Traffic Signal Electrician Lead

Date Opened: Thursday, April 23, 2026 12:00 AM Close Date: Monday, May 04, 2026 12:00 AM Department: Transportation Department HVAC/Plumbing/Electrician Salary: $24.00 - $28.39 Commensurate with Experience Welcome to the City of Charlotte Charlotte is America’s Queen City, opening her arms to a diverse and inclusive community of residents, businesses and visitors alike. Here you will find a safe, family-oriented city where people work together to help everyone thrive. The mission of the City of Charlotte is to deliver quality public services and promote the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents. Our guiding principles include: • Attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce • Valuing teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity, and employee development • Providing all customers with courteous, responsive, accessible, and seamless quality services • Taking initiative to identify, analyze, and solve problems • Collaborating with stakeholders to make informed decisions SUMMARY This position is responsible for leading crews in the Traffic Signals section of the Department of Transportation Engineering & Operations Division. Primary duties include the installation and routine maintenance of overhead traffic signals, control cables, pedestrian signals and other related duties. The role involves operating specialized equipment and various hand tools used in the electrical trade. As part of the on-call rotation, this position serves as the first point of contact for after-hours emergency call, making decisions and taking appropriate action in accordance with established guidelines. Major Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Install, maintain, or repair overhead traffic signal heads, pedestrian signals, connect loops detectors, video detectors, observation cameras and communication cables. 2. Perform preventive maintenance tasks including changing LED traffic signal indications, cleaning signal heads and inspecting wires. 3. Operate specialized equipment and tools including but not limited to bucket truck, hydraulic drills, chain jacks, strap jacks, lashing machines, air compressor, core drill, bucket buddy, voltmeter, voltage tester, soldering irons, heat guns. 4. Participate in the Emergency On-Call rotation to meet response requirements pertaining to signal and sign emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 5. Maintain work records including maintenance forms, inventory forms, vehicle inspections forms, daily work logs, and other documentation. 6. Set up temporary traffic control, safety cones and signs according to the CDOT WATCH handbook, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and specialized training. 7. Maintain a safe work environment by following appropriate procedures, utilizing personal protective equipment and recognizing and reporting unsafe conditions and actions. 8. Load and unload materials, supplies, and equipment. 9. Work extended hours during special projects, emergency situations, inclement weather, or as required. 10. In the absence of the Labor Crew Chief II, oversee crew responsibilities including but not limited to safety, inventory, working logs, and equipment; interpret signal plans and work orders to determine and confirm proper placement of traffic control devices. 11. Provide direct leadership by coaching and leading by example. Facilitate an effective and efficient work and team environment. 12. Provide the crew with proper training to enhance their effectiveness and productivity in all tasks. 13. Perform additional duties as required. Minimum Qualifications: • High School diploma or GED equivalent. • One-year experience of overhead traffic signals, signs, wires, control cables, and pedestrian signals. • Must be qualified to operate and instruct others on the safe operation of bucket trucks • Must have comprehensive knowledge of tools and equipment used in traffic signal installation, maintenance and repair. • 1 year of experience in establishing and maintaining safe work zones in compliance with traffic control standards. • Valid Driver’s License at time of hire with consecutive 2-year verifiable driving history Preferred Qualifications: • Two-years of experience in overhead traffic signals, signs, wires, control cables, and pedestrian signals. • Skilled in quickly identifying and correcting traffic signal problems to restore safe operations during emergency calls. • Capable of training others in the full scope of traffic signal work. • Knowledge of City Works and Microsoft Outlook. • Proficient in interpreting signal plans. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Ability to read and write. • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions. • Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems related to the installation and maintenance of traffic control devices with limited supervision from Field Operations Supervisor and Crew Chief. • Ability to work with and around electrical and power lines. Skilled in electrical work involving the maintenance and installation of overhead traffic signals, wires, communication cables, and pedestrian signals. • Ability to work near high voltage electric, gas and other utilities. • Ability to read and interpret signal plans provided by traffic engineers. • Knowledge of methods, materials, tools and standard practices for the installation, operation and maintenance of traffic signal equipment and supporting systems. • Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods, sometimes