Traffic Signal & Streetlight Technician I/II

Job Description

DESCRIPTION

The full salary range for this position is as follows: Technician I - $39.85 to $50.88 / Technician II - $43.95 to $55.05. Expected hiring range is as follows: Technician I - $39.85-43.95 Technician II - $43.95 to $48.46.

To perform routine to complex skilled technical electrical work in the construction, operation, inspection, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of traffic signals including traffic signal timing, equipment, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) infrastructure, communications equipment, and street lighting.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Traffic Signal & Streetlight Technician I

This entry level class of the series is distinguished from level II by routine and repetitive duties performed according to established procedures. Incumbents are closely supervised in their initial assignments. As they gain experience, incumbents will work more independently in routine work.

Traffic Signal & Streetlight Technician II

Working under general supervision, the position is the journey level in the series. Employees at this level require specific experience and less supervision and review to complete assignments. Positions are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower level, or if filled from the outside, require prior related experience.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Essential and other important responsibilities and functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform para-professional and technical work relative to assigned areas of responsibility, including but not limited to construction, operation, inspection, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of traffic signals, equipment, ITS infrastructure, communications equipment, and street lighting.
• Assist in the design and preparation of plans and specifications for public works projects including traffic signals, ITS infrastructure, equipment, communication equipment, street lighting, and related projects; Assist in the project design research; and perform calculations and prepare estimates of time and material costs.
• Develop revised design and construction standards for signals and signal systems.
• Investigate field problems affecting signal operations, the traveling public, property owners, contractors, and maintenance operations; and resolve or refer problems as appropriate.
• Assist in the administration of contracts; assist in the coordination and review of the work of outside consultants and contractors; and assist in reviewing and making recommendations on payments and billing for contracted services related to assigned projects.
• Order supplies and equipment for work projects.
• Assist in the preparation of estimates and feasibility reports for new or modified services and structures.
• Participate in the plan check, review, and processing of plans for private developments affecting City public works infrastructure and facilities; and assist in ensuring compliance with appropriate codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
• Assist in the coordination of public works activities with other City departments, divisions, and sections, as well as with outside agencies.
• Install, inspect, maintain, and repair the ITS infrastructure and communications systems.
• Operate and assist in the maintenance of light ground equipment, and maintenance equipment such as trucks, aerial lift trucks, forklifts, cranes, as well as a variety of hand tools and equipment.
• Install, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair microprocessors, solid state, and other traffic signal equipment.
• Perform preventive and emergency maintenance on traffic signals and lighting.
• Repair and replace conduits, wiring, and other signal hardware, as needed.
• Perform a wide range of routine to complex electrical duties, as required.
• Install, maintain, and repair vehicle identification and detection systems.
• Install traffic signs.
• Identify and implement traffic controls for work in public rights-of-way.
• Assist in the Installation, maintenance, and repair of a wide variety of electrical components in the City's buildings, fiber network Traffic Operation Center, and other facilities and equipment.
• Maintain records and logs of work performed.
• Assist staff from other departments/divisions as required.
• Perform related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Traffic Signal & Streetlight Technician I

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and practices of design, construction, installation, and maintenance for electrical and electronic systems
• Basic concepts and characteristics of electrical and engineering drawings and specifications.
• Applicable computer hardware and software.
• Laws and regulatory codes relevant to the assigned area of responsibility.
• Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in engineering construction.
• Principles of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry as applied to engineering.
• Methods and techniques used to maintain records.
• Principles and practices of skilled maintenance work pertaining to the area of assignment.
• Electrical tools and materials
• Safety practices and standards and approved methods of performing electrical installation work.
• Principles of electrical theory, concepts, and principles.
• Traffic signal equipment and related maintenance equipment.
• Concepts pertaining to power equipment operation and function, including trucks, aerial lift trucks, and cranes.
• Safe working practices, as applied to working outdoors in the field, which may involve exposure to actual or potentially hazardous and unpredictable conditions or situations.
• Maintenance and repair procedures, methods, and techniques for equipment and vehicles used in public works functions.

