Entry Level Electrical Engineer Jobs in Rancho Cordova, CA

Salary : $74,884.00 - $110,895.00 Annually
Location : Corp Yard, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 080326MD
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 9/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description/Special Instructions
The City of Elk Grove is currently accepting applications for
TRAFFIC SIGNAL TECHNICIAN I/II
Traffic Signal Technician I: $74,884 - $100,364 Annually
Traffic Signal Technician II: $82,740 - $110,895 Annually
The City of Elk Grove Public Works Department is currently looking for skilled individuals to join the Operations & Maintenance Division!
The Operations & Maintenance Division is comprised of Capital Maintenance and Operations. These two sections are responsible for the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of roadways, sidewalks, curb-ramps, traffic signals, streetlights, signs & markings, landscaping, and drainage.
The Division is seeking candidates with experience in the construction and/or maintenance of traffic signals, streetlights, and associated infrastructure, including controller programming, video detection, fiber optic maintenance, and network programming. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of applicable laws, permits, maintenance principles and standards, and the ability to make sound decisions. This position requires excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work independently and exercise good judgment and initiative.
If you want to join a dedicated team that shares a commitment to keeping the City of Elk Grove safe and efficiently run, consider a career with the City of Elk Grove Public Works Department.
Tentative Recruitment Timeline (subject to change)
Filing Deadline: September 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM
Oral Board Interviews: September 24, 2026 (Virtual)
Selection Interviews: October 1, 2026 (In Person)
The City offers a competitive salary and generous benefit package including CalPERS retirement benefits, a deferred compensation match and more. Why work for the City of Elk Grove?
Community Profile
Elk Grove is a vibrant, family-friendly community of approximately 178,124 people in the Sacramento, California region, located 14 miles south of the State Capital and 60 miles east of the Bay Area. Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city that was incorporated in 2000. Elk Grove has low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks and 28 miles of trails, plentiful dining and shopping options, numerous annual events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year.
Representative Duties
DEFINITION
Under immediate (Traffic Signal Technician I) to general (Traffic Signal Technician II) supervision performs skilled electrical work in the installation, modification, maintenance, and repair of traffic signals and lighting control equipment; performs preventive maintenance work on traffic signal systems, including the traffic signal controller, vehicle detection system, battery backup system, signal heads, poles, mast arms, and other related electrical systems; performs routine inspections of traffic signal equipment; tests electrical and electronic equipment operation including timing schemes, vehicle detection, conflict monitors and traffic signal hardware, and other systems to ensure they operate as intended; and ensures electrical compatibility and safety of components.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives immediate (Traffic Signal Technician I) to general (Traffic Signal Technician II) supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Traffic Signal Technician I: This is the entry level classification in the technical/paraprofessional Traffic Signal series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents perform the more routine duties while learning city policies and procedures and becoming familiar with departmental systems and practices. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult. Close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of positions at the II-level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.
Traffic Signal Technician II: This is the journey level classification in the Traffic Signal Technician series. This class is distinguished from those in the lower classification of Traffic Signal Technician I by the relative independence with which they perform skilled electronic, electro-mechanical, microprocessor control, and electrical work in the installation, modification, maintenance, and repair of traffic signals and lighting control equipment. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
Positions in the Traffic Signal Technician classification series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II-level are normally filled by advancement from the next lower level upon management approval, after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class, subject to budgetary funds.
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed/exercised in a learning capacity for entry-level (I-level) positions.

