Job Details

Extra-Help Traffic Signal Technician I

We are currently accepting applications to fill one (1) Extra-Help Traffic Signal Technician I vacancy in Santa Barbara for the Transportation Division of the Public Works Department. An extra-help appointment is defined as an appointment made to a non-regular, non-permanent position established on a temporary basis to meet peak loads, unusual work situations, seasonal and recurrent work, intermittent assignments, or emergencies. Please note that the work schedule for this position will depend upon the needs of the Department.

Under supervision, assists the Traffic Signal Technician II, and learns to install, modify, maintain, and repair all types of traffic signal and highway lighting systems and all electrically or electronically controlled traffic signal installations; performs field work in the overhauling and adjusting of traffic signal devices; and performs related duties as required.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Dependable
• Customer Service Oriented and have experience working with the public
• Demonstrated ability to work well independently and as a team player
• Honest and have great work ethics
• Self-motivated and take initiative
• Able to organize and prioritize work, and meet critical deadlines
• Ability to be open to change and new information, and adapt behavior and work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, and unexpected obstacles
• Able to successfully work with managers, operations staff and vendors, and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and personalities
• Experienced in driving and operating a bucket truck, and have an electronics background
• Able to track and maintain inventory
• Flexibility, a positive attitude, and an impeccable character
• Ability to analyze problems, consider possible solutions, and decide the best course of action

Santa Barbara County Operational Area: On a day-to-day basis, the Traffic Signal Technician will travel between North County and South County work sites. The Santa Barbara Operational Area includes: Carpinteria, Goleta, Lompoc, Los Olivos, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Santa Ynez.

The County's Public Works Department employees are committed to efficiently providing, operating and maintaining public works infrastructure, facilities and services to make everyday life as safe and convenient as possible for the public we serve. The Department is comprised of five Divisions: Administration, Resource Recovery & Waste Management, Surveyor's Office, Transportation, and Water Resources.

Examples of duties include:

• Installs, maintains, and repairs highway traffic signal systems, including wiring, conduits, poles, heads, controllers, switches, vehicle detectors, and does special illumination and painting in connection with these signals.
• Installs and repairs highway lighting systems and other electrically or electronically controlled installations.
• Makes detailed checks of traffic signals and highway lighting systems to locate trouble or the causes of failure; replaces parts where failure or damage occurs.
• Inspects and tests both signal and lighting systems for proper functioning; and may act as inspector on traffic signal installations under contract.
• Prepares lists of materials needed; makes daily work reports and keeps simple records.

Employment standards include:

• Completion of technical, vocational, or college coursework in electronics or electrical engineering; OR, Experience in the installation and repair of electric or electronic control devices; OR, A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Additional requirements include:

• Possession of a valid California Class B Driver's License is required within 30 days of appointment.
• Appointees to this class series will be subject to mandatory testing for drugs prior to beginning work; once on the job, incumbents will be subject to mandatory testing for drugs and/or alcohol on a random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up basis.

Knowledge of:

• electrical theory and practice, including minor power, lighting, and control circuits; materials, methods and equipment used in the installation, maintenance and repair of electric and electronic control devices; methods, materials and equipment used in minor electrical construction and repair; safe driving practices; and safe work practices as related to working with electrical and electronic components.

Ability to:

• install, maintain and repair basic electric or electronic control devices; perform minor electrical construction and repair; read and interpret electrical or electronic schematic diagrams; troubleshoot basic electrical circuits; maintain simple records; learn installation, maintenance, and repair of traffic signal and highway lighting systems; and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.

Working conditions include:

• Incumbents in these classifications may be exposed to a variety of hazardous and/or unpleasant field conditions, including: wet, rainy, cold, or hot weather; and traffic. Work in these classifications requires various types of physical exertion, such as: prolonged bending, stooping, and lifting; and driving vehicles and/or equipment for long periods of time.

Application procedure:

Interested applicants should complete the questionnaire and submit it along with a resume and cover letter to the Public Works contact listed below. Candidates will be evaluated for employment standards and will be considered on a rolling basis as positions are available. Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines. Conditional job offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. Reasonable accommodations: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a doctor or a learning institution. Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

Submit resume and cover letter to: Public Works Contact: Gary Smart Traffic Engineer gsmart@countyofsb.org Deadline to apply: May 29, 2026 Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at: www.sbcountyjobs.com. Kim Clark, Human Resources Specialist, kiclark@countyofsb.org