Ability to:

• Prepare plans and drawings in an accurate, complete, and understandable manner.
• Work from blueprints for installation, maintenance, and repair of equipment.
• Learn, understand, follow, and apply City engineering policies and procedures.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Prepare reports encompassing technical data and information; and make effective cost estimates and recommendations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Perform skilled electrical installation inspection, maintenance, and repair work.
• Apply sound inspection methods to examine workmanship and materials to detect deviations from plans, specifications, and standard installation practices.
• Read, understand, and interpret electrical diagrams, plans, and specifications.
• Perform skilled maintenance and repair on mechanical equipment.
• Follow verbal and written instructions and directions in an independent manner.
• Read, understand, interpret, and follow electrical and engineering drawings and specifications.
• Maintain and update database of service requests and work orders in an accurate, complete, and timely manner.
• Install, organize, and analyze communication cables including both copper based and fiber optic communication cables or components.
• Install, test, maintain and repair 120v, 240v and 480v power circuits in a safe and effective manner.
• Skillfully and safely operate assigned hand tools, equipment, and vehicles, including signal repair vehicles, including aerial lift trucks.

Traffic Signal & Streetlight Technician II

In addition to the knowledge and abilities required for Traffic Signal Technician I:

Knowledge of:

• Applicable laws and regulatory codes relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of design, construction, installation, and maintenance for electrical and electronic systems .
• Concepts and characteristics of electrical and engineering drawings and specifications.

Ability to:

• Apply City engineering policies and procedures.
• Apply the methods, materials, and techniques used in the construction of public works and utilities projects.
• Administer contracts and coordinate and review the work of outside consultants.
• Troubleshoot and repair a wide range of traffic signal devices.
• Design common engineering structures and facilities.
• Prepare quantity and cost estimates.
• Calculate engineering design computations in an accurate and complete manner; and check, design, and prepare engineering plans and studies.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

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

Traffic Signal & Streetlight Technician I

Education:

Equivalent to possession of a high school diploma or G.E.D

Experience:

One year of experience in traffic signal installation, maintenance, and repair; OR

One year of experience as a journey level electrician, which must have included installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems; OR

One year of experience maintaining and repairing roadways, which must have included performing traffic control; OR

One year of experience performing informational technology work.

Traffic Signal & Streetlight Technician II

Education:

Equivalent to possession of a high school diploma or G.E.D.

Experience:

Two years of experience traffic signal installation, maintenance, and repair; OR one year of experience as a Traffic Signal & Streetlight Technician I with the City of Palmdale,

Licenses/Certifications/Other Requirements:

Traffic Signal & Streetlight Technician I

Possession of a valid California driver's license by time of appointment is required.

Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid California Class B license endorsement within six months of appointment.

Possession of, or ability to obtain an Aerial Lift Truck Certification within six months of appointment.

Possession of, or ability to obtain a 21-ton Crane Operator Certification within six months of appointment .

Possession of, or ability to obtain an International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) Level I Certification in Traffic Signals within one year of appointment.

Possession of, or ability to obtain an International Municipal Signal Association

(IMSA) Level I Certification in Roadway Lighting certification within one year of appointment.

Traffic Signal & Streetlight Technician II

In addition to possessing the certifications at time of appointment for Traffic Signal & Streetlight Technician I:

Possession of, or the ability to obtain IMSA Level II Certification in Traffic Signals within one year of appointment.

Possession of, or ability to obtain IMSA Level II Certification in Roadway Lighting within one year of appointment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands:

Mobility: frequent use of a keyboard; frequent standing for long periods of time; frequent climbing, bending and squatting.

Lifting: frequently up to 25 pounds; occasionally up to 50 pounds.

Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; frequent color and depth vision to distinguish the full range of the color spectrum.

Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.

Work Environments:

Work is performed within various locations within indoor and outdoor settings. When work is performed outdoors in the field, the incumbent frequently works at heights of 15 feet or more with year-round exposure to varying weather conditions and heavy traffic conditions. Work is subject to loud outdoor noises including exposure to loud equipment and machinery. The nature of work involves exposure to electrical currents and live voltage.

