County of Santa Clara

Traffic Signal Systems Supervisor

County of Santa Clara • $132K — $160K *
Transportation
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent required;
  • 3 years of experience in the electrical/electronic field with traffic signal systems;
  • 2 years of lead or supervisory experience;
  • Completion of an approved 4-year electrical apprenticeship may substitute for 2 years of experience;
  • Valid California Driver's License required.

Responsibilities

  • Supervise installation and maintenance of traffic signal systems and lighting;
  • Plan, assign, and supervise daily work of traffic signal staff;
  • Coordinate emergency repairs and electrical work;
  • Monitor Traffic Management System alarms and adjust signal timing as needed;
  • Develop preventive maintenance programs and schedules;
  • Investigate complaints and respond to concerns about signal malfunctions;
  • Collaborate with public jurisdictions on traffic control systems.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits with no deductibles;
  • Generous paid time off including vacation and sick leave;
  • Robust retirement plans including a 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan;
  • Health Flexible Spending Account for tax-free healthcare expenses;
  • Dependent Care Assistance Program for tax-free dependent care;
  • Life and disability benefits for financial security;
  • Employee Assistance Program for mental health and well-being support;
  • Employee wellness programs and fitness classes;
  • Education reimbursement for professional development.
Full Job Description
Salary : $132,223.52 - $160,721.60 Annually
Location : Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-M6A-A
Department: Roads
Division: Roads & Signal Operations
Opening Date: 09/28/2026
Closing Date: 10/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 92

Description
Under direction, to supervise the installation, operation, inspection, maintenance, repair, and modification of traffic signal systems, lighting, electrical/electronic systems and components, and signal lighting facilities, and has overall responsibility for the Traffic Operations Center.

Typical Tasks

  • Supervises the Traffic Operations Center, including the installation, operation, inspection, maintenance, repair, and modification of traffic signal systems, lighting and electrical/electronic systems;
  • Plans, assigns, trains, supervises, counsels, and reviews the daily work of traffic signal staff;
  • Interviews and selects or recommends selection of new staff;
  • Coordinates and oversees emergency repairs and other electrical work as needed;
  • Operates and maintains the Traffic Operations Center and monitors Traffic Management System alarms;
  • Adjusts or supervises adjustment of traffic signal timing for planned or unplanned incidents; ensures proper and safe operation of traffic signals;
  • Develops and implements diagnostic techniques for traffic signal systems, controllers, and other electrical systems;
  • Develops and maintains a schedule for preventive maintenance programs, and oversees and provides assistance as needed to perform scheduled maintenance;
  • Supervises the investigation of complaints and responds to concerns related to traffic signal lighting and related equipment malfunctions;
  • Coordinates with other public jurisdictions that interface with traffic control, signals, and related systems;
  • Estimates time and material costs for various traffic signal projects;
  • Maintains knowledge of current technology and vendor equipment; trains and provides relevant technical support to staff on traffic signal computer programs and peripheral equipment;
  • Reviews design plans and specifications and makes recommendations concerning constructability, installation, and modifications of proposed traffic signal or lighting systems, and coordinates and communicates with engineering staff;
  • Reviews purchase orders, payments, and charges for signal and lighting installations and communication utility service charges;
  • Prepares written reports on operations, equipment evaluation, maintenance, and measures of effectiveness;
  • Assists with budget preparations;
  • Serves as liaison with other County operations and outside agencies relative to the work and responsibilities of the Traffic Operations Center;
  • May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
  • Performs other related duties, as required.

Employment Standards

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities.

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through possession of a high school diploma or equivalent,

and

Three (3) years of experience in the electrical/electronic field, which must have included work on traffic signals and systems, and two (2) years of experience comparable to the Senior Electrical/Electronic Technician in the County of Santa Clara, which must include lead or supervisory duties.

Completion of an approved four (4) year electrical apprenticeship may substitute for two (2) years of the required work experience, but cannot be substituted for the lead or supervisory experience.

Special Requirements:
  • Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

Knowledge of:
  • Methods and procedures used to operate, repair and maintain traffic signal control systems, lighting systems, and various electronic control systems;
  • Principles and practices of training, supervision, and effective discipline;
  • Theory and principles of electrical and electronic equipment and circuits, including the operation, maintenance and installation of digital and analog electronic systems;
  • Laws, ordinances, and regulations governing electrical construction;
  • Computer systems operation, maintenance, and installation;
  • Principles and practices of traffic engineering;
  • Occupational hazards and safety precautions;
  • Computer use and common applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet, databases and e-mail applications.

Ability to:
  • Plan, assign, train, supervise, and counsel staff;
  • Read and interpret construction plans, specifications, electronic schematics, and diagrams;
  • Develop procedures for preventive maintenance programs;
  • Estimate time and material costs for electrical construction;
  • Write clearly and concisely and prepare a variety of reports with recommendations;
  • Develop and implement traffic signal timing plans and coordination plans;
  • Operate computer-based traffic signal equipment and systems;
  • Mitigate complaints related to traffic signal malfunctions;
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, public safety personnel, staff, co-workers, and the general public;
  • Operate a variety of office software and equipment.

Physical Requirements

  • Required to work on-call on a rotational basis and may be required to work after hours and on weekends in the event of emergencies.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
01

Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete. Please include the name of employers, job titles, dates of employment, and hours worked per week for questions asking about work experience.
Do you understand these requirements?
  • Yes
  • No

02

What is the highest level of education you have completed?
  • High School or GED equivalent
  • College (1 to 29 semester units / 1 to 44 quarter units)
  • College (30 to 59 semester units / 45 to 89 quarter units)
  • College (60 to 89 semester units / 90 to 134 quarter units)
  • College (90 to 119 semester units / 135 to 179 quarter units)
  • College (120 or more semester units / 180 or more quarter units)
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Doctoral Degree
  • None

03

Did you complete an electrical apprenticeship program? If you select "yes", please attach completed certification.
  • Yes
  • No

04

Do you have experience equivalent to a in the County of Santa Clara for two (2) years or more?
  • Yes
  • No

05

Describe your work experience equivalent to a Senior Electrical/Electronic. Please include lead and/or supervisory duties.
REQUIRED: Indicate the name of your employer(s), dates of employment, hours worked per week, and job duties performed. If you do not have such experiences, type N/A.
06

How many years of professional experience in the electrical/electronic field working with traffic signals and systems do you possess?
  • None
  • Less than one year
  • One to less than two years
  • Two to less than two years
  • Three to less than four years
  • Four to less than five years
  • Five years or more

07

Describe your professional experience in the electrical/electronic field working with traffic signals and systems.REQUIRED: Indicate the name of your employer(s), dates of employment, hours worked per week, and job duties performed. If you do not have such experiences, type N/A.
08

This position requires on-call work on a rotational basis and may be required to work after hours and on weekends in the event of emergencies. Do you understand this requirement?
  • Yes
  • No

09

How did you find out/hear about this job?
  • In Person Job Fair
  • Contacted by County Recruiter
  • Email Newsletter
  • Virtual Event
  • Community Event
  • Social Media: Facebook or Instagram
  • County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification
  • Student Career Center
  • Handshake
  • Professional Association
  • Contacted by an External Staffing Firm
  • Hospital Website
  • Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)
  • Governmentjobs.com
  • LinkedIn
  • Indeed
  • Employee Referral: Friends, Families and Coworkers
  • County of Santa Clara Career Website
  • Other (Specify in the next question)

10

If you selected an event/fair or other in the question above, please specify here. If not, type "N/A".
Required Question

About County of Santa Clara

The County of Santa Clara is located at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay and encompasses 1,312 square miles. It has one of the highest median family incomes in the country, and a wide diversity of cultures, backgrounds and talents. The County of Santa Clara continues to attract people from all over the world. With more than 70 agencies/departments and 22,000 employees, the County of Santa Clara plans for the needs of a dynamic community, provides quality services, and promotes a healthy, safe and prosperous community for all. The County provides essential services including public health protection, environmental protection, medical services through Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC), child and adult protection services, homelessness prevention and solutions, roads, park services, libraries, emergency response to disasters, protection of minority communities and those under threat, access to a fair criminal justice system, and scores of other services, particularly for those members of our community in the greatest need. The County's population of nearly 1.9 million is one of the largest in the state, and the largest of the nine Bay Area counties. Its population constitutes about one fourth of the Bay Area's total population. There are 15 cities including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga, and Sunnyvale ranging from Palo Alto to the north, to Gilroy in the south. San Jose is the largest city in the County, with a population of 1.035 million, and is the administrative site of County Government. A significant portion of the county's land area is unincorporated ranch and farmland. Nearly 92% of the population lives in cities. The County of Santa Clara operates 27 parks covering more than 50,000 acres including scenic lakes, streams, and miles of hiking and biking trails.
Learn more about County of Santa Clara

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