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Traffic Control Apprentice Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Traffic Signal Electrician

OR · On-site

$41.43 - $55.52/hr

Test components to find broken connections or faulty control parts. Repair or replace defective ... apprenticeship plus 3-4 years' experience); or * An equivalent combination of education and ...

Traffic Control Apprentice information

See Portland, OR salary details

$27K

$98.1K

$193K

How much do traffic control apprentice jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for traffic control apprentice in Portland, OR is $98,052.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,000.00 and $126,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a traffic control apprentice?

Traffic Control Apprentices are entry-level workers who assist in managing the flow of vehicles and pedestrians around construction zones, events, or accident sites. They work under the supervision of experienced Traffic Controllers to set up and remove signage, barriers, and cones, ensuring the safety of workers and the public. Traffic Control Apprentices are responsible for learning safety procedures, communicating with team members, and following legal regulations. This position is a starting point for those seeking a career in traffic management and typically requires on-the-job training and sometimes certification.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a traffic control apprentice and how do they contribute to overall site safety?

As a Traffic Control Apprentice, your daily responsibilities include setting up and maintaining signage, cones, and barriers to guide traffic safely around construction or maintenance sites. You will also assist in directing vehicles and pedestrians, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and protocols. Close collaboration with site supervisors and other crew members is vital, as you help monitor conditions and communicate any hazards or changes that may arise. Your role is essential in minimizing risks and keeping both workers and the public safe throughout the project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a traffic control apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Traffic Control Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of traffic management principles, physical fitness, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with two-way radios, traffic control devices, and often a Traffic Control Person (TCP) certification are important. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication help ensure safety and coordination on busy roads. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining traffic flow, protecting workers, and preventing accidents in construction zones.

What is the difference between Traffic Control Apprentice vs Traffic Control Technician?

AspectTraffic Control ApprenticeTraffic Control Technician
CertificationsBasic OSHA and traffic control trainingAdvanced certifications often required
Work EnvironmentOn-site, assisting with setup and traffic managementMore independent, overseeing traffic control operations
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning traffic control procedures, assisting crewsImplementing traffic plans, inspecting sites

The Traffic Control Apprentice is an entry-level role focused on learning traffic management skills and assisting experienced crews. The Traffic Control Technician has more responsibility, including overseeing traffic control setups and ensuring safety compliance. Both roles require similar certifications initially, but technicians typically hold advanced credentials and have more independent duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Traffic Control jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Traffic Control jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Traffic Control Apprentice jobs in Portland, OR?

For Traffic Control Apprentice jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Traffic Control Apprentice jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Traffic Control Apprentice jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Traffic Control Apprentice jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Traffic Control Apprentice job openings:

Traffic Signal Electrician

City of Beaverton

Beaverton, OR

$41.43 - $55.52/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

The Position The City of Beaverton is hiring a Traffic Signal Electrician to join the Public Works Team and ensure that traffic signals and street lighting are safe and reliable throughout the city. The Traffic Signal Electrician performs installation, maintenance, and inspection of traffic signals; updates street lighting to LEDs; and diagnoses and troubleshoots signal and lighting issues. A current Oregon General Journeyman Electrician license is required.

Signal experience is helpful, but on-the-job training will be provided. This is a full-time, non-exempt, SEIU-classified position. There is one vacancy.

The schedule will be four ten-hour shifts weekly. Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Beaverton's online portal. You will need to enter your work history and respond to several supplemental questions.

Your education, skills, and experience will be evaluated using the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions. Attaching a resume or cover letter does not replace the requirement to fully complete the application. Responsibilities Install, modify, and maintain traffic signals, wiring systems, electrical circuits, fixtures, and equipment.

Read and follow electrical schematics, plans, and specifications. Test circuit continuity to ensure systems are safe and compatible. Diagnose problems with traffic signals and other electrical equipment.

Test components to find broken connections or faulty control parts. Repair or replace defective modules, relays, switches, and circuits. Create and carry out a preventive maintenance schedule.

Inspect signals to ensure they work correctly. Test and adjust timing functions for controllers, emergency preemption systems, and other supporting components. Install and maintain building and commercial electrical circuits and equipment when needed.

Operate specialized equipment, including underground locating tools, aerial bucket trucks, and computers with traffic signal software. Complete required paperwork. Maintain accurate records of electrical and signal repairs, maintenance work, and materials used.

Respond to emergency situations as necessary. Provide excellent internal and external customer service through professional communication, problem-solving, and a focus on high-quality work. Perform all job duties with integrity and respect for city policies and applicable laws.

Help create a positive, supportive work environment that values teamwork, clear communication, and ongoing growth. Other responsibilities are outlined in the Traffic Signal Electrician class specification. Qualifications Minimum qualifications High school diploma or GED, and 8 years of experience in electrical installation up to 480V 3-phase (apprenticeship plus 3-4 years' experience); or An equivalent combination of education and experience enabling the incumbent to perform the essential functions of the position.

Licensing and special requirements Valid driver's license and ability to meet the city's driving standards. State of Oregon General Journeyman Electrician license. International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) Traffic Signal Technician Level 1 certification within 6 months of hire.

Oregon Department of Transportation traffic signal inspector certification within 12 months of hire. CPR and First Aid certification within 6 months of hire. Traffic flagger training within 3 months of hire.

Ability to pass reference checks and license verification, and satisfy the requirements of a background check. Ability to satisfy the requirements of a pre-employment physical drug screen (includes marijuana). Studies have shown that some candidates hesitate to apply for a position if they do not believe they meet 100% of the hiring criteria.

The city's talent acquisition goals include hiring the candidate who is best able to meet the performance objectives of the role. We encourage people with non-traditional skill sets and experiences to apply, even if you believe you do not meet 100% of the qualifications and hiring criteria described. Compensation Wage range: $41.43 - $55.52 hourly Starting pay within the posted range is based on a review of your related work experience, as required by the Oregon Equal Pay Act

We compare the experience shown in your application materials with the qualifications for the position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will start at step one. Applicants whose work history clearly demonstrates additional directly related experience may be placed at a higher step within the range.

To ensure an accurate evaluation, please include all relevant work history in your application, including part-time, volunteer, or other roles that show related experience. Total compensation package and benefits In addition to competitive pay, the city offers a wide variety of benefits to regular employees which make up an exceptional total compensation package. The city pays the full retirement contribution to the Oregon Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) including the employee portion; provides employees with an opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation retirement plan; makes available a public service loan forgiveness program and tuition reimbursement program; and offers excellent health, dental, vision and life insurance coverage.

Additional benefits include excellent paid time off (PTO) accrual, PTO cash out options, wellness programs and incentives, an employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) VEBA, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and bilingual pay premiums.