Traffic Signal Technician I/II

City of Escondido; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Escondido is seeking a Traffic Signal Technician II to perform complex electrical work on traffic signal and street lighting systems. The role involves independent tasks, advanced troubleshooting, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Qualified candidates will have IMSA Level I certification (II) and a valid Class C license, with the potential for growth into a senior technical position and responsibilities including training others.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in the electrical trade.
• Training in a formal apprentice program is desirable.
• Possession of a valid Class C driver's license (Traffic Signal Technician II).
• IMSA Traffic Signal Technician Level I certification (II).

Responsibilities

• Install, repair, service, and maintain traffic signal control systems, street lighting, and related equipment.
• Respond to emergencies involving signal malfunctions or outages.
• Diagnose malfunctions and perform advanced diagnostics on electrical systems.
• Program and operate traffic signal computers and interconnect systems.
• Provide guidance to lower-level staff and ensure safety compliance.

Skills

Electrical systems

Troubleshooting

Blueprints

Safety practices

Education

High school diploma + electrical trade training

Job description

Traffic Signal Technician I: $6,173 - $8,273/monthly

Traffic Signal Technician II: $6,648 - $8,909/monthly

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Traffic Signal Technician I/II in Public Works/Streets. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.

Under general supervision (Traffic Signal Technician I) or direction (Traffic Signal Technician II), performs skilled electrical and electronic work in the installation, maintenance, repair, and calibration of traffic signal systems, street lighting, and related equipment; diagnoses malfunctions in complex signal systems and associated electrical components; operates computerized systems related to traffic signal programming and control; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Traffic Signal Technician I

This is the entry-level class in the Traffic Signal Technician series. Positions in this class typically have less experience and are not expected to perform with the same level of independence or technical expertise as the Traffic Signal Technician II. Incumbents work under closer supervision and are expected to develop a working knowledge of all duties assigned. This level is distinguished by a focus on assisting with installations, routine maintenance, and gaining experience in troubleshooting and diagnostics. Advancement to Traffic Signal Technician II is based on demonstrated proficiency and successful acquisition of required certifications.

Traffic Signal Technician II

This is the full journey-level class in the Traffic Signal Technician series. Employees at this level perform the full range of duties independently and are expected to demonstrate technical knowledge of complex electrical systems, advanced troubleshooting skills, and familiarity with relevant codes and regulations. They may provide training or guidance to lower-level staff and are responsible for high-level repairs, diagnostics, and calibrations.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Performs skilled electrical and electronic installation, repair, service, and maintenance work on traffic signal control systems, street lighting systems, and related electronic/electrical equipment.
• Responds to requests and performs skilled electrical and electronic repairs, servicing, installation, inspection, troubleshooting, and maintenance on traffic signal systems, street lighting, and related control equipment; responds to emergency calls for service involving signal malfunctions, outages, or hazardous conditions.
• Inspects, repairs, installs, services, and maintains electrical systems including conduit systems, lighting and power circuits, transformers, control equipment, switches, clocks, and related electrical devices.
• Diagnoses malfunctions including traffic sensing mechanisms, circuits, controllers, switches, relays, fuses, battery back-up systems, loop and video detection systems, power supplies, electronic controls and other electronic apparatus.
• Operates computer systems associated with programming and operating traffic signals and interconnect systems.
• Performs predictive, preventative, and corrective maintenance on equipment.
• Inspects newly installed electrical equipment and lighting to ensure safe and satisfactory functioning.
• Operates and maintains a variety of hand tools, power tools, pneumatic tools, trucks, and other equipment in the performance of assigned duties.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of written records and reports; reads and interprets electrical and mechanical drawings and specifications.
• Meets and works with contractors regarding electrical issues as necessary; responds to questions and inquires.
• Observes and complies with federal, state, and local electrical codes.
• Responds to electrical calls and emergencies as necessary.
• Provides direction and training to lower-level staff.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of

• Operational characteristics of electrical systems and internal components.
• Principles, practices, techniques, tools, and materials used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical or electronic systems and equipment.
• Principles of electrical theory as applied to electrical circuits and wiring systems.
• Operating characteristics and application of electrical test equipment.
• Methods and techniques of troubleshooting and calibrating electric and electronic systems and components.
• Preventive and corrective maintenance techniques.
• Use and maintenance of a variety of power and hand tools.
• Precautions necessary for working with electricity.
• Blueprint and symbol identification.
• Basic principles of mathematics.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Pertinent federal, state and local codes, laws and regulations including Electrical Safety Orders of the Division of Industrial Safety, California Electrical Code, the National Electric Code, and Cal/OSHA safety rules, regulations, and other safe work practices.

Ability to

• Perform a variety of installation, repair, and maintenance duties on electrical equipment and systems.
• Inspect, troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair electrical and electronic malfunctions.
• Operate a variety of electrical testing, maintenance, repair, and installation equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Use electrical test equipment.
• Operate hand and power tools competently and safely.
• Handle a variety of tasks with minimum supervision.
• Maintain required work logs, records, and related operational and maintenance data.
• Prepare clear and concise written reports.
• Perform accurate mathematical calculations.
• Read, interpret, and work from blueprints, electrical diagrams and schematics, manufacturer instructions, and directions.
• Perform assigned work in accordance with appropriate safety practices and regulations.
• Operate office equipment including computers.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education/Training

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in the electrical trade. Training in a formal apprentice program is desirable.

Experience

Traffic Signal Technician I

Three (3) years of experience in the installation, maintenance, or repair of traffic signal systems, electrical systems, or related electronic equipment.

Traffic Signal Technician II

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in traffic signal maintenance and repair, including experience with traffic signal timing, detection, and advanced diagnostics.

License or Certificate

Traffic Signal Technician I

Possession of a valid Class C driver’s license.

Traffic Signal Technician II

Possession of the International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) Traffic Signal Technician Level I certification is required. Possession of a valid Class C drivers license.

NOTE

For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®. The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment. Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

ABOUT OUR CITY

The City of Escondido is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.

EOE

The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.