Traffic Control work is a critical part of infrastructure projects. It not only requires attention and care as the first point of safety, given you are acting as the eyes and ears for the team working on the project, but also as the customer-facing front of the works engaging with the public and representing your company. On the surface, often people overlook the career opportunities that can develop when you start out as a Traffic Controller (TC), there’s actually more options than you might think! The most natural step for many however is the role of Site Traffic Management Supervisor (STMS), which with relevant training, can take you down other career paths like project management.
So, why become an STMS? With more responsibility, more money (always a bonus!) and the opportunity to upskill on the job, it’s a no-brainer for those who are looking for a step up. However, before you can put on that hi-vis and take control, what do you need to do? Here, we explain what’s involved in working as an STMS, and some proactive advice to help you along the way.
What is an STMS?
In an STMS role, you have overall control (and at higher levels the design) of the temporary traffic management on worksites, events and projects. What does this mean in practice? Essentially, you’re in charge of the design, management and layout of the temporary works, including setting up/packing up (cones, signage etc.), management of other onsite workers, preparing traffic management plans and maintaining site and public safety throughout the project. Obviously, it’s a lot of responsibility, but you won’t be thrown in the deep end. First, you’ll start off on Level 1 roads e.g. shoulder closures and residential or other roads with low volume traffic. From there, there is a clear route of progression to become a Level 2/3 Practising STMS, a position that allows you to manage any worksite on any road in New Zealand (including the likes of motorways and highways).
Note: before you can become a Level 2/3 Practicing STMS, you’ll need to do some time as a Non-Practising STMS. While you’ll be able to manage some sites alone (once signed off by a Practicing STMS), managing live lanes (on level 2/3 roads) is limited to a Level 2/3 Practising STMS.
Becoming an STMS
Let’s start with the basics. Before thinking about taking on an STMS role, you’ll need to have completed the Level 1 Basic TC course. As long as you have a year or two of experience as a TC under your belt, a Full Class 1 Driver’s Licence, and are prepared to put in the effort to upskill yourself, becoming an STMS is actually quite a straightforward process. Like becoming a TC, it means going back to the classroom (don’t worry, it’s only two days!) and undertaking some STMS training. At each level, there is an NZTA-approved course that will need to be completed as well as practical experience applying your skills in the real world before you’ll be able to take on the extra responsibility. If you’re looking to find out more about the different progression steps available to you, click here.
Other than upskilling through courses, there are a couple of key attributes that employers are looking for. Reliability is a must – after all, you are the first on site each day. Secondly, because you’ll constantly be focused on different things (where the traffic is flowing, your staff and the public), strong communication skills with a clear focus are also critical characteristics to ensuring everything is going the way it is meant to. Traffic control work requires good fitness and health as the work can be physically demanding, and given demand for good workers in this field there are plenty of opportunities if you are interested.
How Can OneStaff Help?
We know that it can be tough to take the financial hit yourself, so if you are considering upskilling and sitting one of the courses, OneStaff might just be able to help along the way! With payment options for long-term OneStaff workers who have proven themselves reliable and committed on assignment, we’ve helped hundreds of TCs make the step up by taking care of the upfront costs (with instalments deducted from your weekly wages over time).
Looking for STMS jobs? OneStaff works with a range of leading organisations on traffic management roles all over New Zealand. Reach out to your local OneStaff branch to find out about opportunities in your area.
