Highway Traffic Operations Center Operator

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Transportation - Agency 27

Location:

NDOT SOC - Omaha

Hiring Rate:

$19.050

Job Posting:

JR2026-00022304 Highway Traffic Operations Center Operator (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

01-30-2026

Job Description:

Are you ready to play a critical role in keeping Nebraska's roadways safe, efficient, and well-informed? The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is seeking a dedicated individual to join our State Operations Center (SOP) as a Highway Traffic Operations Center Operator. As the eyes and ears of the state's transportation system, SOC Operators monitor traffic conditions in real-time, coordinate emergency responses, and communicate vital information to the public and partnering agencies. This fast-paced, mission-driven position is perfect for detail-oriented problem-solvers who thrive under pressure and want to make a meaningful impact every single day. Join our team and help keep Nebraska moving forward.

At NDOT, We Reward Our Employees’ 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
• A culture that embraces work-life balance
• 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
• Free parking
  
  

Pay rate for this position is $19.050/hr.

JOB DUTIES:

Monitoring and Situational Awareness

• Monitor traffic management systems, ITS devices, CCTV feeds, road weather systems, and data dashboards in real time.
• Maintain awareness of statewide incidents, severe weather, infrastructure disruptions, and emergency situations.
• Identify abnormal conditions and initiate proper response protocols.
  
  

Incident and Event Response

• Receive, evaluate, and document reports from field personnel, 911 centers, public agencies, and motorists.
• Dispatch appropriate resources or notify relevant stakeholders in response to incidents or emergencies.
• Activate and manage event-specific protocols (e.g., high wind events, winter storms, major crashes).
  
  

Communication and Coordination

• Serve as a central communication hub for NDOT operations, law enforcement, emergency services, maintenance, and other agencies.
• Relay information clearly and accurately via phone, radio, email, or other systems.
• Notify on-call supervisors or technicians per established procedures and escalation protocols.
  
  

Documentation and Reporting

• Create and update DIRKs (work orders) and other incident tracking systems.
• Log incoming calls, communications, and operator actions with accuracy and completeness.
• Generate shift reports and pass-downs to maintain situational continuity between shifts.
  
  

Public Information Systems

• Post and manage messages on Dynamic Message Signs (DMS), Portable DMS (PDMS), Variable Speed Advisory signs (VSA) as directed.
• Ensure traveler information is timely, accurate, and consistent with current road conditions and incidents.
  
  

System Operation and Technical Oversight

• Operate a variety of control systems and software, including CARS, ATMS, camera controls, and alert platforms.
• Troubleshoot basic technical issues and notify IT or Electronics staff for escalation.
• Monitor the status of communication systems and ITS devices; report outages or malfunctions promptly.
  
  

Emergency Operations Support

• Support Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations when needed.
• Follow emergency notification protocols and support coordination efforts during major events.
• Participate in drills, tabletop exercises, and after-action reviews.
  
  

Shift Responsibilities

• Maintain 24/7 coverage by adhering to assigned shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Work independently and as part of a team during high-stress and time-sensitive situations.
• Maintain a clean, secure, and professional workspace.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Experience or training in radio dispatching or other communications work involving the operation of communication devices such as multi-phone systems or teletype machines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working in a Traffic Management Center (TMC), Emergency Operations Center (EOC), 911 dispatch center, or similar environment.
• Experience with Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), traffic monitoring software, Dynamic Message Signs (DMS), and camera control systems.
• Completion of FEMA ICS-100, ICS-200, and ICS-700 courses.
• Experience with incident-tracking software, GIS/map-based platforms, or transportation communication tools.
  
  

Other:

• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to be on-call
• When called in, be able to report to the office within 45 minutes.
  
  

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

Knowledge

• Working knowledge of emergency management principles, including Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS).
• Read and understand maps: regional geography and key transportation routes within the state or district.
• Communication protocols, including radio dispatch, telephone etiquette, and professional written communication.
• Familiarity with internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), DIRK documentation, and on-call escalation protocols.
• Basic understanding of IT systems, computer networking, and system monitoring tools.
  
  

Skills

• Strong multitasking: monitor multiple systems and respond to concurrent incidents.
• Effective verbal and written communication, especially in high-pressure or emergency situations.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills to assess incidents and respond appropriately.
• Accurate and timely data entry into operational systems, logs, and reports.
• Proficient in the use of dispatch and monitoring software, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word), email, GIS-based platforms, and typing.
  
  

Abilities

• Use good common sense under adverse/stressful situations: Remain calm, professional, and focused.
• Work collaboratively with team members, maintenance crews, emergency responders, and external agencies.
• Willingness and availability to work non-traditional hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts in a 24/7 operations center.
• Strong attention to detail when monitoring systems, entering data, or reviewing incident information.
• High level of situational awareness to track and respond to developing weather, traffic, or emergency events.
• Interpret and respond to weather alerts, incident reports, and traffic data in real-time.
• Follow established procedures while exercising sound judgment and escalating incidents as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies, procedures, or operational changes.
  
  

If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/

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.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

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.