Signal Technician

The Role

Participates in all facets of corrective, demand, and preventive traffic signal maintenance and new construction, ensuring quality of work and timely performance (equipment and programming in relation to signal timing plans and traffic control systems). Works alongside traffic signals crews. Liaises with traffic systems staff regrading signal plans and equipment.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Works alone or with co-workers to perform electrical tasks. 
• Installs, repairs, maintains, and tests all traffic signals and electronic signals/signage (e.g., light rail transit (LRT) signals, blank out signs, bike heads) including controllers, video and inductive detection systems, emergency signal pre-emption systems, pedestrian pushbutton audio or wave detection, remote control communication units, wireless radio modems, conflict monitors, system interface/adaptor modules, telephone connections, smart technology, and other traffic related equipment. 
• Installs and works with 24 VAC, 110 VAC, 240 VAC electrical services and works with up to 750 VDC and emergency backup units (UPS).
• Designs, builds, tests, and repairs complex printed circuitry. Custom designs electronic components and assemblies, including documentation and preparation of schematics.
• Performs in-field critical repairs on all types of traffic signal equipment, including bicycle-vehicle, LRT detection, and pedestrian pushbutton audio or wave detection. Reports back to lead hand and recommends any additional changes.
• Troubleshoots and repairs data communication radio/cellular link problems related to the Region’s Computerized Traffic Control System.  Assists Traffic Control Management Systems staff in developing system timing plans, phasing, T-2000, PC systems, Advance Traffic Management Systems, data upload/download, and peer to peer logic statements for LRT.
• Builds all interfacing for solid state traffic controllers to operate with a computerized traffic control system.
• Maintains, repairs, upgrades, and tests over 500 solid state traffic controllers which includes over 50 LRT intersections and emergency signal pre-emption systems, over 3000 vehicle detection units, and other electronic control devices.
• Ensures levels of stock are maintained for the signal repair shop to perform day to day work and advises lead hand or supervisor of additional equipment and material needs. Orders supplies directly from corporate stores and suppliers as necessary. Has a p-card. 
• Assists Transportation Engineering staff in the design of new and/or modified intersections. Regularly discusses work and provides technical guidance regarding work to be completed with same. 
• Installs software and modifies set up configurations. Designs and builds interfacing wiring.
• Programs, tests, and repairs conflict monitor units to ensure proper error detection.
• Ensures all electrical work complies with the most current edition of the Ontario Electrical Code.
• Ensures proper traffic control within work areas per health and safety legislation and Ministry regulations.  
• Receives daily direction and guidance from and discusses program requirements with the supervisor and lead hand. 
• Independently sets up and organizes own work site. Completes work with minimal supervision and consults with lead hand on methods and approaches outside of expertise. Refers major expenditures, serious accidents, materials sourcing, and personnel related questions to supervisor.
• Has frequent contact with police, paramedic services, fire, railway companies, contractors, transit, and others regarding routine and emergency traffic control matters, investigations, and emergency signal pre-emption. 
• Frequently discusses locates with local utilities staff. Has regular contact with staff in area municipalities to discuss work in progress.  
• Regularly discusses equipment repair with Fleet Management staff.  

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

• Regularly coordinates work assignments with Signal Electrician and other department staff.  
• Regularly discusses safety standards and regulations with Workplace Health & Safety staff. 
• Regularly responds to calls from the corporate contact centre. 
• Frequently contacts railway companies for pre-emption interfacing and control, and fire departments for emergency signal pre-emption.
• Backs up the Signal Electrician and Lead Hand during absences or due to increases in work volume as assigned.
• Performs traffic control and related duties including work in other divisional units 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 and electronic traffic control devices, traffic signal technology, and material purchasing processes.
• Knowledge and skills are normally acquired through Journeyperson status as a Construction & Maintenance Electrician (309A) plus 5 years of experience working as an Electrician with Journeyperson status, or a 3-year community college diploma in an Electrical/Electronic or related program plus Journeyperson status as a Construction & Maintenance Electrician (309A) plus 3 years of experience working as an Electrician with Journeyperson status. In either case experience must include working with traffic signal technologies and devices.
• Must have International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) Level I and II (Traffic Signals) certification (pre-hire) and Level III (pre-hire or ability to attain within 2 years of employment).
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, and standards; field and traffic manuals; related by-laws, legislation, and regulations (e.g., traffic, purchasing and parking by-laws, Ontario Traffic Manual, Electrical Code, Electrical & Utility Safety Association (E&USA) standards, health and safety, Highway Traffic Act, CVOR, Accessible Ontario Disabilities Act, and on-the-job training requirements.
• 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; speak technically using controller and system related terminology and give directions in construction or emergency situations; and participate as an effective team member.    
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret/apply plans and blueprints for signal design and timing plans, manuals, documentation, technical trade journal articles, and traffic protection plans. 
• Ability to complete and maintain vehicle maintenance requirements (e.g., CVOR reports, checklists, hours log, reports), purchase requisitions, work orders, locate books, forms, basic written communications, and technical recommendations (e.g., products, work methods).
• Advanced computer skills to set up and use communications protocols, database programs, and Microsoft Office. Proficiency using PLC type controls, logic programming, and other software languages relating to computerized traffic control systems. Knowledge of advanced traffic management systems (e.g., Miovision, Emtrac, Wavetronix, Sensys, GTT).
• Proficiency using electronic test equipment such as digital storage scope (oscilloscope), meters, and logic probes. Ability to program in ladder logic and use hexadecimal, binary coding, and ethernet communications.  
• Must have a valid Class D driver’s license with Z airbrake endorsement and acceptable driving record upon hire or within probationary period to operate an aerial boom truck and other corporate vehicles.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• The maximum physical weight of the incumbent cannot exceed 250 lbs to ensure the combined weight of the incumbent, equipment, and tools does not exceed the 350 lbs capacity of the aerial device.
• Must demonstrate successful completion of a physical demands test (pre-hire).
• Ability to work variable hours and shifts, including weekends, evenings, holidays, and nights as assigned. 
• Ability to participate in rotational on-call emergency stand-by system and is required to respond to emergency situations outside regular working hours. 
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.