• Performs routine and complex monitoring, maintenance, repair and adjustment of traffic control systems and installations. At the journey level, Traffic Signal Technicians are expected to independently perform troubleshooting, diagnostic, and problem-solving activities.
• Installs, repairs, replaces, or modifies signal head components, controllers, relays, switches, fuses, timers, light fixtures, lamps, circuitry, and cabinet parts.
• Designs and constructs special test equipment for shop testing of electronic components related to traffic control systems.
• Diagnoses and repairs electronic, electro-mechanical, and microprocessor-controlled traffic control equipment and performs preventive maintenance and testing.
• Interprets and maintains schematic drawings, operations manuals, and repair logs on related traffic equipment.
• Programs, installs, modifies, and/or maintains electronic traffic signal detection equipment or other Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) elements.
• Wires and tests all traffic control cabinets prior to installation and performs on-going inspections; performs annual certification of conflict monitors.
• Calculates and produces Signal Timing for traffic control systems for approval by Engineering Division staff.
• Runs diagnostic reports from traffic signal software.
• Performs traffic safety work including setting and removing signage and pavement markers as assigned.
• Removes and replaces sign posts and pours concrete to anchor posts; affixes signs to posts at proper height.
• Maintains tools and equipment in a safe and efficient manner; cleans shop and equipment as necessary; follows proper safety procedures in a variety of hazardous environments including high voltage areas.
• Prepares work orders and maintains adequate inventory of material and supplies; prepares work estimates; prepares a variety of reports; maintains accurate manuals, records, and logs.
• Responds to emergency calls such as knockdowns, traffic control or signal problems at all hours.
• Investigates complaints and reports of signal and traffic light malfunctions.
• Drives vehicles to various jobsites and climbs into aerial lift to work at heights; may operate heavy equipment as necessary to perform traffic signal and street light work.
• Inspects work of contractors in area of assignment to ensure compliance with specifications; recommends corrective actions as necessary.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods, materials, tools, and practices used in the repair of electronic, electrical, and mechanical devices used in street lighting and traffic control.
• Components and parts of electronic and electrical devices used in traffic control equipment.
• Principles, methods, and practices in the design of traffic signals, timing plans and signal phasing.
• Techniques and materials used in traffic control painting and signing operations.
• Provisions of the relevant California Motor Vehicle Code, Uniform Sign Chart and Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the California Supplement of the MUTCD.
• Proper traffic control (including warning signs and cones) to provide safe passage for the traveling public through the work area, as well as for the safeguard of workers.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
• Occupational hazards and safety rules, regulations, and practices required in electrical and electronic work.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, contractors, and City staff.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.
• Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
• The structure and content of the English language at a level necessary to successfully perform the duties assigned.

Ability to:

• Inspect, test, diagnose, repair, and adjust complex traffic control devices.
• Read and interpret plans, electronic drawings, and wiring diagrams.
• Use electronic test equipment such as voltmeters, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and frequency counters to perform inspections and diagnose system problems.
• Skillfully and safely operate and maintain a variety of traffic control, painting, and related equipment, including hand and power tools, trucks, and other power-driven equipment.
• Estimate time, material, and equipment to complete assignments.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and reports of work performed.
• Communicate clearly and concisely in the English language at a level necessary for successful job performance.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery, and implementing equitable city policies.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Meet the physical requirements necessary to perform the assigned duties safely and effectively.

Education and Experience:
Traffic Signal Technician I/II: Completion of twelfth (12th) grade.
Traffic Signal Technician I: One (1) year of full-time equivalent experience working in the installation, maintenance, and/or repair of electrical or electronic equipment or other related work. Completion of an apprenticeship program or trade school in electrical, electronic, or traffic signal maintenance may substitute for the required experience on a year for year basis.
Traffic Signal Technician II: Three (3) years of experience as a Traffic Signal Technician I with the City of Elk Grove and demonstration of basic on-the-job performance proficiency and competency in all defined work areas OR four (4) years of full-time equivalent experience working in the installation, maintenance, and/or repair of electrical or electronic equipment or other related work.
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
Traffic Signal Technician I:
Must obtain the following certificates within one (1) year of employment:

• IMSA Work Zone Temporary Traffic Control Technician
• IMSA Traffic Signal Technician I

Traffic Signal Technician II:
Must possess the following certificates at the time of application submission:

• IMSA Traffic Signal Technician II

Retired Annuitants: This is a regular full-time position. Retired Annuitants are not eligible for appointment to this position under Government Code Sections 7522.56, 21224, 21227, and 21229. Retired CalPERS members may apply only if they are planning to voluntarily reinstate from retirement.
Employment Sponsorship:
This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship or any other type of employment-based visa sponsorship.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in the field; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to