Traffic Technician I (A7)

The City of Annapolis is seeking a safety-minded and technical Traffic Technician I to install, fabricate, and maintain our municipal traffic control networks. This position involves hands-on electrical, mechanical, and physical maintenance across all City traffic systems, including traffic signals, informational signage, and pavement markings.  

As a vital member of the Public Works field crew, the incumbent executes precision maintenance tasks and responds directly to safety-critical road infrastructure needs. This role requires a high degree of operational accountability, as field decisions directly affect pedestrian and vehicle transit safety throughout the community.

• Signal Maintenance: Installs, maintains, repairs, and modifies electro-mechanical and solid-state traffic control devices, including traffic signal controllers, solar-powered school flashers, and variable message signs.  

• System Operations: Services and maintains specialized traffic systems such as arrow boards, traffic counters, radar speed trailers, and line striping machines.  

• Technical Troubleshooting: Assists with mechanical, preventative, and corrective maintenance on all assigned components of the City's signal and signage network.  

• Utility Coordination: Determines exact placements for sign installations and removes posts while coordinating locations directly with underground utility networks.  

• Pavement Maintenance: Grinds out old or non-compliant pavement markings to prepare roadways for updates.  

• Road Stripping & Painting: Paints red curb boundaries and uses line striping machinery to apply traffic markings.  

• Structural Hardware: Replaces flay brackets, replaces posts, and ensures physical traffic infrastructure remains structurally sound.  

• Shop Upkeep: Conducts general housekeeping, building maintenance, and grounds upkeep at the Traffic Control Maintenance Shop.  

• Regulatory Compliance: Monitor and strictly observes all Federal, State, and local safety rules, regulations, and procedures across active work sites.  

• Traffic Control Flagger: Performs formal flagging procedures to move vehicle traffic and pedestrians safely and expeditiously through active road construction or repair zones.  

• Heavy Equipment Logistics: Operates forklifts and other construction-oriented equipment safely to load, move, or arrange materials.  

• Administrative Records: Prepares and updates administrative work orders, audits inventory, and tracks complete work order records.  

• Public Relations: Responds politely and effectively to customer inquiries and community complaints regarding traffic devices.  

• Seasonal Operations: Responds to operational demands during winter weather emergencies to assist with City snow removal.  

• Auxiliary Assignments: Performs other related job duties as assigned by the supervisor.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Traffic Frameworks: Knowledge of the practices, materials, tools, equipment, and processes used in the comprehensive installation and maintenance of municipal traffic control devices.  

• Technical Codes: Knowledge of the National Electrical Code, municipal codes, and local ordinances governing traffic signal installations and electrical trade safety.  

• Industry Standards: Knowledge of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) standards for signs, signals, and roadway markings.  

• Work Zone Safety: Knowledge of appropriate traffic-control and work-zone protection measures required to secure field crews along active streets.  

• Graphics & Layouts: Ability to read, interpret, and follow blueprints, technical schematics, circuit diagrams, and construction sketches.  

• Computational Precision: Ability to execute accurate mathematical computations, keep precise maintenance records, and interpret technical manuals.  

• Equipment Proficiency: Skill in utilizing hand power tools, light field gear, and medium machinery including commercial vehicles or mowers.  

• Communication & Tact: Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and the general public with verified spelling proficiency.  

System Automation: Ability to navigate computer software for clear recordkeeping, word processing, and data entry into asset databases. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a GED equivalency diploma.  

• Experience: One (1) year of professional experience working in semi-skilled maintenance, installation, fabrication services, or a closely related team environment.  

• Special Qualifications

  • Licensure: Possession and maintenance of a valid motor vehicle operator's license.  

  • On-Call Availability: Must be fully available to take emergency callback shifts for traffic signal or sign repairs on a regularly scheduled rotating basis.  

  • Substance Screening: Consent to chemical substance screening consistent with Federal, State, and City mandates, including random testing protocols.  

• Required Certifications (Must acquire within one year of appointment):

  • International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) Traffic Signal Level 1 Certificate.  

  • Work Zone Safety Certification.  

  • Certified Forklift Operator Safety Certification.  

Physical/Mental Demands:

• Exertion Level: Medium work, requiring the capability to lift or exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly to transport objects.  

• Agility & Mobility: Physical capacity to ascend/descend ladders, scaffolding, ramps, and utility poles using feet, legs, hands, and arms while maintaining balance on narrow or slippery surfaces.  

• Manual Dexterity: Fine motor skills sufficient to pick, pinch, type, grasp, and apply manual pressure to delicate electrical and mechanical components using fingertips and palms.  

• Sensory Acuity: Auditory ability to differentiate sounds, hear verbal directives, and understand radio transmissions; verbal ability to issue clear, loud instructions under traffic noise conditions.  

• Visual Proviso: Vision parameters sufficient to operate equipment safely by both day and night, evaluate roadway defects, and prepare reports. Must possess the absolute ability to distinguish the full spectrum of color to interpret traffic signal wiring and indicators.  

• Cognitive Focus: Mental acuity to apply deductive reasoning, analyze safety-critical scenarios under pressure, and implement sound, logical solutions.  

Work Environment:

• Operational Accountability: Field duties are performed in an environment requiring high-consequence situational awareness, where system execution failures carry major public safety, organizational, and community outcomes.