Job Description
Close Date: Thursday, July 02, 2026 12:00 AM
Department: Transportation Department
HVAC/Plumbing/Electrician
Salary: $24.00 - $25.75 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 performing daily tasks in the Traffic Signal Section of the Engineering and Operations Division, these tasks include, but are not limited to, installing, maintaining and troubleshooting overhead traffic signals, signs, electrical wires, communication cables, pedestrian signals, and other related duties.The position requires operating specialized equipment and various hand tools within the electrical trade. It also involves ensuring safe work zones and traffic controls on all projects to protect workers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. The Traffic Signals Electrician is expected to meet assigned performance and production standards.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair traffic signal heads, pedestrian signals, loops detectors, video detectors, observation cameras and communication cables.
2. Perform preventive maintenance, including changing LED signal indications, cleaning signal heads and inspecting wires.
3. Operate specialized equipment and tools such as, bucket trucks, hydraulic drills, chain jacks, strap jacks, air compressor, core drill, voltmeter, voltage tester, soldering irons, wire strippers and crimpers.
4.Participate in the Emergency On-Call program to respond to signal and sign emergencies 24/7.
5. Maintain work records, inventory logs, vehicle inspections forms, daily work logs and other documentation.
6. Set up temporary traffic control devices, safety cones, and signs per CDOT WATCH guidelines, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and specialized training.
7. Maintain a safe work environment by following procedures, using personal protective equipment and reporting unsafe conditions.
8. Load and unload materials, supplies, and equipment daily.
9. Work extended hours as needed for special projects, emergencies, inclement weather, or other requirements.
10. Perform additional duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
- Valid Driver License
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience related to overhead traffic signals, signs, wires, control cables, and pedestrian signals.
- Experience working with underground utilities, conduit systems and aerial installations.
- Experience with work hazards, work zones, safety precautions, 811 Locates procedures, OSHA regulations, ground construction, specialized equipment and hand tools, traffic signal control, wires, communication, read and interpreting signal plans, and traffic systems.
- Experience in one or more of the following areas: inventory control; warehouse procedures; electrical wiring and components; transportation signal operations; transportation related materials and supplies; work order system; general computer use including email, calendar, and word processing; experience with work hazards and safety precautions such as PPE, MSDS, and OSHA regulations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to read and write.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to obtain and maintain City driving permit.
- 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.
- Skilled in electrical work involving the maintenance and installation of overhead traffic signals, wires, communication cables, and pedestrian signals.
- Skilled in splicing, terminating, and testing signal wiring.
- 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 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, volt meter, voltage tester, soldering irons, heat guns) and other hand tools as required.
- Ability to work effectively on a team for various projects.
- Knowledge of 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.
- Knowledge of CDOT’s Safe Work Practices Handbook and CDOT WATCH Handbook.
- 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, Kronos, CityWorks, and Workday.
- Organization - ability to maintain accurate and organized records in a way that can be effectively accessed and remain confidential if necessary, or to perform arithmetical calculations, and to maintain inventory control as related to Work Order and Asset Management; 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 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.
- 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)
- Lifting (3 ft, up to 100 lbs.)
- Climbing (up to 40 ft)
- Work with and around electrical and power lines
- Work in heights (up to 40 Ft)
- 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.
Sensory Requirements:
- Touch
- Hearing
- Vision (near, distance, peripheral)
- Depth perception
- Color distinction
- Smell
Work Environment:
- Outdoor environment - working in various weather conditions and in and around traffic.
- 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 [email protected]
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.
Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.
The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.