Traffic Signal Technician I/II

Under direct or general supervision, performs a variety of work in the inspection, installation, maintenance, and repair of City traffic signals, street lights, and related equipment; uses and operates a variety of manual and power tools; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct or general supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises no supervision of staff. May provide technical and functional training and/or direction to department personnel.

Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Performs inspection, installation, maintenance, and repair activities of City traffic systems to ensure safe and efficient access for the public, including streetlights, traffic signals, street signs, and other traffic control devices.
• Inventories existing traffic signal, street lighting, and system master control equipment and timing parameters.
• Identifies, responds to, troubleshoots, and repairs traffic signal system telemetry problems.
• Maintains, monitors, upgrades, and repairs communications links between local traffic signals and the Traffic Management System.
• Performs technical work such as repairing signal equipment, programming signal controllers, and installing and modifying related equipment.
• Prepares, reviews, receives, maintains, and processes reports and records, including purchase orders, signal diagrams, electrical diagrams, cost estimates, timesheets, technical studies, architectural and electrical diagrams and drawings, invoices, inventory, and traffic reports.
• Monitors contractors working with and around traffic control systems and related equipment to ensure the work is appropriately performed to code; addresses discrepancies as necessary.
• Operates and maintains vehicles and specialized tools and equipment related to the installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of traffic systems and controls.
• Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
• Performs Underground Service Alert (USA) locates as needed.
• Installs street barricades and cones and controls traffic around work sites and special events to ensure safe conditions for the public and City workers.
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
• Provides information to the public concerning traffic related activities; responds to complaints and answers questions from public or refers to supervisor, as necessary.
• Responds to maintenance and repair emergency situations as required.
• Maintains accurate logs and records of work performed and materials and equipment used; maintains billing and account records for various vendors.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods, materials, tools, and practices used in the troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and repair of devices used in street lighting and traffic control.
• Components and parts of electronic and electrical devices used in traffic control equipment.
• Principles, methods, and practices in the design of traffic signals and signal phasing.
• The operation and minor maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and power equipment.
• Traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and regulations, including administrative policies and procedures relevant to the assigned area of responsibility.
• Safe vehicle operations and vehicle maintenance.
• Basic arithmetic and statistical techniques.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work, including, but not limited to, specialized and standard database, word processing, spreadsheet software, and report generation computer software packages.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Techniques for providing a high-level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Recent and don-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned department.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety equipment and practices necessary in the assigned area.
• Techniques for dealing with and solving the problems presented by a variety of individuals from various backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.

 

Ability to: 

• Inspect, test, repair, and adjust traffic control devices and related equipment.
• Safely and effectively use, operate, and maintain equipment and tools required for the work.
• Perform inspections and maintenance for extended periods of time.
• Read and interpret plans, wiring diagrams, blueprints, and technical regulations.
• Use computers and software used in traffic signal controllers.
• Apply technical knowledge and follow proper traffic signal operation practices and procedures.
• Determine priorities and make independent judgments in emergency situations.
• Coordinate and review the work of traffic signal contractors in the field.
• Bring a traffic signal cabinet/controller on-line. 
• Test and troubleshoot communication cables.
• Operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Follow department policies and procedures related to assigned duties.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions independently.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
• Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, in writing, and on the radio.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Provide quality customer service.

 

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Traffic Signal Technician I:  Equivalent to the completion of twelfth (12^th) grade is required, and one (1) year of experience in installation, inspection, maintenance, and/or repair of traffic signal and street lighting devices. An Associate’s degree in electronics, engineering, drafting, surveying, or a related field is desirable.

Traffic Signal Technician II:  Equivalent to two (2) years technical and/or college courses in electronics, engineering, or a related field, and three (3) years of experience in installation, inspection, maintenance, and/or repair of traffic signal and street lighting devices, or two (2) years of experience as a Traffic Signal Technician I at the City of Orange. An Associate’s degree in electronics, engineering, drafting, surveying, or a related field is highly desirable.

 

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver License with satisfactory driving record and proof of acceptable insurance at the time of appointment and throughout employment in the position is required.

Traffic Signal Technician I:

• Possess and maintain a valid International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) Level I Traffic Signal Certification within one (1) year of appointment to the position.
• Possess and maintain a valid certificate to operate an aerial lift truck within six (6) months of appointment to the position.

Traffic Signal Technician II:

• Possess and maintain a valid International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) Level II Traffic Signal Certification at the time of appointment.
• Possess and maintain a valid certificate to operate an aerial lift truck at the time of appointment.

Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work in confined spaces and around machines, to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio.  The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment.  Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Environmental Elements:

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Working Conditions:

This position requires regular and reliable attendance and the employee’s physical presence at the workplace. May be required to be on-call and to work various shifts or emergencies, including, but not limited to, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Salary : $60,480 - $85,692