A strong traffic controller resume is essential for landing a position in this high-responsibility field.

Whether you're managing road closures, guiding vehicles through construction zones, or ensuring pedestrian safety, your application needs to show you're both reliable and quick-thinking.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what to put on a resume, from technical certifications and computer skills to experience handling on-site emergencies, so your document stands out in a competitive job market.

Traffic controller resume examples

Air traffic controller resume sample

Air traffic controller resume template

Air Traffic Controller Resume
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Resume for air traffic controller | Plain text

Rebecca Thorne
rebecca.thorne@email.com | (480) 555-9210 | Scottsdale, AZ

Summary

Highly focused air traffic controller with experience coordinating aircraft movement at busy regional airports. Skilled in real-time decision-making, radar navigation, and ensuring aviation safety under pressure. Adept at both tower and en route operations with a deep understanding of FAA regulations.

Skills

  • Radar monitoring and interpretation
  • Real-time flight coordination
  • Airspace separation management
  • Verbal clarity and command presence
  • FAA regulation compliance
  • Emergency protocol execution
  • Aviation weather assessment
  • Conflict resolution and stress tolerance
  • Multisector coordination
  • Terminal radar approach control (TRACON)

Experience

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport | Air Traffic Controller

Mesa, AZ | March 2020 – Present

  • Monitor and direct aircraft within controlled airspace using radar, ensuring all aircraft remained at safe distances from one another during takeoffs, landings, and en route travel.
  • Issue clearances, instructions, and traffic advisories to pilots during routine and emergency procedures, maintaining full control even in high-traffic volume scenarios.
  • Manage runway assignments, coordinate with ground control, and provide conflict resolution between incoming and outgoing flights to avoid delays.
  • Train 4 new tower controllers in radar procedures, verbal communication, and FAA compliance, improving departmental onboarding speed by 30%.

Erie International Airport | Junior Air Traffic Controller

Erie, PA | July 2017 – March 2020

  • Assisted senior controllers in monitoring inbound/outbound flights, gradually taking on greater responsibilities in radar control and flight separation.
  • Developed detailed knowledge of Class D airspace procedures, contributing to a spotless safety record during tenure.
  • Utilized weather radar and ATIS data to update pilots and reroute flights as needed during storms or visibility limitations.
  • Recorded and reviewed daily shift logs to ensure transparency and compliance with FAA reporting standards.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management
Kent State University | Kent, OH | 2017

Certifications

  • FAA Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certification – March 2017
  • Class II Medical Certificate – Valid through December 2026
  • CPR/AED First Aid – American Red Cross, Certified January 2023

Language Proficiency

Fluent in English and conversational Spanish (useful for pilot communication)

Strong sides of this traffic controller resume:

  • Includes two well-detailed roles with progressive responsibilities, showing clear career advancement.
  • Contains highly relevant and specific skills like TRACON and FAA compliance, tailored to aviation standards.
  • Adds a unique language proficiency section, enhancing communication relevance for international work environment.
How to properly format a traffic control resume?
  • Choose a readable, modern font such as Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica in 10–12 pt size.
  • Keep the resume length to one page if your work history is under a decade. Extend to two only when necessary.
  • Maintain 1-inch margins on all sides for clarity and balance.
  • Set line spacing between 1.0 and 1.15 to avoid visual clutter while maintaining readability.
  • Align all text to the left for consistent structure and better compatibility with ATS software.
  • Use clear resume section titles like “Summary,” “Experience,” and “Skills,” formatted slightly larger or in bold.
  • Refrain from visual elements like icons or decorative graphics, which can confuse digital systems.
  • Save the file as a PDF to prevent issues when opened on different devices.
  • Organize tasks using bullet points instead of long paragraphs.
  • Stick to a minimal design without bright colors, borders, or background patterns.

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Road traffic controller resume example

Sample road traffic controller resume

Jason Mercado
jason.mercado@email.com | (503) 555-3378 | Salem, OR

Summary

Attentive and safety-focused road traffic controller with experience managing vehicle and pedestrian flow around roadwork and construction zones. Certified in OSHA standards and known for reliability, precision, and excellent coordination with work crews and law enforcement.

Skills

  • Signage and cone setup
  • Manual flagging procedures
  • Walkie-talkie and signal communication
  • Construction site safety management
  • Stop/slow bat operation
  • Roadwork hazard identification
  • Traffic pattern documentation
  • Emergency vehicle coordination
  • Public interaction under pressure
  • Team coordination with crew leads

Experience

Knife River Corporation | Traffic Control Technician

Portland, OR | June 2020 – Present

  • Direct vehicle and pedestrian movement through active construction zones using signage, cones, and paddles, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum safety.
  • Collaborate with construction supervisors and law enforcement to maintain traffic flow and adjust control plans as needed based on site layout and volume.
  • Perform daily safety checks on all equipment and signage, identifying potential hazards and implementing corrective actions to prevent site violations.
  • Train new traffic control apprentices in setup, communication, and flagging protocols to increase team safety awareness and efficiency.

TriMet Utility Projects | Traffic Control Assistant

Salem, OR | May 2018 – May 2020

  • Assisted lead flaggers in safely directing traffic during nighttime roadwork, utility repairs, and large-scale maintenance closures.
  • Set up and dismantled warning signs, cones, barriers, and lane closures, ensuring full DOT compliance.
  • Monitored driver behavior and reported safety violations or close calls to supervisors for preventive retraining.
  • Worked closely with local utility crews, adjusting positioning in real-time to accommodate shifts in project operations.

