MOB Traffic flaggers are an integral part of traffic safety in Las Vegas.  

As traffic control technicians for Masters of Barricades (MOB Traffic) walk out traffic control setups on dozens of job sites across the valley several hours before sunrise, a second and equally integral part of the company’s traffic control operations is preparing for the day. Flaggers have plenty to do on that punch list — much of which involves bracing themselves for scorching summer temperatures. 

All of them have coolers, packed with ice and any drinks or food they need for the day. All of them double-check their personal protective equipment (PPE), often consisting of bright and reflective clothing — long-sleeved shirts, pants, safety boots, broad-brimmed hats with neck flaps — and sunglasses with tinted and polarized lenses. And all of them check the batteries in their radios and pack up their signs, leaving nothing to chance.

“Once they’re ready, most of them will drive straight to the job site for a 6:45 a.m. start time,” says Jarett Jarrell, flagging manager for MOB Traffic. “After they arrive, they wait for the construction crew to show or sometimes, the crew might already be on site.” 

Most flaggers work in teams of two or three, depending on the requirements of the job, with one or two managing traffic on the street and the other on pedestrian watch. While the job may seem simple at a glance, it requires several specialized skills like patience, communication, problem solving, and attention to detail.

“You might be surprised that most of the challenges come from the residents we are trying to protect,” said Jarrell. “Everyone is in a rush to get wherever they are going, and the last thing they want to do is be stopped or wait for one lane of traffic to go at a time. Sometimes, they are quick to get angry and take it out on the flaggers.”

The best of them, he says, learn to defuse the most tense situations. It’s a skill set they develop as part of their ATSSA certification, a course that teaches applicants standard flagger control references, proper flagging signals procedures, and standard flagger practices for various situations.

“As an ATSSA-trained flagger instructor, we have an advantage in training our people,” said Jarrell. “I guide them through the courses they need to know, but also teach them a few things that make MOB Traffic flaggers stand out.”

One of those things is a strong appreciation for teamwork. Like many managers at MOB Traffic, Jarrell has gained experience in several positions since he started with the company more than seven years ago. Originally hired to work in the shop, Jarrell applied to become a traffic control technician. 

“I worked the night shift for a few years and then the day shift before I was promoted to supervisor,” he said. “When the flagging manager position opened up, I applied for it, hoping I could make the department mine by redesigning some of our systems and scheduling processes.”

Many of the changes, including a new Excel scheduling system, worked. They helped the company to grow from a 15-person operation to a team of 40 to 60 flaggers and lead flaggers with three supervisors. Still, while a big part of the job revolves around training and scheduling, Jarrell is always ready to lend a hand wherever he is needed. 

“My day starts just like my supervisors,” he said. “I like to drive out to different sites and ensure everyone has everything they need. If they need a break, I’ll break them. If they need some extra water, I have some. If we’re short staffed, I’ll take over a shift. It’s part of the culture we have here at MOB Traffic. We’re a company that acts like a family. I’ve never worked for a company that cares more about its employees.”

According to Jarrell, MOB Traffic and its employees tend to take care of their own. If someone struggles with something, it’s not unusual for someone else to step up and help. If someone is celebrating a birth, the team rallies around them. If someone has a sick family member, the company or crew might send flowers. 

“It’s important because while the job appears routine, it can also be dangerous. So we always have to have each other’s backs,” he said. “The only time you might see us a little more laid back is at events. We’re genuinely excited to work them, and we can leave our hard hats and boots at home.”

MOB Traffic handles the traffic and pedestrian management for the biggest events in Las Vegas, including the Electric Daisy Carnival, Rock ’n Roll Running Series, and Life is Beautiful. In most cases, MOB Traffic opens up the events schedule to Monday-Friday flaggers interested in logging additional hours. 

“Whenever we go or whatever needs to be done, we just approach it as providing quality service and being there to help,” said Jarrell. “I’m looking for new candidates with that kind of attitude right now. Fall is a great time of year to join the team.” 

MOB Traffic has immediate openings for traffic control and special event flaggers. Ideal candidates will have a positive attitude, attention to detail, schedule flexibility, and can pass a drug test. ATSSA Flagger certification and OSHA 10 (Construction) certification are required, but MOB Traffic can direct candidates in the right direction. It’s often a great entry point for traffic management positions and the construction industry.