See Electrical and Electronic Systems Specialist Trainee.

Supervises the installation, maintenance, inspection, and repair of electrical and electronic systems used in transportation and highway infrastructure and tunnel maintenance and operations.

Positions supervise one or more lower-level Electrical and Electronic Systems Specialists performing a variety of electrical and electronic duties related to transportation and highway infrastructure, bridges and/or tunnel fire life safety systems including mechanical, electrical and control systems.

Supervises specialists installing, maintaining, testing, repairing, and inspecting transportation and highway infrastructure systems such as traffic signal systems and related support equipment, traffic control swing/lift gate systems, traffic flow systems, tunnel/lids and the systems therein, and communication cables;

Reviews job applications, schedule and conducts interviews and make hiring recommendations; counsels employees and provides documentation as needed for corrective or disciplinary action; reviews and approves staff labor time and leave requests;

Reviews contract plans; attends engineering planning and scoping meetings; conducts project plan field checks to ensure traffic devices can be constructed in the designated area in accordance with the plans and specifications, and makes recommendations for necessary changes; provides information and recommendations to design engineers, signal consultants, traffic operations engineers, and construction engineers;

Assesses staff training needs, provides or arranges for necessary staff training including periodic safety and training meetings;

Ensures compliance with safety regulations and procedures in areas with utilities such as high voltage lines, gas lines, water lines and sewers;

Interprets and documents information, complaints, and suggestions from crews to engineering and traffic division;

Plans, budgets, and schedules anticipated work; creates job orders and cost estimates; assists in the development of annual maintenance plans including fund availability and staffing requirements;

Maintains and prepares reports reflecting the section operations such as time and equipment, materials, personnel performance reviews, and attendance records;

Arranges purchase of repair or replacement parts and maintains an inventory of equipment parts and components; selects and purchases test equipment; arranges for rental or lease of equipment; approves requisitions and maintenance of stock and tools required;

Establishes accurate cost records and inventory control for all traffic counting equipment including permanent and semi-permanent installations; reviews and investigates new traffic counter or sensing equipment; coordinates installation and maintenance of traffic counting equipment with participating governmental agencies;

Arranges for and inspects work done through service contracts;

Contacts utility companies in the region to secure permission for placing suspension systems on existing facilities and to provide power;

Communicates and coordinates with first responders and local authorities during emergency situations;

Arranges for and obtains permits or certifications required to comply with local and state ordinances and laws;

Coordinates with other agencies or the public about traffic concerns;

Meets with the general public, public agencies, or community organizations in order to promote or maintain favorable public relations for transportation facilities and structures; conducts tours of transportation structures and associated facilities, providing insight for professional trade groups and other officials;

Directs and performs repair of malfunctioning traffic, bridge, tunnel, communications systems, Intelligent Transportation System equipment, and all electrical and electronic equipment within the state highway right of way on a 24-hour emergency call-out basis;

Other duties as required.

Knowledge of: National Electrical Code, National Fire Protection Association code, state and local electrical codes; electrical and electronics theory and principles, programming for electrical network systems; programming security systems; programming roadway monitoring devices; electrical construction and mechanics; microwave, radio, Ethernet, fiber optic and cellular technology; building and roadway fire suppression systems; hydraulic, mechanical and fire life safety systems; emergency phone systems; high voltage distribution systems; air monitoring systems; programmable logic controllers; uninterruptable power supplies and backup generator systems; electrical and work zone safety precautions, as well as industry specifications and manuals used in transportation systems.

Ability to: supervise and direct crews with diverse skillsets, coordinate technical electrical and electronic transportation and highway construction projects; collaborate with internal and external partners; perform public relations functions. Lead and train others for future opportunities.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

High school graduation or GED.


Seven (7) years (approximately 14,000 hours) of relevant professional experience performing technical electrical, fire system, mechanical and/or electronic work including leading or supervising others in technical electrical, fire system, mechanical, and/or electronics work;


Completion of equivalent, relevant professional lead/supervision experience and formal training through an electrical apprenticeship program, or accredited electrical or electronics training program, or vocational or technical school, military-based electrical/electronics training, agency-specific in-training plan;


A Bachelor’s degree in electrical or electronics technology and three (3) years of relevant professional experience performing technical electrical, fire system, mechanical, and/or electronic work, with experience leading or supervising others in electrical or electronics work.

Possession of a valid Washington state journey or master-level electrical license (EL01, EL06, EL07, or ME01) may substitute for some education or experience.

Some positions may require the following: a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) without air brake restriction (Class A or Class B); radio operator license, Journey or Master Level Electrician (EL01, EL06, EL07, or ME01); and/or Electronics certification.

New class, consolidates 72830 Traffic Signal Supervisor, 72890 Electronics Supervisor-Transportation, general revision; adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.
Revised title, definition, typical work, legal requirements, desirable qualifications; added class series concept, distinguishing characteristics, and knowledge and abilities; incorporates 596U Tunnel Maintenance Supervisor; adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023.