frequently asked questions
Here are our frequently asked questions regarding the position of Traffic Control Person.
We also highly recommend the following advice when beginning as a TCP in the construction industry.
We also highly recommend the following advice when beginning as a TCP in the construction industry.
So you'd like to be a traffic control person... Great!
Welcome to the fold of on-call workers that help support and create the infrastructure and road work you see everyday. But before you rush out to get your traffic control person certification might we suggest:
Have a savings built up for the first 6-9 months of employment. Beginning traffic controllers can expect anywhere from 1 shift per week to full time hours, but it's important you understand that "dispatch/on-call" work is just that: on call. If we have a bad week for weather or the client doesn't get their permits approved when they thought they would, you might be looking at a few days off. This is out of the companies control and while every company strives to provide full time employment for each employee, we are subject to the supply and demand of the industry. For this reason alone, you need a savings to cushion you when your paycheck is short. (We recommend a buffer of $4,000 to $8,000 depending on your bills).
Do your research before you enter the industry. Read our FAQ. Speak to friends and family, see if they know anyone who works in the industry and can answer your questions (realistically).
Buy really good CSA approved work boots, especially if you've never stood for 8-12 hours a day in the elements before. Industry standard is a 6" rise in the ankle, but we recommend an 8" rise for strong support. Good boots can help keep your back, knees and hips in good shape. Skip the Walmart brand and go for the ones that offer support for your ankles and arches. Your body will thank you.
Welcome to the fold of on-call workers that help support and create the infrastructure and road work you see everyday. But before you rush out to get your traffic control person certification might we suggest:
Have a savings built up for the first 6-9 months of employment. Beginning traffic controllers can expect anywhere from 1 shift per week to full time hours, but it's important you understand that "dispatch/on-call" work is just that: on call. If we have a bad week for weather or the client doesn't get their permits approved when they thought they would, you might be looking at a few days off. This is out of the companies control and while every company strives to provide full time employment for each employee, we are subject to the supply and demand of the industry. For this reason alone, you need a savings to cushion you when your paycheck is short. (We recommend a buffer of $4,000 to $8,000 depending on your bills).
Do your research before you enter the industry. Read our FAQ. Speak to friends and family, see if they know anyone who works in the industry and can answer your questions (realistically).
Buy really good CSA approved work boots, especially if you've never stood for 8-12 hours a day in the elements before. Industry standard is a 6" rise in the ankle, but we recommend an 8" rise for strong support. Good boots can help keep your back, knees and hips in good shape. Skip the Walmart brand and go for the ones that offer support for your ankles and arches. Your body will thank you.
I have no prior experience, can I be a Traffic Control Person?
Yes! We offer quality traffic control training to those interested in the job role of traffic controller to provide the most thorough and clear training program as possible as provided by the BCCSA. If we do not currently offer a course that fits your schedule, we are happy to recommend other training providers in our area.
Yes! We offer quality traffic control training to those interested in the job role of traffic controller to provide the most thorough and clear training program as possible as provided by the BCCSA. If we do not currently offer a course that fits your schedule, we are happy to recommend other training providers in our area.
How long is my certification valid for?
Traffic Control Certification is valid for 3 years.
Traffic Control Certification is valid for 3 years.
What is the work schedule like for Traffic Control People?
Traffic Control work is most often on-call shift work. This requires traffic controllers to be both flexible and reliable.
Traffic Pro Services offers a variety of shifts and supplies over 25 companies in the lower mainland with the majority of our shifts starting between 6 am and 10 am.
Traffic Control work is most often on-call shift work. This requires traffic controllers to be both flexible and reliable.
Traffic Pro Services offers a variety of shifts and supplies over 25 companies in the lower mainland with the majority of our shifts starting between 6 am and 10 am.
I have a full time job, can I work as a Traffic Control Person on the weekend?
While it may not be impossible in the industry, at Traffic Pro Services, we require Monday to Friday availability at minimum.
While it may not be impossible in the industry, at Traffic Pro Services, we require Monday to Friday availability at minimum.
Traffic Control People are the ones that stand all day holding the signs right?
No. While it is true that Traffic Control People do work with a stop/slow paddle, we are very rarely idle on the job.
