The City of Olympia is looking for a skilled and motivated Traffic Signal Technician to join our Public Works team. This is more than a technical role—it’s a chance to work on critical systems that keep our community safe and connected. If you enjoy hands-on electrical work, tackling real-world challenges, and being part of a team that takes pride in what they do, we want to hear from you.

Transportation Operations seeks an experienced Traffic Signal Technician to work within our Traffic Signals and Streetlighting group. The ideal candidate will be technically proficient, proactive and positive with excellent interpersonal skills and a strong commitment to both the Transportation Operations team and the community at large.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Knowledge and understanding of electrical safety.

• Team-oriented with good interpersonal skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively with others and maintain strong working relationships.

• Strong work ethic and ability to work independently.

• A quick learner with the ability to troubleshoot electrical and electronic issues.

• Ability to take on-call shifts, no less than 18 weeks per year.

To Apply

• Please submit the Supplemental Questionnaire, cover letter and resume with your electronic application.

• This is a continuous recruitment.

To be considered in the first round of applicants, please apply within two (2) weeks of the job posting date.

Contact

If you have questions about this position and/or requirements, please contact Sarah Greene, at (360) 753-8240 or [email protected].

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:
1. Installs, maintains and repairs all new and existing traffic signal equipment including controllers and associated electrical wiring, vehicle loops, vehicle detection amplifiers, pedestrian push buttons, walk and don't walk heads, pull boxes, and switchboards.
2. Installs and maintains underground conduit, wire and handholds.
3. Lays out and installs new loops, replaces burned out signal bulbs, programs electronic controllers, and modifies or upgrades control cabinets.
4. Maintains and repairs shop electronic and mechanical controllers.
5. Assists the Traffic Engineer on count analysis, spot speed studies, conditions, travel time and delay studies, gap studies and traffic signal warrant studies.
6. Prepares phasing, sequence and wiring diagrams.
7. Replaces street light standards.
8. Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

Requirements:
1. Sit or stand to review plans and specifications 10% of the time.
2. Lift between 5 and 80 lbs. approximately 20% of the time.
3. Reach, twist, and/or turn approximately 15% of the time.
4. Look at a computer screen approximately 5% of the time.
5. Use phone communications approximately 5% of the time.
6. Walk approximately 20% of the time.
7. Sit for extended period of time approximately 3% of the time.
8. Stoop approximately 10% of the time.
9. Bend approximately 10% of the time.
10. Climb approximately 30% of the time.
11. Drive a vehicle approximately 20% of the time.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

1. Knowledge of the manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

2. Knowledge of the standard practices, materials, tools and equipment of the signal electronics trade.

3. Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety procedures of the trade.

4. Skill in locating and adjusting defects in electronic systems and equipment.

5. Must have good manual dexterity.

6. Skill in the use and care of the tools, equipment and materials of the electrical trade.

7. Ability to interpret electronic diagrams and plans, and analyze and repair electrical and electronic circuits.

8. Ability to read and understand electronic schematics and symbols, and electrical drawings.

9. Ability to solder and microcircuit boards.

10. Ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing. 11. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. 12. Demonstrated punctual, regular and reliable attendance is required.

Experience/Education:

1. Three years of journey-level experience installing, maintaining and calibrating electronic control or measuring devices comprised of solid state electronic systems in the signal trade is preferred.

2. Completion of two-year vocational training involving electrical or completion of electrical apprenticeship program, or any combination of related experience and education that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the electrical functions of this position preferred.

Special Requirements:

1. A valid Washington State Driver's License is required.

2. Must be certified by the IMSA as a Traffic Signal Level II Field Technician and a Traffic Signal Level II Bench Technician within five (5) years of the date of hire.

3. Employees must possess at least one IMSA Level II certification before achieving step 4 pay grade and must possess both Level II certifications before achieving step 5 pay grade.

4. Employees who do not have both certifications will be evaluated periodically during the five (5) year period to insure adequate progress toward the required certifications.

5. Failure to advance adequately may result in termination.

6. The five (5) year period allowed to achieve certification may be extended by the joint decision of the Public Works Director and the Personnel Director, if employees have made reasonable progress towards certification and for reasons beyond their control are unable to achieve certification.

Union:

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

Compensation (minimum-maximum):

$86,824.12 - $105,535.26

Exempt:

No

For general application or position questions please contact the hiring supervisor or Human Resources at [email protected].

The City of Olympia complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Manny Bosser, Director of Human Resources, at (360)753-8309 or [email protected]. This contact is for ADA accommodations only. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the manager noted in the Contact section near the top of this recruitment.