Traffic Signal Specialist III

The City of Lakewood is dedicated to upholding City values to include: Performance Excellence, Leadership, Respect and Collaboration. Best fit candidates will demonstrate innovation, customer service, dedication, passion and engagement. All people, citizens and employees, will be treated with respect, relevance, and importance.

HIRING RANGE: $39.97 - $44.41/hour

Job Summary 
Under general supervision of the Traffic Signal Supervisor, this position is responsible for performing a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks in the maintenance and repair of Lakewood’s traffic control systems.
This position will apply technical knowledge, follow proper traffic signal operation practices and procedures, determine priorities and make independent judgments in emergency situations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City’s discretion. Employees must be able to perform the essential duties of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Under minimal supervision, in addition to the duties of Traffic Signal Specialist (II), essential functions include:

• Troubleshoots and diagnoses issues with signal cabinets utilizing knowledge of NEMA standards TS1, TS2 and ATC cabinets.
• Installs, configures and diagnoses issues with various detection systems (Video, Radar, Microwave, Thermal Imaging, Inductive loop and Lidar).
• Installs, configures and diagnoses issues with Ethernet data communication methods (Fiber Optic, Radio Link, Cellular modem).
• Installs, configures and diagnoses issues with street lighting systems including LED, HPS and metal halide fixtures, wiring circuits, photocells and electrical service cabinets.
• Installs, configures and diagnoses issues with traffic signal preemption systems for emergency response vehicles.
• Interprets plans, wiring diagrams, blueprints and technical regulations utilizing knowledge of IMSA wire and cable specifications and standard wiring configurations.
• Installs, configures and diagnoses issues with lightning protection devices.
• Troubleshoots, diagnoses and repairs traffic device malfunctions, and evaluates equipment problems by interpreting plans, schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

Supervision Received:  Receives general supervision from the Traffic Signal Supervisor.

Supervision Exercised: Provides guidance, training and oversight for Traffic Signal Specialists (II) and Traffic Signal Technicians (I) as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of NEMA standards TS1, TS2 and ATC cabinets.
• Knowledge of IMSA wire and cable specifications and standard wiring configurations.
• Knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and application to traffic systems.
• Knowledge and competent demonstration of the following within 6 (six) months of hire:
  • Ability to drive and operate all Transportation Engineering Division equipment/vehicles (bucket truck, forklift, scissor-lift, etc.)
• Ability to communicate and work effectively in a team setting and work independently.

Technological Skills

• Ability to program advanced operational fields for traffic signal controllers and signal management software for desired operation.
• Ability to interpret plans, schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Technical expertise in traffic control fiber optic and radio communication systems.

Education and Experience

• Education:  High School Diploma or GED Equivalent and appropriate vocational training in electronics or electrical fields
• Experience: Three years’ experience as Traffic Signal Technician (II) or equivalent experience

Certification/Licenses/Specialized Training

• Driver’s license with acceptable motor vehicle record
• Forklift Certification or ability to obtain within 2 months of hire
• IMSA Traffic Signal Tech Construction L2
• IMSA Traffic Signal Senior Field Tech L3
• IMSA Fiber Optics Tech

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Must successfully complete and maintain required state or departmental physical standards and certifications.

Very Heavy Work:  Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects

• Will work with electricity routinely up to 220 volts and occasionally higher.
• Bend or position self to move items from higher place to lower place or vice versa
• Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or position from all levels up to 50 lbs.
• Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or position from all levels over 51 lbs. with assistance
• Sit, stand or be stationary
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, turn or twist all of which may include awkward positions on both even and uneven terrain
• Talk, hear, converse, communicate, or exchange information
• Use of hands and/or fingers in a repetitive motion to handle, pinch, reach, grasp, move, feel, inspect, etc.
• Vision to include distance, depth perception, peripheral and color
• Walk, ascend or descend on both even and uneven terrain

Environmental Conditions may include

• Confined spaces
• Extreme cold or heat
• Frequent vibrations due to equipment use
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Moderate to extremely loud noise environment
• Outdoor weather conditions
• Toxic or caustic chemicals
• Wet or humid conditions
• Work in high precarious places (up to 45’)

Tools & Equipment

• Requires the frequent use of hand, electric, and gas-operated tools and equipment used in the maintenance and operation of traffic signals and streetlights. This includes, but is not limited to, various trucks (pick-ups, lift/bucket trucks, snowplows) in the public works fleet, drills, saws, electrical meters, locator, snow removal equipment, first aid equipment, video, radar and loop-based detection systems, and other equipment as assigned.

The City of Lakewood is a drug-free workplace that provides employment opportunities in compliance with all pertinent federal, state, and local laws. All Lakewood employees are expected to work and complete all tasks in a safe manner consistent with training, standard operating procedures, City or Department policies, and common sense. Working in a safe manner includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and complying with all City and/or Department safety rules. Horseplay on-the-job is strictly forbidden. The failure to work in a safe manner, use PPE, follow standard operating procedure, or comply with a safety rule will result adverse employment consequences ranging from verbal discipline to termination from employment, including any applicable reduction in benefits under the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act. Employees are also expected to encourage safe work practices by all co-employees, and to report any unsafe work practices immediately to a supervisor. 

The City of Lakewood celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of our workforce. Accordingly, the city is committed to creating, nurturing and sustaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our community and employees.