Traffic Control People are expected to:
No. While it is true that Traffic Control People do work with a stop/slow paddle, we are very rarely idle on the job.
Traffic Control People are expected to:
- Perform a daily Risk Assessment and implement control measures to prevent hazards from harming us.
- Maintain a safe escape route at all times.
- Wear and ensure our PPE is always clean and bright.
- Understand the MOTi Manual (for work on Roadways) and adhere to all regulations.
- Watch for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
- Pay attention to the work zone and watch for any changing hazards that may harm us, the crew or the public.
- Provide the crew with safe passage on the roadway, and watch their backs to ensure their safety.
- Stay alert and focused at all times on the job.
I heard Traffic Control is a good chance to make easy money, is this true?
The job of Traffic Control Person is complex and requires the individual to possess both strong interpersonal skills as well as the following:
The job of Traffic Control Person is complex and requires the individual to possess both strong interpersonal skills as well as the following:
- Good attitude
- Strong work ethic
- Attention to detail
- Accountable
- Reliable
- Resourceful
- Friendly
- Physically fit, especially good sight and hearing
I don't have a vehicle or drivers license, can I still be a Traffic Control Person?
Yes and No. There are many construction sites around the lower mainland that are very accessible to transit system workers, however, for the majority of traffic control companies you need to be mobile. When mobility is limited, work might be passed on to the next traffic control person who can reach the site at the required dispatch time. Traffic Pro strongly recommends that you have a vehicle and a drivers license to achieve the best pay possible.
Yes and No. There are many construction sites around the lower mainland that are very accessible to transit system workers, however, for the majority of traffic control companies you need to be mobile. When mobility is limited, work might be passed on to the next traffic control person who can reach the site at the required dispatch time. Traffic Pro strongly recommends that you have a vehicle and a drivers license to achieve the best pay possible.
What is the starting wage for a Traffic Control person?
Traffic control people can make anywhere in the range of $12.00 hourly to $25.00 hourly depending on the nature of the work and the company or union they are affiliated with.
Traffic Pro Services is a unionized company working with IBEW Local 258, as such we follow the union pay scale and offer $15.50 hourly to those who do not have any previous experience as a traffic control person. After the 700 hour probationary period there is a wage increase to $18.00 hourly. Traffic Pro offers wage increase above the union max rate based on work ethic, attitude, reliability and overall job effectiveness. Traffic control people with experience may negotiate wage based on their previous experience and what type of experience they have.
Traffic control people can make anywhere in the range of $12.00 hourly to $25.00 hourly depending on the nature of the work and the company or union they are affiliated with.
Traffic Pro Services is a unionized company working with IBEW Local 258, as such we follow the union pay scale and offer $15.50 hourly to those who do not have any previous experience as a traffic control person. After the 700 hour probationary period there is a wage increase to $18.00 hourly. Traffic Pro offers wage increase above the union max rate based on work ethic, attitude, reliability and overall job effectiveness. Traffic control people with experience may negotiate wage based on their previous experience and what type of experience they have.
Is there room for growth and advancement in the traffic control field?
Traffic control people have a number of advancement options depending on the company and union they are affiliated with. Job roles range from: Lane Closure Technicians, Dispatch Controllers, Management and Supervisors for field personnel. Traffic Pro Services offers it's traffic controllers free training in lane closure technician work and strives to promote its workers from within wherever possible.
Traffic control people have a number of advancement options depending on the company and union they are affiliated with. Job roles range from: Lane Closure Technicians, Dispatch Controllers, Management and Supervisors for field personnel. Traffic Pro Services offers it's traffic controllers free training in lane closure technician work and strives to promote its workers from within wherever possible.
Do you offer Traffic Control Training to the general public?
Yes! We offer monthly traffic control training as well as a variety of other courses at our Burnaby Facility. Please fill out a contact form on our contact page for more information.
Yes! We offer monthly traffic control training as well as a variety of other courses at our Burnaby Facility. Please fill out a contact form on our contact page for more information.
Traffic Pro is currently hiring tcps and experienced lane closure techs!
For more information or to email us your resume, please visit the contact page.
