Traffic Systems Specialist - Signal Maintenance

Position Information

Looking for a job with good benefits and opportunity to advance your skills in your career? Look no further!! TxDOT Houston is looking for technicians to work in our Signal Maintenance Department. We are responsible for maintaining over a thousand traffic signal intersections over six counties. This is a hands-on job with aspects in manual labor and technical programming, you will be trained to operate equipment such as aerial bucket trucks and commercial vehicles. Our goal is to create a safe environment for the traveling public.

The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.

Benefits and Perks

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Position Description

Traffic Systems Specialist I and II

Performs specialized electrical/electronic technical work related to traffic management/control systems, communication, illumination or traffic data collection devices/systems. Work involves technical expertise in developing, installing, testing, programming and repairing of electrical/electronic devices/systems. Work may require working in heavy traffic and may require extensive statewide travel. Work requires contact with governmental and private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all issues are referred to the supervisor.

Traffic Systems Specialist III

Performs specialized electrical/electronic technical work related to traffic management/control systems, communication, illumination or traffic data collection devices/systems. Work involves technical expertise in developing, installing, testing, programming and repairing of electrical/electronic devices/systems. Work may require working in heavy traffic and may require extensive statewide travel. Work requires contact with governmental and private entities. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the occurrence.

Essential Duties:

Traffic Systems Specialist I

• Identifies, troubleshoots and problem solves possible new site characteristics.
• Maintains stock and equipment to ensure necessary tools, equipment, products and materials are available for scheduled projects.
• Monitors and maintains clear work zones and ensures that construction work site is cleaned at job completion.
• Operates and maintains complex electronic test equipment to repair and test electronic traffic systems.
• Operates, maintains and services equipment such as bucket trucks, drilling and pole setting rigs, concrete saws, trenching machines, cable locating instruments, insulation testers and/or 18-wheel calibration truck.
• Performs complex electronic repairs and rewires systems; adjusts and reprograms equipment/systems and replaces controllers and other electronic devices.
• Provides technical expertise and training of field technicians in the installation, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair of complex electronic/electrical systems in the field.
• Responds to complaints and identifies problems regarding traffic signal timing, congestion, operations and assists in developing recommendations for long-term solutions.
• Responds to emergency situations to assist with repair and maintenance of traffic signals, systems, lighting or traffic data collection equipment.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Traffic Systems Specialist II

Includes all essential duties listed above as well as:

• Inventories supplies and equipment in shop.
• Consults with Department personnel, manufacturers and vendors regarding equipment operation, design, installation, equipment failure, complex repairs or replacement recommendations.
• Coordinates materials and equipment usage with district maintenance offices.
• Drives/operates a bucket truck to install and repair electronic traffic control devices at various heights.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Traffic Systems Specialist III

Includes all essential duties listed above as well as:

• Follows applicable safety procedures when working in an area where other utilities such as high voltage lines, gas lines, water and sewage lines and heavy traffic are located.
• Inspects construction methods, workmanship and maintenance procedures to ensure contractors build, install, maintain and repair traffic control/data collection related equipment or facilities in accordance with plans, specifications and contract requirements.
• Installs, maintains and repairs coaxial cables, makes approved splices, pulls, hangs and terminates cables; solders cable.
• Installs, troubleshoots and maintains hardware and software related to traffic systems, Intelligent Transportation Systems, land mobile radio communication systems or the Statewide Traffic Analysis and Reporting System.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Traffic Systems Specialist I

Education: High School Grad or Equivalent in general high school studies.

Experience: 2 years' experience in construction, electronic troubleshooting, electrical construction/installation, electromechanical, traffic management, transportation engineering, design, traffic systems maintenance. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related college education or relevant technical training may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Licenses and Certifications:

• • Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Traffic Systems Specialist II

Education: High School Grad or Equivalent in general high school studies.

Experience: 3 years' experience in construction, electronic troubleshooting, electrical construction/installation, electromechanical, traffic management, transportation engineering, design, traffic systems maintenance. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related college education or relevant technical training may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Licenses and Certifications:

• • Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Traffic Systems Specialist III

Education: High School Grad or Equivalent in general high school studies.

Experience: 4 years' experience in construction, electronic troubleshooting, electrical construction/installation, electromechanical, traffic management, transportation engineering, design, traffic systems maintenance. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related college education or relevant technical training may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Licenses and Certifications:

• • Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications:

Traffic Systems Specialist I, II, and III

• Experience with Electrical Components.
• Commercial Driver's License

Competencies:

Traffic Systems Specialist I and II

• Considerable knowledge of:
  • The Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
  • Fundamentals of electrical/electronic and design procedures
  • Electrical inspection standards, codes and procedures
  • Electrical construction procedures
  • Electrical/electronic troubleshooting and repair techniques
  • Electronic circuit boards, microprocessors and chips
• Proficient skill in:
  • The use of computers, applicable programs, applications, and systems
  • Using applicable hand and power tools, equipment, and mechanical devices of the trade
  • Using applicable electronic test equipment
  • Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others
• Ability to:
  • Work with electricity up to 600 volts
  • Move up to 50 pounds (See essential duties for example of items to be moved.)
  • Follow applicable safety standards, practices and procedures
  • Learn to troubleshoot automation problems and related systems and identify solutions

Traffic Systems Specialist III

Includes all competencies listed above as well as:

• Extensive knowledge of:
  • The Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
  • Electrical/electronic troubleshooting and repair techniques
• Considerable knowledge of:
  • Applicable computer operating systems and relevant applications
• Expert skill in:
  • The use of computers, applicable programs, applications, and systems
  • Using applicable hand and power tools, equipment, and mechanical devices of the trade
  • Using applicable electronic test equipment
  • Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others
• Ability to:
  • Work in cramped spaces (bend, stoop, crawl) and at varied heights

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Traffic Systems Specialist I, II, and III

• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions
• Subject to extreme cold and heat; below 32 and above 100 degrees for more than one hour
• Subject to noise
• Subject to vibration
• Subject to hazards - moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals
• Subject to atmospheric conditions - fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation
• Subject to air and skin exposure to oils and other cutting fluids
• Required to wear protective gear - respirator, hard hat, or other devices
• Medium work: Lift up to 50 lbs. at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 25 lbs.
• Climbing - ascending/descending ladders, stairs, scaffoldings, ramps, etc.
• Kneeling - bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee(s)
• Crouching - bending body downward and forward by bending leg(s) and spine
• Standing - prolonged periods of time
• Pushing - using upper extremities to press against object with force to move in a direction
• Pulling - using upper extremities to exert force moving objects in a sustained motion
• Lifting - raising objects from lower to higher position/horizontally to a different position
• Visual Acuity - operate machines, such as drill presses, power saws, and mills
• Visual Acuity - operate motor vehicles and heavy equipment

Conditions of Employment:

Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

• This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical.
• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
  • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation - 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) - does not authorize "medical marijuana" under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.
• Employees must be able to report for duty within an hour of notification on a 24 Hr. basis to respond to emergency situations.