under unfavorable weather conditions. • Ability to operate specialized equipment and hand tools including but not limited to: bucket truck, hydraulic drills, chain jacks, strap jacks, lashing machines, air compressor, core drill, bucket buddy, voltmeter, voltage tester, soldering irons, heat guns) and other hand tools as required. • Ability to work effectively on a team for various projects. • Knowledge on the MUTCD and Nationals Electrical Manufacture’s Association and National Electric Code standards for signal equipment • Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in electrical work • Technological & Computer Skills – computer and typing knowledge; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Outlook, Excel, and Word. (Or comparable programs, with the ability to learn Microsoft programs within the first year of hire). Has capacity to learn and is familiar with computer programs such as WorkDay, Kronos, CityWorks. • Organization - ability to maintain accurate and organized records or files in a way that can be effectively accessed and remain confidential if necessary; organize and reconcile data; prepare corresponding reports and analyze data; ability to follow through with self-audit of work to ensure accuracy. • Customer and Personnel Service – Knowledge of the principles and processes for providing customer service, meeting quality standards, and evaluating customer satisfaction. Always exhibit professional behavior; interact regularly and professionally with departmental and divisional personnel, other City department staff, and citizens, as required. • Communication – Ability to convey information effectively through speaking and writing; understanding information received from others. Knowledge of business English, spelling, punctuation and business mathematics. Ability to work independently or in a team environment. • Time Management – The ability to manage time effectively in order to meet varying deadlines of multiple tasks. Ability to task-shift with demanding workload and multiple priorities. • Considerable knowledge of the City/Department of Transportation regulations, procedures or the ability to acquire within first year of hire. • Safety and Work Hazards - Knowledge of work hazards, safety precautions and OSHA regulations. Knowledge of OSHA regulations in ensuring proper storage of chemicals, solvents, paints, or other hazardous materials. Ability to follow established safety procedures including use of personal protective equipment. • Ability to Meet all operating requirements for safe operation of required equipment including but not limited to harness, lift, bucket truck, etc. • Ability to keep accurate records, to perform arithmetical calculations, and to maintain inventory control as related to Work Order and Asset Management. • Leadership - Ability to demonstrate integrity and accountability. Ability to analyze data for future needs and integrate short-term objectives with long-term strategies as directed by management. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. • Teamwork & Working Relationships - Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, vendors, co-workers, contractors, and other internal or external customers. Ability to work independently and in a team environment. Physical Requirements: • Bending • Walking (up to 3 miles) • Carrying (100 lbs., up to 100ft) • Shoveling (3 ft., 20-25lbs) • Sitting • Standing • Twisting • Kneeling/Squatting • Pushing/Pulling • Reaching • Crawling (150ft) • Stooping • Lifting (3 ft, up to 100 lbs.) • Fingering, grasping, feeling • Climbing (up to 40 ft) • Work in heights (up to 40 Ft) • Visual acuity while operating machinery or installing materials • Work outside exposed to all weather conditions, chemicals, fumes, solvents, dust, machinery, moving object/vehicles, and excessive noise. • May climb ladders, work on slippery and uneven surfaces, work in confined spaces, and use vibrating machinery or tools. • Work in traffic; walk in and around moving vehicles and equipment. • Work involves sitting periodically, including riding in vehicle, attending trainings and meetings, or during use of office equipment such as computer or tablet for administrative tasks. • Work in confined spaces. • Balancing - Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery or erratically moving surfaces; enter/exit vehicles and equipment; perform repairs and use of tools while working in aerial bucket. Sensory Requirements: • Touch • Hearing • Vision (near, distance, peripheral) • Depth perception • Color distinction • Smell Work Environment: • Outdoor environment - working in various weather conditions may be required as needed. General Information: • Work shall require shift or irregular hours determined at the discretion of the supervisor. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check. Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports. Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments. The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior. Our culture is to serve the community honorably. HOW TO APPLY Apply online. Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job. You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby, where self-service application kiosks are available. They are located in our office at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. We are open Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays. For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120. BENEFITS The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.