference.
Salary : $20