Level of Service
Level of Service (LOS) is a way to measure and grade how well roads, intersections, or any transportation facility is working. Think of it like a report card for traffic flow, ranging from 'A' (excellent, free-flowing traffic) to 'F' (heavy congestion). Traffic engineers use this system to explain traffic conditions to city planners and decision-makers, helping them understand when roads need improvements. It's similar to how restaurants get rated, but instead of food quality, we're rating how smoothly traffic moves.
Examples in Resumes
Conducted Level of Service analysis for 15 major intersections in downtown area
Improved LOS from grade D to B through signal timing optimization
Performed Level-of-Service studies for highway expansion project
Typical job title: "Traffic Engineers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Traffic Engineers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you explain Level of Service analysis results to non-technical stakeholders?
Expected Answer: A senior engineer should demonstrate ability to communicate technical concepts in simple terms, using real-world analogies and visual aids to explain traffic flow grades and their implications for the community.
Q: How do you determine if a Level of Service study needs to be updated?
Expected Answer: Should discuss factors like population growth, new developments, changes in traffic patterns, and age of existing studies. Should mention the importance of regular updates and monitoring traffic conditions.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when conducting a Level of Service analysis?
Expected Answer: Should mention traffic volume, peak hours, signal timing, road capacity, turning movements, and how these factors affect traffic flow grades.
Q: How do you use Level of Service results to recommend improvements?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to interpret results and suggest practical solutions like signal timing adjustments, lane additions, or intersection modifications based on the LOS grades.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the different grades in Level of Service analysis?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the basic A-F grading system and what each grade means in terms of traffic flow and congestion.
Q: What tools do you use to perform Level of Service analysis?
Expected Answer: Should be familiar with common traffic analysis software and basic data collection methods used in determining traffic flow grades.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic traffic data collection
- Understanding of LOS grades
- Use of standard analysis software
- Simple traffic counts and surveys
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex intersection analysis
- Traffic simulation modeling
- Signal timing optimization
- Report writing and presentations
Senior (5+ years)
- Project management
- Complex corridor studies
- Transportation policy development
- Stakeholder communication
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic traffic flow concepts
- Inability to use standard traffic analysis software
- Lack of experience with field data collection
- Poor communication skills when explaining technical results
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Speak Their Language: How Localized Job Descriptions Unlock Regional Talent
Cutting HR Costs Without Sacrificing Quality: A How-To for Savvy Executives
Salary Transparency Laws: What HR Leaders Need to Know
