Traffic Signal Technician

THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Oceanside is currently accepting applications for the position of Traffic Signal Technician. There is one vacancy in the Public Works Department.

This journey level position involves installation, maintenance, and repair of traffic signal equipment, street lighting, and related devices. Incumbents perform all tasks with a degree of independence less than that of a Senior Traffic Signal Technician. Advancement is based on proficiency, certification, and departmental needs.

• Installs, tests, replaces, maintains, and repairs electrical equipment for traffic signals, street lighting, flash beacons, RRFBs, signs, and other traffic control devices.
• Performs comprehensive electrical work, including operation, general maintenance, repair, and adjustment of traffic signals.
• Makes field and emergency repairs on signal heads, standards, detector loops, video detection, and controllers.
• Assists with relocations and modifications of traffic signals and electronic equipment at street intersections.
• Installs traffic detectors, video cameras, pedestrian push‑button units, safety lights, and illuminated traffic signs.
• Turns on, tests, and makes timing adjustments for traffic signals.
• Cleans, tests, repairs, and overhauls controllers, coordinators, program clocks, computers, and other electronic equipment in the shop.
• Ensures all repairs are safe and compliant with City system standards.
• Performs scheduled maintenance and group re‑lampping on traffic signal systems.
• Tests electrical circuits, transformers, and related equipment; assists with controller rewiring.
• Checks and adjusts traffic signal timing and performs preventive maintenance work.
• Reads and interprets wiring diagrams, sketches, schematics, and manuals.
• Maintains and uses electronic and electrical tools and equipment properly.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Principles and equipment for installation, maintenance, testing, and repair of electrical and electronic traffic signal equipment.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing traffic signals.
• Electrical power distribution, circuitry, and motor control system design related to traffic signal and lighting equipment.
• Operating characteristics of electronic components.
• Traffic signal operations and timing parameters.
• Safe work methods and safety regulations.
• Equipment maintenance practices and methods.

• Uses modern precision and diagnostic instruments to install, test, calibrate, and repair complex electrical and electronic devices.
• Reads and interprets blueprints, drawings, specifications, and manuals.
• Exerts independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines.
• Understands and carries out oral and written instructions.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with City management, staff, contractors, the public, and others encountered in the course of work.

Experience: Three years of experience in maintenance and repair of complex electronic analog and digital solid‑state equipment, electrical equipment, traffic systems, or street light systems.

Training: Completion of the twelfth grade plus college‑level coursework in engineering, computer science, electronics, or a closely related field.

• Valid California driver’s license;
  California Class B driver’s license may be required.
• International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) Traffic Signal Technician Level I certification within 24 months of hire.

Failure to obtain IMSA certification within 24 months results in reversion to previous classification for internal candidates or termination for external candidates.

Work is performed outdoors under seasonal climate and weather conditions. It may require working in inclement weather without effective sun, cold, or rain protection. Work may be conducted within enclosed spaces or at heights above ground level.

The role requires frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving of objects weighing up to 50 pounds; climbing ladders of varying heights; standing, stooping, reaching, bending, and using dexterous hands. It also requires prolonged sitting or standing, walking long distances, and visual acuity for reading specifications and drawings.