Civilian Traffic Investigator

Job Description

Performs duties pertaining to the investigation of property damage only motor vehicle collisions, including writing accident reports, controlling traffic flow and accident scenes, and performing various administrative duties in support of law enforcement activities. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Traffic Safety Section. This position is subject to on-call and works a variety of shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Essential Duties of the Position

The following duties are those considered most essential to the position. This does not preclude the delegation of other duties considered as necessary by management to successfully complete an assignment or project.

• Responds to and investigates accidents through observation, questioning witnesses, and gathering physical evidence.
• Evaluates the scene for additional emergency services resources and makes necessary requests (wreckers, ambulances, fire department, law enforcement).
• Initiates traffic control measures such as setting up cones, flares or other hazard signage; directing traffic; and relocating people and vehicles to secure locations.
• Conducting interviews with all parties involved in the accident to gather information about the events leading up to the crash.
• Prepares reports detailing the accident, including diagrams, witness statements, and contributing circumstances surrounding the accident
• Communicates effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
• Provides assistance to emergency responders and tow truck drivers as needed.
• Completing paperwork, filing reports, and maintaining records.
• Appears and/or testifies in court as needed.
• Assist with various administrative tasks as needed.
• Creates special educational, enforcement, or other programs focused on neighborhood needs; works with residents, public officials, other enforcement agencies to carry out special programs. Performs civic functions by providing public education on traffic safety through various programs.
• Perform all other duties assigned.

Minimum Required Education and Experience

General knowledge of the laws, ordinances, and regulations related to traffic investigations and police methods, practices and procedures; general knowledge of the geography of the Town; general knowledge and skill in operating procedures of police records computer system and typical office systems; general knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines governing daily operations and investigations; ability to solve problems within scope of responsibility; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public; ability to act without direct supervision using independent judgment and discretion in meeting emergency and non-emergency situations; ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions and adequate skill to write clear, concise, and accurate reports that document incidents and investigations; maintain accurate and organized records of incidents, investigations, and other departmental functions using modern technology; ability to observe details at accident scenes and during interactions with individuals; ability to prioritize tasks effectively and manage time efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

High school diploma or GED and 1 to 3 years of experience with law enforcement, traffic control, or customer service in a law enforcement setting preferred. Or a combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills to complete the essential functions and job responsibilities of this position.

Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the State of North Carolina. Certification in or ability to obtain North Carolina Justice Academy Civilian Traffic Investigator and CPR/First Aid certifications through in-house training. Eligibility for NCIC/DCI certification required.

Supplemental Information

This position’s physical requirements involve very heavy work which requires exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities may be required: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and/or walking.

This position involves frequent exposure to outdoor weather conditions and occasionally involves wet, humid conditions (non-weather), working in high, precarious places, exposure to extreme cold (non-weather), exposure to extreme heat (non-weather), exposure to vibration, exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The position may require wearing specialized personal protective equipment. Work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g. heavy traffic).

The Town of Huntersville is committed to providing equal opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), gender, national origin, religion, disability, military service or veteran status, genetic information or any other classification protected by applicable Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town of Huntersville will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with Human Resources staff.