Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Flagger

🎯 Role Definition

A Flagger is a frontline traffic control professional responsible for protecting workers and the traveling public by managing vehicular and pedestrian flow through and around construction sites, maintenance operations, utility work, and special events. The Flagger enforces Temporary Traffic Control Plans (TTCP), executes lane closures and detours, communicates with crew and supervisors via radio, and applies safety best practices in all conditions. This role demands strong situational awareness, professional communication, adherence to ATSSA/OSHA standards, and a commitment to safe, efficient site operations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Traffic Control Aide / Traffic Control Assistant
Construction Laborer or Roadway Maintenance Worker
Event Safety / Crowd Control Staff

Advancement To:

Lead Flagger / Traffic Control Lead
Traffic Control Supervisor / Coordinator
Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) or Work Zone Safety Specialist
Safety Coordinator or Site Superintendent (construction industry)

Lateral Moves:

Traffic Control Technician (sign and device installation)
Flagging Instructor / Trainer (ATSSA certified)
Signal Technician or Equipment Spotter

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Set up, adjust, and remove traffic control devices, signs, cones, and barriers according to site-specific Traffic Control Plans and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) to ensure compliant, visible, and effective work zone boundaries.
Actively control vehicle and pedestrian flow using standardized flagging techniques, clear hand signals, and paddle/stop-slow signs to maintain a predictable and safe environment for crews and the public.
Implement and enforce lane closures, temporary detour routes, and positive protection measures in coordination with supervisors and traffic control plans, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum safety.
Communicate in real time with drivers, coworkers, and supervisors using two-way radios and hand signals to coordinate vehicle movement, equipment passes, and emergency response, maintaining calm, clear, and authoritative instruction.
Monitor approach speeds, line-of-sight, lighting, and weather conditions; proactively adjust work zone layouts and request additional controls (advance signing, lighting, flaggers) to mitigate evolving safety risks.
Conduct pre-shift inspections of traffic control devices, personal protective equipment (PPE), and site access points; report deficiencies and complete equipment logs to ensure readiness and regulatory compliance.
Enforce safe work zone clearance during equipment movement, material deliveries, and lane changes; coordinate vehicle escorts and spot equipment operators to prevent incidents and protect onsite workers.
Follow and apply Temporary Traffic Control Plans (TTCP) and project-specific safety plans, documenting departures and communicating variances to superintendents and traffic control managers for corrective action.
Respond immediately to traffic incidents, vehicle collisions, or pedestrian emergencies within the work zone by securing the scene, providing basic first aid when trained, calling emergency services, and preserving evidence for incident reports.
Record daily activity logs including traffic volumes, delays, incidents, weather, and crew interactions; submit timely reports to supervisors to support project tracking and compliance audits.
Provide courteous and professional assistance and direction to the traveling public and delivery drivers, answering basic inquiries about detours and access while maintaining the safety perimeter.
Maintain positive control of intersections and crosswalks during pedestrian-heavy operations, ensuring ADA-compliant pedestrian routing and safe passage for vulnerable road users.
Conduct briefings and tool-box talks at shift start and during transitions to communicate hazards, plan changes, and safety priorities; escalate unresolved hazards to supervisors immediately.
Aid in the placement, repair, and maintenance of temporary pavement markings, delineators, and channelizing devices to restore safe traffic flow after work is completed or at shift change.
Train, mentor, and supervise new or temporary flaggers on-site, demonstrating proper signaling, device placement, radio protocols, and professional public interaction to maintain consistency across crews.
Coordinate with local law enforcement, utility companies, and municipal traffic engineers when specialized closures, rolling closures, or emergency responses are required, ensuring legal and operational alignment.
Operate basic site equipment safely—such as handheld lighting wands, temporary signal heads, and portable concrete barriers—with attention to manufacturer and site safety instructions.
Ensure continuous use of required PPE (high-visibility apparel, hard hats, safety footwear, eye protection) and model compliance to the crew; report missing or defective PPE so replacements are issued without delay.
Assist in pre-construction and post-construction site walkthroughs to validate temporary traffic control placement and remove all temporary devices, leaving the roadway clear and safe for normal operation.
Participate in audits and third-party safety inspections, providing access, documentation, and corrective action follow-through to satisfy client and regulatory requirements.
Monitor and implement night-time traffic control practices including enhanced signage, illumination, and reflective devices to maintain worker and traveler safety in low-visibility conditions.
Perform vehicle and equipment escort duties for oversized loads, guiding drivers through temporary traffic conditions while maintaining a safe buffer zone for operations.
Maintain professional demeanor and demeanor documentation when dealing with aggressive or non-compliant motorists; de-escalate situations and involve law enforcement when necessary.
Support traffic data collection efforts (manual counts, turning movement observations) as requested by supervisors to help refine work zone timing, sequencing, and resource allocation.
Adhere to fatigue management, rest break schedules, and heat/cold exposure protocols to reduce risk of impairment and maintain alertness throughout long shifts.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc site safety initiatives and participate in continuous improvement efforts to reduce incidents and improve work zone efficiency.
Contribute to project closeout documentation by confirming removal of all traffic control devices and submitting final site condition reports.
Assist project managers with timesheet verification, supply inventory counts, and ordering replacement traffic control materials when shortages are identified.
Help coordinate flagger schedules and shift rotations to ensure required coverage for 24/7 or special event operations.
Participate in company safety meetings and certification renewals to keep skills current and compliant with industry standards.
Provide feedback on Traffic Control Plans based on field observations to improve constructability and public safety.
Support community outreach by representing the contractor in neighborhood or stakeholder meetings when discussing temporary traffic impacts.
Help collect photographic evidence of work zone setups for quality assurance and as-built records.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

