The Work Zone Traffic Control Supervisor oversees day-to-day CRS maintenance of traffic and temporary traffic control operations in active roadway, utility, construction, maintenance, and emergency response environments. This role is responsible for supervising field personnel, coordinating daily work zone activities, monitoring compliance with approved traffic control plans and applicable safety requirements, and ensuring traffic control devices and equipment remain properly placed, visible, and effective as conditions change. The Supervisor serves as the field point of contact for work zone staffing, inspections, corrective actions, equipment readiness, and coordination with project leadership, clients, inspectors, subcontractors, and public safety partners. The position requires advanced temporary traffic control knowledge, strong field leadership and communication skills, and the ability to make timely decisions in fast-paced operational environments.
CRS Mission
Critical Response Strategies' purpose is to bring order to complexity. Every position supports CRS's ability to deliver disciplined, professional, and mission-focused services in complex operational environments.
CRS Values
Mission First - Every role supports mission execution and recovery operations.
Integrity in Action - We earn trust through disciplined actions, honest communication, and accountability.
Respect for People & Purpose - We treat people professionally, work collaboratively, and remain focused on the communities and missions we serve.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise the daily implementation, inspection, adjustment, and removal of temporary traffic control operations for active work zones.
- Review and interpret approved traffic control plans, roadway drawings, permits, project specifications, construction sequencing, and site-specific requirements before work begins.
- Develop daily work zone plans and staffing assignments for lane closures, shoulder closures, detours, flagging operations, pedestrian routing, staging areas, and safe ingress and egress.
- Supervise Work Zone Traffic Control Specialists, flaggers, and other assigned field personnel; verify required credentials, personal protective equipment, work assignments, positioning, and performance.
- Conduct and document pre-shift, active-shift, and post-shift work zone inspections to confirm devices are properly placed, visible, stable, effective, and consistent with the approved plan.
- Coordinate with project managers, superintendents, field crews, inspectors, subcontractors, safety personnel, public safety agencies, and other stakeholders to support safe and efficient operations.
- Evaluate traffic volume, speed, sight distance, weather, visibility, pedestrian activity, equipment movement, public access, and emergency vehicle needs when making field adjustments.
- Exercise stop-work authority and initiate immediate corrective action when work zone conditions are unsafe, noncompliant, or inconsistent with the approved traffic control plan.
- Oversee the availability, deployment, inspection, maintenance, and replacement of signs, cones, barrels, barricades, arrow boards, message boards, channelizing devices, lighting, and related equipment.
- Coordinate the field response to work zone incidents, near misses, public complaints, damaged devices, unexpected traffic impacts, and emergency changes, including escalation and required reporting.
- Maintain accurate records of inspections, corrective actions, lane closure activities, staffing, equipment usage, field changes, photographs, training, and daily operational performance.
- Participate in project planning meetings, safety briefings, toolbox talks, job hazard assessments, and client coordination activities; communicate status, risks, resource needs, and recommended solutions.
Minimum Qualifications
- Current VDOT Advanced Work Zone Traffic Control certification, or an equivalent state-approved credential required by the assigned project, is required.
- At least three years of progressive experience in maintenance of traffic, temporary traffic control, roadway construction, utility work, infrastructure maintenance, or similar field operations, including lead or supervisory responsibility.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating lane closures, detours, flagging operations, pedestrian routing, and temporary traffic control in active or high-risk roadway environments.
- Working knowledge of Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices principles, VDOT work zone requirements, approved traffic control plans, and project-specific safety standards.
- Ability to read, interpret, and apply traffic control plans, roadway drawings, site maps, specifications, permits, work schedules, and field instructions.
- Proven ability to lead field teams, assign work, coordinate shifts, verify qualifications, coach performance, and enforce safety and professional conduct expectations.
- Ability to identify hazards, evaluate changing field conditions, make sound operational decisions, and stop or modify work when necessary to protect workers and the public.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to coordinate effectively with clients, inspectors, contractors, public agencies, field personnel, and project leadership.
- Ability to prepare clear inspection reports, daily activity logs, corrective action documentation, incident reports, and other project-required records using standard digital tools.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel between work zones, staging areas, project offices, and other assigned locations are required.
- OSHA 30-hour Construction and First Aid/CPR/AED certifications are preferred; additional project-specific safety or traffic control credentials may be required.
- Must comply with CRS's drug-free workplace policy, Equal Employment Opportunity standards, and all applicable CRS policies, site rules, safety requirements, and professional conduct expectations.
Work Environment & Schedule
- Work is performed in active roadway environments, construction zones, utility corridors, emergency response areas, project offices, staging areas, temporary facilities, and other outdoor operational settings.
- Schedule may vary based on project needs and may include days, nights, weekends, holidays, extended shifts, on-call responsibilities, emergency response assignments, travel, and changing field conditions.
- The role requires regular field presence and may involve standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying, climbing, and working near active traffic, moving vehicles, heavy equipment, loud noise, dust, uneven surfaces, heat, cold, rain, wind, and other weather conditions.
- Required personal protective equipment may include high-visibility apparel, hard hat, safety footwear, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, and any additional site-specific safety equipment.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Critical Response Strategies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CRS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and job-related requirements.
Drug-Free Workplace
Critical Response Strategies is a drug-free workplace. Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment screening requirements, which may include drug testing, background checks, verification of identity and work authorization, credential verification, and any other position-specific requirements. Employees are expected to comply with CRS policies, site requirements, and all applicable safety and conduct standards throughout employment.