Signal Electrician

The Role

Participates in all facets of corrective, demand, and preventive traffic signal maintenance and new construction, rejuvenation, and restoration work related to traffic electrical systems and devices.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Works alone or with co-workers to perform electrical tasks. 
• Installs, repairs, and maintains traffic signal poles, heads, arms, hangers, traffic signal systems, underground conduit and wiring, stop and other regulatory sign flashers, light-rail traffic signals, blank-out signals, bike signals, and other electrical traffic control devices.
• Installs 110 and 240-volt electrical services and works in proximity of overhead catenary systems up to 750 volt. 
• Installs, repairs, and maintains streetlights within intersections, and regional trails and bikeways. 
• Installs, repairs, and maintains overhead signs and public awareness signs, including electronic signs at bus shelters within intersections and along transit routes. 
• Drives a DZ truck and operates aerial devices and other equipment (e.g., stationary and mobile cranes, material handling jibs) to load and unload equipment and materials for the installation and repair of traffic-related equipment.
• Carries out a preventive maintenance program for electrical traffic control devices.
• Assists Technologist (Systems) with the inspection of new/modernized signals and the physical elements of signal design, including placement, materials, methods, procedures, and equipment.
• Prepares materials for proposed projects, ensuring equipment and materials are satisfactory for the activity. Recommends new/alternate methods of assembly and preparation and ensures the safety of workers and other users. 
• Ensures all electrical work complies with the most current edition of the Ontario Electrical Code.

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

• Plans, prepares, and performs traffic control within work areas in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable Ministry of Transportation regulations. Ensures on-the-job safety practices for the work crew. Organizes and sets up own work site in accordance with regulations and the Ontario Traffic Manual. Schedules the use of special equipment and materials.
• Attends on-site construction progress meetings to determine/schedule traffic signal construction work. Meets with contractors to discuss work requirements and scope of work for installation of belowground infrastructure. 
• Assembles and tests electrical traffic control equipment and performs maintenance duties in the shop.
• Performs underground utility locates. Locates, identifies, and marks underground traffic equipment and sensors before the start of construction or other projects in an area. Has contact with local utilities staff and contractors to discuss locates.
• Maintains digital maps and asset data in work order and GIS system. Enters, updates/edits, and defines data to ensure records are accurate.  
• Maintains levels of stock materials required to perform day-to-day activities; determines and orders parts and materials from vendors or stockrooms per purchasing by-law and procedures. Has signing authority for warehouse requisitions for traffic signal materials and supplies and a purchasing card.  Has discussions with suppliers for technical direction and to order parts.
• Maintains shop area, assigned vehicles, and equipment (e.g., hand and power tools, electronic and electrical testing devices, hydraulic aerial device, truck) in safe, clean, good working condition, per policies and standards. 
• Performs regular checks on equipment, logs all items inspected, and conducts regular preventive maintenance and cleaning. Follows up with Fleet Management regarding warranties for malfunctioning equipment.
• Has contact with project managers (regional and at area municipalities), transit staff, and contractors, including light-rail transit contractors (e.g., Keolis, Siemens) to discuss work and coordinate activities and logistics.  
• Has frequent contact with emergency services, primarily Police, regarding routine and emergency traffic control matters, investigations, and emergency signal pre-emption. 
• Performs related duties including work in other units within the Division, as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Functional knowledge of the proper operation and use of equipment and tools related to the installation, maintenance, and repair of electric traffic control devices, and materials purchasing processes.
• Must have Journeyperson status as a Construction and Maintenance Electrician (309A), plus 3 years of directly related experience as an Electrician with Journeyperson status.
• Must have International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) Level I and Level II (Traffic Signals) certification or be able to attain certification within two years of hire.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, related standards and legislation 
• (e.g., Regional Field Manual, traffic and parking by-laws, Ontario Traffic Manual, Electrical Code, Electrical & Utility Safety Association standards, health and safety, Highway Traffic Act), and on-the-job training (e.g., WHMIS, First Aid & CPR, Accessible Ontario Disability Act, working from heights). 
• Communication skills to receive and understand instructions; interact positively with supervisors, other staff, and the public; occasionally provide general verbal information to the public inquiring about the traffic signal function; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to complete vehicle maintenance checklists, forms, timecards, CVOR reports, daily activity sheets, purchase requisitions, work orders, locate books, and controller logs. 
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret traffic protection plans, technical trade journal articles, and plans and blueprints for signals.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Word, email, and a work order management system. Ability to enter field data, work orders, and time and resource information to mobile technology. Ability to operate timing units.
• Must have a valid Class D drivers licence with Z (Air Brake) endorsement upon hire or within probationary period, as well as a satisfactory driving record to operate an aerial boom truck and other regional vehicles.
• *The maximum physical weight of the incumbent cannot exceed 250 pounds to ensure the combined weight of the incumbent, equipment, and tools does not exceed the aerial device’s weight capacity.
• Participates in rotational on-call emergency stand-by system and is required to respond to emergency situations outside regular working hours. 
• Ability to work shifts as assigned as part of a regular rotation, including weekends, days, evenings, nights, and holidays.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Internal 1656 applicants are required to submit a document with their name on it (or an optional resume).  1656 staff are encouraged to internally apply with an updated resume, especially for those job opportunities that are a promotional opportunity, so that their qualifications are appropriately captured during the screening phase.