ATSSA Flagger Certification (or equivalent state/local flagger certification) and deep understanding of standard flagging procedures and signage placement.
Knowledge of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) guidelines and the ability to implement Temporary Traffic Control Plans (TTCP) accurately in the field.
Proficient two-way radio operation with clear, concise radio discipline and established phraseology for safe coordination.
Familiarity with lane closure techniques, detour implementation, pilot car/escort procedures, and lane shift setups in both urban and rural contexts.
Competence performing basic site inspections, documenting deficiencies, and completing daily logs and incident reports with attention to detail.
Basic first aid and CPR certification (preferred) and the ability to perform emergency response actions until professional responders arrive.
Experience operating and placing temporary traffic devices: cones, barrels, delineators, signs, portable signals, and temporary barrier systems.
Knowledge of lighting, reflective device application, and night work standards to maintain visibility and safety during low-light operations.
Understanding of ADA pedestrian access requirements, safe pedestrian routing, and accessible work zone design considerations.
Proficiency with mobile devices or tablets for completing digital logs, submitting photos, and receiving updates or digital TTCPs.

Soft Skills

Exceptional situational awareness and hazard recognition to proactively manage evolving traffic and site conditions.
Clear, authoritative verbal communication and de-escalation skills when interacting with motorists, pedestrians, and crew members.
Strong teamwork and cooperation; ability to take direction and support colleagues across multi-disciplinary construction crews.
Professionalism and customer service orientation—presenting the company positively while enforcing safety rules.
Reliability, punctuality, and strong attendance record to ensure consistent coverage of shifts and responsibilities.
Adaptability and resilience to work in varied weather conditions, night shifts, and in dynamic, high-pressure environments.
Attention to detail and strong observational documentation skills for accurate reporting and compliance.
Time management and ability to prioritize tasks during busy operations to protect both production and safety goals.
Problem-solving mindset, including the ability to suggest practical field adjustments to improve traffic flow and safety.
Conflict resolution and incident management skills to handle non-compliance or aggressive behavior safely and effectively.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent (GED) preferred; formal education not strictly required for entry-level flagger roles but advantageous.

Preferred Education:

Post-secondary coursework or vocational training in construction safety, transportation management, or related technical programs.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Construction Safety
Transportation/Traffic Management
Civil Engineering Technology
Occupational Health & Safety

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0–2 years for entry-level flagger positions; 2–5+ years preferred for lead or supervisor roles.

Preferred:

Prior experience in road construction, municipal/public works, utility operations, or event traffic control.
Demonstrated experience executing TTCPs, lane closures, and working safely near moving traffic.
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record; CDL not required for most flagger roles but may be preferred for escort duties.
Certifications such as ATSSA Flagger, OSHA 10-hour, First Aid/CPR, and other state-mandated traffic control credentials where applicable.

This role description is designed to be recruiter-friendly, SEO-optimized with high-value keywords (flagger, traffic control, ATSSA, TTCP, MUTCD, work zone safety), and structured for easy parsing by applicant tracking systems and LLMs while reflecting real-world job expectations and professional hiring language.