Signal and Radio Technician - Road Department

Traffic Signal Technician

Under the supervision of the Sign and Signal Shop Supervisor, or designee, installs, maintains and repairs traffic signals and other electrically activated traffic control devices. Coordinates with staff and outside agencies to plan and implement signal projects and obtain permits. Performs a variety of duties related to signal development evaluation, design and construction. Assists in evaluating, recommends, and plans system-wide signal improvement initiatives. Coordinates material procurement, and other signal related issues with technical staff, compiles and maintains records of system improvements. Collects and synthesizes information, drafts plan sheets, and assists engineers in preparing specifications for signal construction projects. Performs primary signal construction project oversight; monitors ongoing project activities to assure conformance to standards, plans, and specifications, directs and/or performs appropriate testing, gathers proper contract documentation, and prepares contractor pay estimates. Responds to the public, maintains records, and performs other technical and administrative tasks associated with Department operations.

Essential Functions

Installs, repairs and maintains traffic signals, auxiliary equipment, electronic and electrically activated devices such as emergency and school flashers, lighted signs, etc. Orders materials, parts, and supplies necessary for signal shop operations.

Programming, data entry, making physical connections and confirming proper operation of traffic signal controllers and malfunction monitoring units.

Assists in the planning, plan preparation, reconstruction, and construction of new signalized intersections. Assists with attempts to optimize existing systems, and assists the Traffic & Safety Engineer or designee in the preparation for future traffic patterns.

Assists the Traffic & Safety Engineer or designee in the review of traffic signal models and traffic signal timing permits performed by engineering consultants.

Reads blueprints, electrical schematics and charts and diagrams to determine signal repair or installation procedures, and assists in the development of specifications for traffic signal controllers, two-way radio equipment and traffic analysis tools.

Performs diagnostic bench work and the repair of traffic signals and related components such as load switches, loop detectors, etc.

Performs routine inspections of traffic signal equipment and schedules and/or performs preventive maintenance. Troubleshoots electrical and signal equipment to determine causes of malfunctions, and repairs/replaces parts as needed.

Using field notes, topographic survey data, and standard specifications, draws proposed plans for road and signal improvements as directed. Evaluates existing and proposed signal features and calculates quantities for cost analyses. Surveys, plans, prepares drawings and specifications from which Road Department signal projects can be constructed.

Conducts a variety of engineering field studies pertaining to traffic volumes, pavement markings, vehicle turnings movements, etc. Maintains RoadSoft inventory databases for asset management analyses.

Leads inspection activities for signal construction contract work and annual Road Department system improvement programs to ensure that work meets standard specification, plan and proposal requirements. Performs and verifies construction project staking and ensures proper placement of work zone signing and traffic control devices. Coordinates inspection functions with the contractor's operations. Advises the contractor concerning the suitability of materials and methods used.

Measures, computes and keeps records of materials used and work performed in the field. Computes and compiles final quantities of construction work performed by contractors, and prepares various reports. Calculates pay estimates for road, signal, and Road Department system improvement programs. Advises the contractor on material acceptance requirements and ensures compilation of proper project documentation.

Assists the Director of Engineering and/or their designee in the review of traffic impact studies with regard to traffic signal operations and impacts on road users.

Performs minor electrical maintenance work related to buildings and grounds equipment.

Responds to MISS DIG Locate and Design Ticket requests to filed locate and/or provide as-build drawings for underground traffic signal facilities.

Assists the designated on-call person with traffic signal issues and/or responding to emergency traffic signal repairs outside of normal working hours.

Responds to information requests and complaints calls from the general public. Coordinates follow-up with appropriate personnel and enters data into computer database. Answers inquires and complaints from the public and mitigates complaints regarding contraction, construction traffic control, and access problems.

Performs office work such as filling out forms, keeps records, filing documents and reproducing documents or drawings. Tabulates measurements and field data, maintains related records, prepares support materials diagrams and prepares various written reports.

Represents the Road Department at pre-construction meetings and other signal project related and Committee meetings. Provides information related to particular projects and performs various administrative tasks.

Attends a variety of workshops and seminars, reads periodicals and other related materials to stay current on new developments, techniques and methods.

Maintains inventory, project and work records (Including daily logs) and compiles maintenance and status reports

Other Functions:

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Must adhere to departmental standards in regard to confidentiality and other privacy issues.
• During a public health emergency, the employee may be required to perform duties similar to, but not limited, to those in his/her job description.

Employment Qualifications

Education: A minimum of an Associate's Degree in Electronics, Civil Engineering, or a related field plus a minimum of 3 years of experience in signal repair, construction inspection/methods, traffic engineering or related fields. Experience: Must possess a valid Michigan Motor Vehicle Operator's License with a Commercial Driver designation. One year after date of hire, or within a timeframe acceptable to the Sign and Signal Shop Supervisor, employees must obtain State Certification in at least five or more of the following areas, as assigned by the employer:

• Work Zone Temporary Traffic Control Technician
• Traffic Signal Technician Level I
• Traffic Signal Technician II Bench (required)
• Traffic Signal Technician II Construction
• Traffic Signal Technician II Design (required)
• Traffic Signal Technician II Field (required)
• Traffic Signal Technician III
• Sign and Pavement Marking I
• Sign and Pavement Marking II
• Sign and Pavement Marking III
• SESC (Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control) or Storm Water Operator
• Concrete Testing
• Construction of ADA Compliant Facilities

The position requires the proficient use of word processing and spreadsheet software and intermediate knowledge and experience of software programs such as Synchro, Bentley MicroStation, FieldBook, and MERL. Demonstrates effective communication skills by engaging, interacting and working with all individuals to ensure clarity and understanding in all interactions. (The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications should not be viewed as expressing absolute employment or promotional standards, but as general guidelines that should be considered along with other job-related selection or promotional criteria.)

Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting, walking, standing, bending and lifting/holding/carrying objects found in an office environment.
• Walking, bending and twisting on pavement, dirt and other outdoor surfaces in various weather conditions.
• Occasional lifting of items up to 50 pounds. Assists others in lifting signal heads weighing up to 90 pounds.
• Ability to communicate and respond to co-worker and customer inquiries both in person and over the phone.
• Ability to operate a PC/laptop and to enter & retrieve information from a computer.
• Ability to handle varying and often high levels of stress.

Working Conditions:

• The typical work environment occurs in an office setting where sensory experience includes uniform temperatures, conversational noise and everyday office activities.
• Frequently, the work environment occurs outside where exposure to temperature, weather conditions, allergens and loud noises are increased.

OPEIU (Road Dept) 2023 Pay grade 6