TRAFFIC SIGNAL TECHNICIAN I - III

Town of Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 47,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Chapel Hill is seeking Traffic Signal Technicians I–III to maintain and repair traffic signals, perform inspections, respond to emergencies, and support utility locating. Roles range from entry-level with apprenticeship to highly experienced technician leading maintenance and emergency response.

These non-exempt, full-time positions are typically based in a warehouse and outdoors, with varying duties across the three levels and opportunities to advance certification and responsibilities.

Qualifications

• All Levels - High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience levels described for I, II, III as entry to highly experienced.
• IMSA certifications referenced as a requirement in some duties.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and repair traffic signals; respond to emergencies.
• Install, program, and maintain signal hardware and software.
• Lead maintenance and emergency response efforts at higher levels.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Math skills

PC proficiency

Respect values

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Voltmeter

Megohmmeter

Conflict monitor tester

Utility locator

Ground testing meter

Soldering station

Bucket truck

Job description

Salary Range: $46,828.00 – 67,117.00

Hiring Range:

TRAFFIC SIGNAL TECHNICIAN I $46,828 - $61,336

TRAFFIC SIGNAL TECHNICIAN II $49,170 - $63,921

TRAFFIC SIGNAL TECHNICIAN III $51,628 - $67,117

Exempt or Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described here. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned that are not specifically spelled out in this job description, but which may be reasonably considered to require similar knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Summary of Position:

Traffic Signal Technician I

Entry-level apprenticeship with training and certification provided. Assists in maintaining and repairing traffic signals, inspecting equipment, and responding to emergencies under supervision. Also supports utility locating, school zone beacon troubleshooting, and sign maintenance.

Traffic Signal Technician II

Handles troubleshooting and repairs of traffic signals, maintains repair schedules and records, and responds to emergency calls on rotation. Uses specialized equipment and assists with utility locating and other town duties.

Traffic Signal Technician III

Installs, programs, and repairs computerized traffic signals. Leads maintenance and emergency response efforts, operates specialized equipment, and supports utility locating and broader town operations.

What you can expect to be doing (Essential Functions):

Traffic Signal Technician I:

• Assist in inspections and maintenance of traffic signal system. May occasionally be assigned work in the traffic operation room; operates cameras; and communicates with personnel.
• Installs traffic devices for work zones.

Traffic Signal Technician II:

• Maintain traffic signals; performs regular maintenance; responds to citizen complaints and emergency calls.
• Installs and maintains traffic signal hardware, central and local software system.
• Uses utility locator and diagnostic tools in troubleshooting fiber optic cables; maintains fiber optic systems.
• Locates and maintains utilities.
• Completes inspections; provides accurate documentation and meets contractors on the job site; maintains records; responds to all traffic signal outages.

Traffic Signal Technician III:

• Inspects equipment; identifies the cause of errors or other problems; conducts basic fiber optic troubleshooting., before contacting the on-call fiber contractor.
• Repairs and mintains electronic equipment; services, calibrates, regulates, and tests equipment.
• Inspect variable message boards.
• Provides traffic control for special events.
• Inspects and maintains analog and digital cameras.
• Analyzes data, makes decisions, and solves problems; identifies principle facets of information; evaluates results to decide the best solution; implements traffic control plans.
• Completes all other duties as assigned.

Do you supervise or not?

These positions may lead others as assigned.

What are the physical demands?

The work is typically performed while kneeling or standing, with intermittent sitting or stooping, and requires the ability to distinguish between shades of color and pass a standard color blindness test. The employee uses equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity and strength.

Where and how do you work?

The work is typically performed in a warehouse and outdoors.

What do you need to know to do this job effectively?

Knowledge of:

• Fundamentals of electricity or working with electronics.
• Traffic Signal Technician I
• Basic knowledge of electricity.
• Demonstrated satisfactory level of skill in reading and interpreting circuit diagrams (once IMSA certified).

Ability to:

All Levels:

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Solve problems and make sound decisions.
• Perform mathematical calculations.
• Utilize a personal computer and various word processing applications.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and customers.
• Model behaviors that are consistent with the Town of Chapel Hill’s values of RESPECT

Traffic Signal Technician I

• Read and interpret maps, basic blueprints, manuals, and data.
• Operate a bucket truck.

Traffic Signal Technician II (Experienced)

• Use a volt/ohm meter, megohmmeter, conflict monitor tester, utility locater, ground testing meter, and soldering station.
• Program traffic signal controllers.
• Read and interpret traffic plans.

Traffic Signal Technician III (Highly Experienced)

• Troubleshoot and maintain the traffic signal system software and equipment, including wiring and replacing traffic control cabinets, traffic signal heads, and overseeing emergency repairs by third party contractors.

What education and/or experience do you need to be considered for this job?

Education

All Levels - A high school diploma or equivalent, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the job duties.

Experience

• Traffic Signal Technician I – Entry-level position with knowledge of and/or experience in basics of electricity or electronics. This is an excellent entry-level apprenticeship position.
• Traffic Signal Technician II – Two-year degree in electricity/electronics or equivalent and 3 years of related experience OR 2 years of traffic signal experience.
• Traffic Signal Technician III – Two-year degree in electricity/electronics or equivalent and 4 years of related experience OR 5 years of traffic signal experience.

What are the safety considerations for this job?

• These positions are designated safety sensitive and driving- essential.
• You will be subject to the Drug and Alcohol-free Workplace policy.
• You will be subject to the Safe Driving and Accident Policy.

Here is other information you should know about the position:

All Levels:

• A valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina
• This classification has been designated as Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
• These positions are driving essential and must conform to the Town's Safe Driving and Accident Policy and procedures
• These positions are designated as non-exempt and subject to FLSA overtime rules.

Traffic Signal Technician I:

• Ability to complete in-house training related to Demonstrated Ability/Skills Required for Troubleshooting Traffic Signal Failures within 6 months of employment;
• Successful completion of IMSA Work Zone Safety course within 12 months of employment; and
• Ability to obtain and maintain IMSA Level I Traffic Signal Tech Certification.

Traffic Signal Technician II*:

• Current IMSA Level II Traffic Signal Certification
• Ability to obtain an NC CDL Class B within 6 months.

Traffic Signal Technician III*:

• Current IMSA Level III Traffic Signal Certification and Bench Repair or Field Technician; and
• NC CDL Class B, or ability to obtain within 6 months.

* There may be times when we recruit for a higher-level position, and the top candidate does not meet all of our internal criteria. In those situations, special conditions may be imposed with a reasonable timeline to meet necessary certification requirements. The Public Works Department covers the costs of training, testing, and dues for any certifications required to fulfill the duties of the position.

The Town of Chapel Hill has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

The Town of Chapel Hill does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.