Transportation Technician

City of Ann Arbor; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Ann Arbor is seeking a Transportation Technician to install, inspect, maintain and repair traffic signs, signals, streetlights and related communications systems in the community.

You will work with field crews to calibrate radio equipment, document locations, and ensure compliance with city, state and federal standards. A High School diploma and CDL B within 3 months are required; union benefits apply and extensive on‑the‑job training is provided.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/G.E.D. required.
• CDL B license to be obtained within 3 months.
• Forklift and Aerial Work Platform permits required within 2 years.
• Basic knowledge of traffic theory and safety in high‑risk work zones.
• Ability to read blueprints and use test equipment.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and repair traffic control and signal devices.
• Design, fabricate and install traffic signs and decals.
• Inspect installations to ensure compliance with standards.
• Calibrate and test radio transmitters, receivers, and monitors.
• Identify power issues and restore power temporarily when needed.
• Document sign locations and maintain field inventory records.
• Construct traffic control barricades and monitor traffic.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Soldering & welding

Traffic theory

Safety in high‑risk work zones

Education

High School Diploma/G.E.D.

CDL B within 3 months

Forklift Operator’s Permit

Aerial Work Platform Permit

Tools

Power Tools

Soldering station

Welder

Auger truck

Hoist truck

Backhoe/trencher

Concrete saw

Air compressor

Sign cutter

Job description

Transportation Technician

Starting Rate: $27.82 (This rate is non-negotiable and there is a 6-month probationary period). After hire, pay increases are dependent on length of service, advancement in the position, and other contractual factors.

This position is represented by the AFSCME union. For more information reference the AFSCME collective bargaining agreement: Collective Bargaining Agreements

Benefits offered for this opportunity: AFSCME Benefits Summary

The City of Ann Arbor offers a competitive wage and benefits package including medical, vision, dental, paid vacation, sick and holiday leave.

Role Summary

To install, inspect, maintain and repair traffic signs, signals, streetlights and communication systems.

Essential Duties:

• Install, maintain, and repair traffic control and signal devices, underground cabling and conduit infrastructure, streetlights (pole/mast and light) and mobile radio communication, alarms and electronic systems, including top lights
• Design, fabricate and install traffic signs and decals
• Inspect traffic signal and street lighting installation to ensure meeting applicable city, state and federal standards and specifications
• Calibrate, test, maintain and repair base, mobile and portable radio transmitters, receivers, and monitors
• Identify source of power failure and install temporary power source for power restoration
• Perform preventive maintenance on traffic signal, sign and radio equipment, including sign computer hardware
• Install cable fiber; locate and stake buried City equipment (MISS DIG)
• Splice, terminate and pull fiber
• Document sign locations and maintain other field inventory records
• Construct traffic control barricades and monitor traffic control

Equipment

• Power Tools, sleeve drive
• Soldering station, welder, audio/tone generator, auger truck, hoist truck, directional boring machine, backhoe/trencher, concrete saw, air compressor, sign cutter

Training and Experience

• High School Diploma/G.E.D.
• CDL B within 3 months
• Forklift Operator’s Permit (obtained in 2 years)
• Aerial Work Platform Operator’s Permit (obtain in 2 years)
• Intermediate knowledge of traffic theory; signals operations; safety requirements for high-risk work zones
• Advanced knowledge of: street light construction, where city equipment is located
• Ability to: read blueprints; use test equipment
• Knowledge of soldering and welding
• Knowledge of at least one of the following:
  • Radio System Repair and System Repair and Maintenance or Traffic Signal Level I Certification
  • AND/or Signs and Marking Level I Certification
• Demonstrated ability to meet performance standards for 6 of 9 key proficiencies (2 each in signs, signals, and radio shop):
  • Power restoration (required) (Signals and Radio Shop)
  • Miss DIG (required) (Signals and Radio Shop)
  • Intersection construction/upgrade (Signs and Signals)
  • Street light construction inspection (Signals)
  • Sign restoration (Signs)
  • Maintenance of sign shop equipment and sign computer (Signs)
  • Installation/removal of top light (Radio Shop)
  • Installation/removal of radio (Radio Shop)

View Additional Requirements and Information at: Transportation Technician Job Description