Incumbents in this class are required to work on a stand-by basis to respond to emergency calls. Incumbents may be required to work during irregular business hours including evenings and weekends. Travel may be required on an occasional basis.

Adopted: January 2026

FLSA: Overtime Eligible

The City of Palmdale is noted for its highly skilled workforce, with a large concentration of aerospace firms located at Air Force Plant 42 and nearby Edwards Air Force Base. Its family-oriented and culturally enhancing venues, such as the Palmdale Playhouse, DryTown Water Park and Palmdale Amphitheater, make Palmdale "a place to call home." Palmdale is located approximately one hour north of Los Angeles off the Antelope Valley Freeway (SR-14). It encompasses 106.6 square miles and has a population of approximately 165,450. The City is served by several school districts and has a growing retail and commercial base. For more information, visit www.CityOfPalmdaleCA.gov.

BUSINESS HOURS: Normal operating hours are from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday - Thursday. CLOSED on Friday.

UNION: The Teamsters Local 986 represents certain positions in the City's Public Works Maintenance Division and Parks and Recreation Department.

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYEES: Additional benefits apply to the positions of Deputy Director, Director, Deputy City Manager and Assistant City Manager. These are at-will positions and do not serve a probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
APPLICATION MATERIALS must be submitted by the closing date listed in the job bulletin. Resumes cannot be accepted in lieu of a City online application.

RESIDENCE within the City is not required.

AN ELIGIBILITY LIST of the most qualified applicants will be compiled based on the results of the selection process. The list will remain in place for a period to be determined by Human Resources.

The benefits listed here apply to full-time positions, not to part-time employees unless described.

A PROBATION PERIOD of one year minimum applies to initial employment with the City.

Deputy Directors and above: These employees are considered at-will and will not serve a one year probation period. Employees in this classification will also receive an auto allowance.

VACATION, HOLIDAYS AND LEAVE: The City provides 15 paid holidays per year and 80 hours vacation (years one through four) with a maximum accrual of 240 hours. Exempt employees accrue 80 hours of administrative leave per year with a maximum accrual of 240 hours.

SICK LEAVE: Employees accrue 96 hours per year with a maximum accrual of 800 hours. P art-time employees shall accrue one (1) hour of Sick Leave for every 20 hours worked. Total accrued bank sick leave may not exceed 80 hours.

RETIREMENT: The City is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Full-time employees will be enrolled in either the New Member or Classic plan, as defined by CalPERS. New Members are enrolled in the 2% @ 62 formula and pay the full 7.75% employee contribution. Classic Members are enrolled in the 2% @ 60 formula and pay the full 7% employee contribution.

All other part-time employees are covered under the Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS).

WELLNESS PROGRAM: Employees may be reimbursed up to $500 per fiscal year for qualified wellness expenses.

DIRECT DEPOSIT: Direct Deposit is mandatory for all new employees.

INSURANCE: The City offers group health, dental/vision, long term and short term disability, and a $50,000 life insurance policy for full-time employees. The City contributes towards the employee's health insurance.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: The City offers a Deferred Compensation Plan which enables full-time employees to contribute on a tax deferred basis. The City matches up to $200 per month.

BILINGUAL STIPEND: Eligible employees may receive bilingual pay.

OVERTIME COMPENSATION: Overtime is accrued at time-and-a-half for eligible employees for time physically worked in excess of the regular 40-hour work week.

PART-TIME EMPLOYEES: Part-time employees are reviewed for merit salary advancement but are not eligible for any other benefits listed.

MILEAGE PAY: Any employee may be reimbursed for work related mileage at a rate consistent with IRS guidelines when assigned to use their private vehicle on City business.

SOCIAL SECURITY: The City does not participate in Social Security and does not deduct Social Security payments from any employee's salary. The City deducts 1.45% of salary for Medicare and makes a 1.45% matching contribution.

*Benefits can change at any time.

Closing Date/Time: 11/16/2026 1:00 PM Pacific