Traffic Signal Technician I - III

Town of Chapel Hill • Chapel Hill, NC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

This job involves maintaining, repairing, installing, and troubleshooting traffic signal systems. The role has three levels: Technician I (entry-level apprenticeship), Technician II (handles troubleshooting and repairs), and Technician III (installs, programs, and leads maintenance efforts). Responsibilities include inspecting equipment, responding to emergencies, utility locating, and maintaining records. The work is performed both indoors and outdoors, requiring physical stamina and the ability to distinguish colors. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Fundamentals of electricity or working with electronics.
• Demonstrated satisfactory level of skill in reading and interpreting circuit diagrams (once IMSA certified for Technician I).
• NCDOT Traffic Signal Specifications Manual (Technician II & III).
• Fiber optic troubleshooting (Technician II & III).
• Working knowledge of the traffic signal system software, trends, and practices, and the ability to operate the closed-loop system (Technician II & III).
• Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (Technician II & III).
• 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.
• Read and interpret maps, basic blueprints, manuals, and data (Technician I).
• Operate a bucket truck (Technician I).
• Use a volt/ohm meter, megohmmeter, conflict monitor tester, utility locater, ground testing meter, and soldering station (Technician II).
• Program traffic signal controllers (Technician II).
• Read and interpret traffic plans (Technician II).
• Valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina.
• Ability to complete in-house training related to Troubleshooting Traffic Signal Failures within 6 months of employment (Technician I).
• Successful completion of IMSA Work Zone Safety course within 12 months of employment (Technician I).
• Ability to obtain and maintain IMSA Level I Traffic Signal Tech Certification (Technician I).
• Current IMSA Level II Traffic Signal Certification (Technician II).
• Ability to obtain an NC CDL Class B within 6 months (Technician II).
• Current IMSA Level III Traffic Signal Certification and Bench Repair or Field Technician (Technician III).
• NC CDL Class B, or ability to obtain within 6 months (Technician III).

Nice To Haves

• Experience in basics of electricity or electronics (Technician I).
• Two-year degree in electricity/electronics or equivalent and 3 years of related experience OR 2 years of traffic signal experience (Technician II).
• Two-year degree in electricity/electronics or equivalent and 4 years of related experience OR 5 years of traffic signal experience (Technician III).

Responsibilities

• Assist in inspections and maintenance of traffic signal systems.
• Operate cameras and communicate with personnel in the traffic operation room.
• Install traffic devices for work zones.
• Maintain traffic signals and perform regular maintenance.
• Respond to citizen complaints and emergency calls.
• Install and maintain traffic signal hardware, central and local software systems.
• Use specialized equipment for troubleshooting fiber optic cables and maintaining fiber optic systems.
• Locate and maintain utilities.
• Complete inspections, provide accurate documentation, and maintain records.
• Respond to all traffic signal outages.
• Inspect equipment and identify the cause of errors or problems.
• Conduct basic fiber optic troubleshooting.
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment.
• Service, calibrate, regulate, and test equipment.
• Inspect variable message boards.
• Provide traffic control for special events.
• Inspect and maintain analog and digital cameras.
• Analyze data, make decisions, and solve problems related to traffic control.
• Implement traffic control plans.
• Troubleshoot and maintain the traffic signal system software and equipment, including wiring and replacing traffic control cabinets and signal heads.
• Oversee emergency repairs by third-party contractors.

Benefits

• Training and certification provided for entry-level apprentices.
• The Public Works Department covers the costs of training, testing, and dues for any certifications required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED