Profession road maintenance technician

Road maintenance technicians inspect and manage roads in enclosed areas for maintenance and repair. They help to relieve traffic safely and smoothly, and check if traffic signs, roads and pavements are in good condition.

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Personality Type

Knowledge

  • Traffic signs

    The signals and road signs used in traffic, their meaning and what to do or not to do when you come across them.

  • Road signage standards

    National and European regulations on the placement and properties of road signage, including size, height, reflectance and other important characteristics.

  • Civil engineering

    The engineering discipline that studies the design, construction and maintenance of naturally built works such as roads, buildings, and canals.

  • Road traffic laws

    Understand road traffic laws and the rules of the road.

  • Traffic engineering

    The subdiscipline of civil engineering that applies engineering methods to create safe and efficient traffic flows of people and goods on roadways, including sidewalks, traffic lights, and cycle facilities.

Skills

  • Work ergonomically

    Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

  • Inspect asphalt

    Inspect the placement of asphalt concrete ensuring that the specifications are met and no flows are present.

  • Secure working area

    Secure the operation site fixing boundaries, restricting access, placing signs and taking other measures in order to guarantee public and staff safety.

  • Keep records of work progress

    Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.

  • Perform traffic sign maintenance

    Install and secure road signs, and replace them if needed. Maintain traffic lights by resolving issues, replacing light bulbs and cleaning the glass covering. Control telematic systems for proper functioning.

  • Place temporary road signage

    Place temporary traffic signs, lights and barriers to alert road users of activities on the road.

  • Inspect road signs

    Inspect road signs for signs of corrosion, outdated information, nicks and dents, legilibility and reflectance. Decide on the course of action when problems are found.

  • Interpret traffic signals

    Observe lights on the road, road conditions, nearby traffic, and prescribed speed limits to ensure safety. Interpret traffic signals and act accordingly.

  • Inspect paintwork

    Inspect a painted surface, either one recently painted or an old layer. Watch for dents, cracks, flaking, air bubbles, mould and other issues.

  • Inspect construction supplies

    Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.

  • Follow health and safety procedures in construction

    Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.

  • Inspect construction sites

    Ensure health and safety during the construction project by inspecting the construction site regularly. Identify risks of putting people in danger or of damaging construction equipment.

Optional knowledge and skills

estimate repair priority analyse road traffic patterns design customised maps carry out de-icing activities monitor traffic flow advise land owners of bridge inspection clear accident site national road network set up temporary construction site infrastructure coordinate construction activities asphalt mixes advise on bridge replacement construction product regulation types of asphalt coverings regulate traffic use measurement instruments work in a construction team

Source: Sisyphus ODB