Traffic Signal Technician

Arlington County Government; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Arlington County Government is seeking an ITS Technician to install, repair, and maintain traffic signals, streetlights, and ITS equipment across 300+ intersections. Candidates will progress from Trainee to Technician I/II based on experience and certifications, with a focus on safety and teamwork.

The role requires after-hours availability for emergencies, working outdoors and indoors, and eligibility for necessary certifications within 12 months. Competitive county benefits apply.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent required.
• Experience with ITS equipment or electronic/electrical systems preferred.
• Must obtain IMSA and VDOT certifications within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Install, repair, and maintain ITS equipment, traffic signals, and streetlight devices.
• Troubleshoot equipment and implement corrective procedures for proper functionality.
• Perform preventive maintenance and adjustments to optimize performance and safety.
• Establish and maintain safe work zones per the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual.
• Operate aerial bucket trucks and other specialized tools for field work.
• Document work with work order systems and generate performance reports.
• Coordinate with staff, contractors, or vendors to resolve technical issues.

Skills

Traffic signals

Electrical maintenance

Preventive maintenance

Safety procedures

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Associate degree in Electronics

Tools

MS Office

Asset management systems

Job description

Job Description

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking a Traffic Signal Technician to perform skilled work for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) including traffic signal construction, installation, repair, and maintenance. Technicians primarily support the electrical and electronic maintenance repair work of over 300 intersections including streetlights at all times of day, and a multitude of ITS equipment and support devices.

Responsibilities

Major Job Duties

• Installing, repairing, and maintaining ITS equipment, traffic signals, and streetlight devices;
• Troubleshooting equipment and implementing corrective procedures to ensure proper functionality;
• Performing preventive maintenance and adjustments to optimize performance and safety;
• Establishing and maintaining safe work zones in accordance with the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual;
• Operating specialized tools and equipment, including aerial bucket trucks, to complete field work;
• Using work order systems to document work, generate reports, and track performance data;
• Coordinating with staff, contractors, or vendors to identify and resolve technical issues; and
• Additional, higher-level responsibilities will be assigned based on the level at which the employee is hired.

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in the installation, maintenance, and repair of streetlight, traffic signal, and other electronic control systems, with the ability to respond effectively in emergency situations. They will also demonstrate a proven ability to work collaboratively within a team, deliver excellent customer service, and communicate clearly and effectively.

Qualifications

You will begin at the Trainee level until certifications are received, then you will be appointed to the Technician Level I/II depending on your years of experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent; AND

ITS Technician Trainee

• Less than one (1) year of experience in the maintenance and repair of ITS equipment or other electronic and electrical equipment;
• Must receive the following certifications within one year of hire:
  • VDOT Intermediate Work Zone Certification;
  • IMSA Traffic Signal Technician Level I or IMSA Roadway Lighting certifications.

ITS Technician Level I

• One (1) year of experience in the maintenance and repair of ITS equipment or other electronic and electrical equipment;
• Must possess the following certifications:
  • VDOT Intermediate Work Zone Certification;
  • IMSA Traffic Signal Technician Level I or IMSA Roadway Lighting certifications.

ITS Technician Level II

• Two (2) years of experience in the maintenance and repair of ITS equipment;
• Must possess the following certifications:
  • VDOT Intermediate Work Zone certification;
  • IMSA Traffic Signal Technician Level II certification;
  • IMSA Roadway Lighting certification.

Desirable

• Associate degree in Electronics, Electrical Science, or completion of a trades school program in a related field;
• Training or experience using the National Electrical Code (NEC) or Journeyman or Master Electrical license;
• Experience using asset management systems, PublicStuff/311-Report-A-AProblem, MS Office, or similar systems;
• Experience using traffic management systems; and/or
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Background Check

A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Driver's License

The applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver's license or commit to the use of alternative methods of transportation to perform duties at other locations. If the applicant possesses or acquires a driver’s license, the applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain or provide a copy of their official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.

Trainee Level

If an employee is hired at the trainee level, a training period will be established to last no longer than the equivalent of 12 months. At or before the end of the training period, the employee must meet experience, training, and proficiency requirements for the Level I position. Once the candidate qualifies, they will be appointed to the position.

Working Conditions

• The worker must be available to work after hours and in emergency situations.
• The worker performs activities inside and outside.
• The worker is subject to cold (below 32 degrees) for periods of more than one hour and/or temperatures above 90 degrees for periods of more than one hour.
• Consideration should be given to the effect of other environmental conditions such as snow, rain, hail, wind and humidity.
• The worker is subject to hazards: Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat or exposure to chemicals.
• The worker is subject to one more of the following conditions: Fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases or poor ventilation, oils, and other cutting fluids.

Physical Requirements

• Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Additional Information

Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Occasional call-back hours and alternative schedules for emergency situations or repairs is required.

Skills

The official job title is ITS Technician. These positions are part of a multi-grade pay band. Employees may earn increases and are eligible to progress through the band after acquiring additional skills, training, certifications, or licenses. The salary ranges for each level are as follows:

• ITS Technician Trainee: $59,092.80 - $94,702.40 Annually
• ITS Technician I: $62,067.20 - $94,702.40 Annually
• ITS Technician II: $67,163.20 - $102,481.60 Annually

This position is eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs.