NJ Civil Service Navigator

TRAFFIC SIGNAL ELECTRICIAN

Code: 04192 Local Competitive

To land Traffic Signal Electrician in New Jersey you go through the competitive route: you sit an announced exam and the score puts you on the eligible list agencies hire from.

To be eligible you bring 3 years of relevant experience and a professional license.

How to apply

  • Exam

    This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.

  • Exam

    Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.

Definition

Under direction, performs the work involved in wiring, assembling, installing, repairing, and maintaining traffic signal systems, and/or takes the lead over traffic signal repairmen; does related work as required.

Examples of work

  • Installs various types of complex traffic signal systems, including the installing of conduits and cables, hooking up signals and control boxes, and making electronic control installations.
  • Plans and completes cable hookups over and above the normal color coded circuits.
  • Maintains and repairs traffic signal radar equipment.
  • Erects, repairs, and maintains automatic and manual traffic control signals.
  • Erects, repairs, assembles, and wires traffic control timers and traffic actuated dispatchers.
  • Erects, repairs, and maintains overhead flashing beacons.
  • Repairs and rewinds relays and transformers.
  • Repairs and resynochronizes synchronous traffic signal timers.
  • Repairs and maintains electronic controllers.
  • Performs the bench maintenance work involved in the repair, testing, and approving for service of traffic controllers and related equipment.
  • Operates motor vehicle equipment necessary to perform duties.
  • Gives suitable instructions to assigned employees.
  • Inspects, obtains, stores, safeguards and properly uses needed equipment, materials and supplies.
  • Keeps needed records.
  • Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Three (3) years of experience in signal installation and repair work and/or in electrical maintenance work, and/or as a wireman-electro-mechanical assembly.

License

Appointees must possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey. Appointees may also be required to possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and applicable endorsements for the class and type of vehicle being operated.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

  • Knowledge of the problems, procedures, and equipment involved in the installation, repair, and maintenance of traffic signal systems.
  • Ability to understand, remember, and carry out oral and written directions.
  • Ability to care for needed equipment, materials, and supplies.
  • Ability to make emergency repairs under adverse conditions.
  • Ability to practice accepted safety procedures.
  • Ability to give suitable assignments and instructions to assigned employees.
  • Ability to prepare suitable reports and to keep needed records.
  • Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
  • Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
  • Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The responsibility for ensuring that employees possess the required motor vehicle license, commensurate with the class and type of vehicles they operate, rests with the Appointing Authority.