NOTE: The application period has now closed. Only Priority Placement Program participant applications will be added to the candidate pool.

King County’s Department of Local Services (DLS) is seeking two seasoned Traffic Signal Technician I (Outside) professionals—one for a Career Service position and one for a Time-Limited Term (TLT) role. These technicians will play a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the city's traffic signal and street lighting systems. This multifaceted position will provide hands on work in the field, monitor/maintain signal system performance, respond to service requests and collaborate with engineers to optimize traffic flow. From repairing electronic controllers to installing poles, your work will directly impact public safety and urban mobility.

Whether you're adjusting timing plans, troubleshooting malfunctioning signals, or pouring concrete foundations for new installations, this role demands precision, problem-solving, and a commitment to excellence. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, and enjoy blending technology with construction, we want to hear from you. Come work with us and help make a meaningful impact in our community!

Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering Equity, Racial and Social Justice in every aspect of our work. Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike. The King County Road Services Division designs, builds, operates, and maintains roads and bridges in unincorporated areas of King County. The Division is committed to ensuring the county's transportation system is safe and efficient for all uses and modes of travel.

To learn more about the Road Services Division, visit us at:

About the Road Services Division - King County, Washington

Applying equity, racial, and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.

ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION (Outside Signal Tech):

• Repair and maintain wood and steel poles, energized overhead and underground cable, conduit and wiring system.
• Replace lamps, clean and adjust optical components of signal displays and inspect traffic signal hardware, wiring and cabling.
• Install wood poles, span wires, cables and conductors and electrical service equipment.
• Install underground conduit and junction boxes.
• Install structural concrete foundations for steel signal and lighting standards, signal controllers and electrical service interconnect cabinets.
• Work from heights.
• Safely operate vehicles and equipment.
• Provide traffic control measures.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Experience installing, maintaining, repairing, and inspecting traffic signal and street light systems.
• Skill in working with wood and steel poles, energized overhead and underground cables, conduit, and wiring systems.
• Ability to locate and identify underground utilities safely.
• Proficiency in performing preventive maintenance on traffic signals and flashers, and in maintaining accurate service and repair records.
• Knowledge of protocols and best practices for working with electrical systems and traffic control devices.
• Knowledge of electronic components and systems used in traffic signals and street lighting.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and address issues in the field with traffic control devices.
• Proficiency in the safe use of hand tools, power tools, test equipment and lifting equipment.
• Ability to repair electronic signals and small electronic equipment.
• Ability to work in a team environment and independently without direct supervision.
• Ability to work effectively with others in a work environment that embraces and encourages diversity in its workforce and where differences are valued; Demonstrates behaviors that include fairness, respect, and inclusiveness.
• Skill in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to work collaboratively with engineers and contractors and deliver professional customer service to the public.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint and other asset management software such as Cityworks.
• Ability to safely operate vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to work from heights.
• Possess traffic control knowledge and familiarity with setting up traffic control measures.
• Ability to have predictable and reliable attendance.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Have a valid Washington State Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain one prior to start date.
• Must have a Class B CDL or an ability to obtain one within 6 months.
• An offer of employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination.
• Ability to obtain a flaggers card within thirty (30) days of hire.

SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION:

• This position is considered safety sensitive. Applicants for these positions are required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and subsequent to commencement of employment, will be subject to random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing in compliance with Federal DOT alcohol and controlled substance testing program protocols.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able work from heights, lift, carry, move or handle up to 50 pounds, and perform duties outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to perform duties involving physical labor including bending, kneeling, standing, reaching, climbing, stooping, squatting, pushing, and twisting.
• Must be able to perform work outdoors and in inclement weather.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Maintenance Electrician Certificate.
• Level 1 or 2 International Municipal Signage Association (IMSA) Certification.

PRACTICAL TEST/INTERVIEWS ALL IN ONE DAY:
Those candidates who pass the initial screening will be invited to participate in an indoor practical exam and interview. Candidates will have up to two hours to complete the practical and interview process. Only those who pass the practical assessment will move forward to the interview. We anticipate this process taking place the week of July 27, 2026.

WHO MAY APPLY:
This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants and may be used to fill current and or/future term-limited temporary and/or Special Duty (SDA) Assignments over the next six months.

Special duty opportunities are open only to current King County career service employees who have completed their initial probation. Special duty applicants must have approval from their current supervisor to accept an assignment. Current employees selected for special duty will be compensated based upon the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement, King County Personnel Guidelines, or Coalition Labor Agreement for their base assignment.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
A full and complete King County application is required. You may also provide a resume and cover letter, summarizing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the position.

Applicants will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews. For interviewing tips, please see the STAR-LA method: star-la_interview_method.pdf

WORK SCHEDULE:
The typical work schedule is Monday – Friday 6:00 am - 2:30 pm. This position is Non-Exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for overtime pay, with prior supervisor approval. Working after-hours, weekends, and holidays may be required in emergency circumstances, such as during inclement weather, and on special projects. Overtime hours, weekends, and holidays vary upon business demand, season and weather.

EMERGENCYDESIGNATION STATUS:
This position has been designated First Responder - Employees who, in the early stages of an incident, are responsible for protecting and preserving life, property, evidence, the environment, and restoring order.

Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather.

UNION MEMBERSHIP:
This position is represented by IBEW, Local 77.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact Ira Becton, Human Resource Analyst, 206-263-0677
IraBecton@kingcounty.gov