Education

High School Diploma
McNary High School | Keizer, OR | 2017

Certifications

  • Oregon Flagger Certification – Issued March 2022
  • First Aid & CPR – American Safety Institute, Renewed January 2024
  • OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety – Certified June 2023

Volunteer Work

Assisted with crowd control and traffic redirection during the Portland Marathon (2021–2024)

Here are a few reasons why this example of a traffic control resume will impress recruiters:

  • Clearly outlines experience with both urban and construction site traffic environments.
  • Lists certifications with recent renewal dates, highlighting up-to-date qualifications.
  • Includes a volunteer section that adds personality and civic engagement beyond paid roles.
Should I choose a traffic controller resume objective or summary?

Resume summary works well for candidates who already have hands-on experience in traffic control or related roles.

  • It highlights your top achievements and core strengths in just a few sentences.

Traffic controller resume summary sample:

Safety-conscious traffic controller with over 4 years of experience directing vehicle flow and maintaining compliance with site safety standards. Skilled in communication and responsive decision-making under pressure.

Resume objective if you’re entering the workforce, switching industries, or applying without direct expertise.

It outlines your career goals and what you bring to the role.

Traffic controller resume objective example:

Reliable and observant individual seeking a traffic controller position to apply safety knowledge and teamwork skills. Dedicated to contributing to efficient operations and a secure work environment.

How to showcase your traffic controller resume skills?

The skills section is essential to show you have the right mix of job-specific abilities and traits that help you stay sharp and dependable on site.

  • Hard skills are practical and measurable — the tools and techniques you use daily.
  • Soft skills reflect your behavior, communication style, and problem-solving approach.

Traffic controller hard skills:

  • Traffic management
  • Stop-slow bat handling
  • Site hazard identification
  • Road signage setup
  • Emergency response coordination
  • Walkie-talkie communication
  • Construction site safety protocols
  • Flagging techniques
  • Manual handling
  • Risk assessment
  • Road closure procedures
  • Hand signal proficiency
  • Barricade placement
  • PPE usage
  • Basic first aid

Soft skills for traffic controllers:

  • Attention to detail
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Patience
  • Alertness
  • Decision-making
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Responsibility
  • Conflict resolution
  • Calm under pressure
  • Positive attitude
  • Adaptability
  • Multitasking
  • Reliability

Rail traffic controller resume template

Rail traffic controller resume sample

Rail Traffic Controller Resume
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Resume for rail traffic controller | Text version

Denise Lawton
denise.lawton@email.com | (312) 555-4981 | Naperville, IL

Summary

Dedicated rail traffic controller with years of experience coordinating freight and passenger train movement across Midwest rail networks. Expert in CAD systems, signal interpretation, and FRA safety regulations. Recognized for decisive judgment and consistent track conflict prevention.

Skills

  • Track switching and route clearance
  • FRA compliance monitoring
  • Rail network coordination
  • Emergency reroute handling
  • CAD (Centralized Traffic Control) systems
  • Rail signal interpretation
  • Radio communication with conductors
  • Scheduling adjustments and track dispatching
  • Logbook and incident report documentation
  • Situational awareness and fast prioritization

Experience

Union Pacific Railroad | Rail Traffic Controller

Chicago, IL | October 2019 – Present

  • Manage and authorize train departures, arrivals, and switch requests on the West Line, minimizing congestion and ensuring schedule reliability.
  • Communicate in real-time with conductors and yard masters to resolve delays due to weather, maintenance, or unplanned events.
  • Monitor multiple screens using CAD software to track train positions and proactively respond to routing conflicts.
  • Log all train movements and delays for audit compliance, and lead internal reviews to enhance efficiency.

Canadian National Railway | Train Dispatcher Assistant

Gary, IN | May 2016 – September 2019

  • Supported senior dispatchers by entering data, tracking active trains, and alerting teams to approaching track conflicts.
  • Gained hands-on experience with signal systems, switching protocols, and train prioritization for freight and passenger operations.
  • Identified scheduling overlaps and helped reroute or hold trains to avoid bottlenecks or maintenance blocks.
  • Participated in emergency drills, learning response coordination in derailment, hazardous materials, and medical events.

Education

Associate Degree in Transportation Operations Management
Joliet Junior College | Joliet, IL | 2016

Certifications

  • Radio Operations for Rail Systems – Certified March 2023
  • Emergency Response Preparedness – Amtrak Rail Safety Institute, October 2022
  • FRA Rail Dispatcher Certification – Completed June 2018

Technical Proficiency

Experienced with CAD, RailComm, and RTC 4.0 systems

This sample traffic controller resume is effective for several reasons:

  • Features advanced technical tools like CAD and RTC 4.0, aligning with modern rail systems.
  • Uses structured experience bullets to show problem-solving and emergency response capacity.
  • Adds a technical proficiency section that reinforces the candidate’s readiness for digital systems.
What academic credentials should I add to my traffic control resume?

Even though this job relies heavily on hands-on knowledge, the education section shows you’ve completed essential training and can follow instructions — both critical in a regulated field like traffic control.

  • School or training provider
  • Name of the degree or certification
  • City and state
  • Completion year or expected finish date
  • Any relevant safety coursework (optional)
How to organize the experience section in a traffic controller resume?
  • List your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.
  • Highlight job title, company name, city and state, and employment dates.
  • Use bullet points to describe your main duties and contributions.
  • Begin each point with a strong verb (e.g., Directed, Supervised, Ensured).
  • Add results when possible (e.g., “Assisted in reducing site delays by 25% through clear vehicle coordination”).
  • Avoid copying generic descriptions — tailor each entry to your actual work.

Conclusion

Your traffic controller resume should reflect not only your experience and certifications but also your ability to stay calm, communicate clearly, and prioritize safety in fast-paced environments.

With a clean format and a focus on relevant qualifications, you’ll increase your chances of getting noticed by employers. Ready to put it into action? Use our examples of a resume and tips to craft your winning version today.

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