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Signal & Lighting Electrician, Apprentice

Salary

$50.04 - $59.28 Hourly

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

5273-26

Department

Public Works

Division

PW Transportation

Opening Date

01/07/2026

Closing Date

1/16/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Position Description

The City of Tacoma is now accepting applications for Apprentice Signal and Lighting Electricians.

Anticipated start date for this recruitment will be Summer of 2026

The traffic signal and streetlight shop is a smaller group of electricians that does a wide variety of work. This job can challenge you both physically and mentally, as it has a great mix of large heavy construction type work and technical expertise type work. We do everything from trenching for electrical conduit and placing reinforced concrete, to programming computers and network systems that operate our traffic signal-controlled intersections. We have challenging electrical equipment from the 1940’s (80-year-old circuits that are tied directly to TPU transformers) all the way to brand new state of the art vehicle detection systems for traffic signals using vector tracking and fish-eye cameras systems. We are first responders that includes after hour call outs to collision scenes, and we help keep our citizens safe, with our traffic control systems, school beacons, pedestrian crossing beacons, and lighting.

The City of Tacoma signal and streetlight shop currently operates and maintains 360+ traffic signals; 600+ flashers and beacons; and about 23,000+ streetlights. Electricians in the signal and streetlight shop are divided into three major categories of work as described below. Electricians starting with the City will typically spend several years working as Signal and Lighting Field Staff.

Signal & Lighting Field Staff – Responsible for all operations and maintenance work associated with streetlights; and all overhead work associated with traffic signals, flashers, and beacons. Field electricians routinely operate out of 40-Foot and 55-foot bucket trucks, are constantly exposed to adverse weather conditions year round, and are also responsible for the vast majority of the physically demanding work.

Traffic Signal Controller Shop Staff – Responsible for operations and maintenance of traffic signal controller cabinets, including wiring, programming, testing, and configuring the City’s traffic controllers, conflict monitors, pedestrian push buttons, and vehicle detection equipment. The controller shop is also responsible for programming and scheduling of school zone beacons.

Inspection and Locating Staff – Responsible for underground utility locates for signal and streetlight infrastructure and responsible for inspection of private development and City funded capital project work associated with the signal and lighting infrastructure.

Electricians starting with the City must be formally enrolled in the City of Tacoma Signal and Lighting Apprenticeship Program and will start at the bottom of the pay scale regardless of previous experience or certifications held. The apprenticeship program is 7000 hours, which requires approximately 3.5 to 4.0 years to progress through. Once hired, apprentices will spend about one month in ground school and climbing school during normal working hours. For the next three years apprentices typically attend night school 1 night a week between September and June. Apprentices are not compensated additionally for time spent in classes. Step increases are typically at 1,000 hour, 6 month increments and are dependent upon passing practical and written exams. The apprentice program is eligible for VA benefits. Failure to advance at a reasonable pace through the program may be cause for dismissal.

This position may offer volunteer overtime, and/or require overtime as needed. The shop may also operate a seasonal swing crew that works 4pm to Midnight and rotates through all field personnel.

Information about the City’s benefit package and a copy of the most recent collective bargaining contract associated with this position can be found on the City’s website: www.cityoftacoma.org

Individuals selected for this position will be formally enrolled in the City of Tacoma's Signal and Street Lighting Electrician Apprenticeship program. This is an apprenticeship program recognized by the State of Washington which requires a minimum of three-and-one-half years (7000 hours) to complete. Employees perform apprentice-level work assisting journey-level Signal and Lighting Electricians in the installation, construction, maintenance, and repair of traffic signal and street lighting systems. Continued enrollment and employment is subject to attending off-hour training, without additional compensation, and maintaining the progress set by the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee.

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program the apprentice will receive the base rate of pay for a Signal & Lighting Electrician (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/tacoma/classspecs/103249?keywords=signal&pagetype=classSpecifications) ($64.04/hour) and will be eligible for a non-competitive appointment to the journey level position.

As progressively more experience is gained, duties will expand in complexity, and the incumbent will assume more responsibility and independence. Apprentice's specific work assignments are subject to close inspection during progress and upon completion, assignments are reviewed for technique and adherence to safety and quality standards.

Tacoma's Signal and Street Lighting Electrician Apprenticeship program is recognized by the State of Washington, the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) and the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

Apprenticeship is a program that combines education with on-the-job training performed under the supervision of a journey-level professional. Apprentices are paid while they learn and develop knowledge, skills, and abilities in their career field. During the training program, Apprentices learn progressively more demanding components of their craft. After completing an apprenticeship program, apprentices receive a professional credential; they can become qualified "journey-level" workers.

Apprenticeship is one of the best ways to get the experience and training you need to start your career!

Please note: This recruitment is being conducted to create a Civil Service Eligibility List that will be used to fill Apprentice Signal and Lighting Electrician vacancies as they occur for a period of at least one year.

Tacoma Public Utilities is concurrently recruiting for similar apprentice programs. If interested, you will need to apply to each recruitment for consideration.

Essential Duties :

Work under the direction of and assist journey-level employees with the following:

+ Perform a variety of duties related to the installation, operation, maintenance and repair of traffic signals, beacons, street lighting systems (including 120V-480V multi-wire and 5KV series streetlight luminaries, including LED, incandescent and vapor discharge-type lamps), intelligent traffic systems (including fiber optic and copper network systems) and other electric/electronic- related control devices and components

+ Program, wire, configure, test, inspect, troubleshoot and verify operations of traffic signal systems, failures in overhead and underground lines, cables, services and related equipment

+ Remove and replace damaged infrastructure, including utility wood poles

+ Perform work as a Qualified Electrical Employee, as defined by WAC 296-45, including working within the minimum allowable approach distance on systems over 600V

+ Operate a variety of construction and heavy equipment; technical equipment and power and hand tools

+ Perform the duties of underground cable locator and/or construction inspector as assigned

+ Perform general maintenance electrical work in City-owned buildings, at community events and special functions

+ Attend and participate in various meetings, classes and training sessions

+ Communicate and coordinate work efforts with various City staff, outside agencies, contractors, businesses, property owners and the public, as needed

+ Prepare and maintain various written and electronic logs, charts, drawings, maps, databases, schematics, records and reports

+ Perform related duties as assigned

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

+ Work includes indoor and outdoor environment, subject to adverse weather conditions.

+ Position requires moving heavy objects, hand digging, ascending, descending and working from ladders and stairs. Must be able to work from heights and climb poles upon successful completion of applicable training.

+ Must be able to work on, observe, inspect and differentiate between a wide variety of electronic devices.

+ Must be able to position oneself under, over and around equipment and machinery and in small or confined spaces.

+ Employees in this position may be subject to dangers of exposure to high voltage wires, hazardous materials and gases and noise from equipment.

+ Employees may be subject to working during non-standard working hours and emergency call-outs, as needed.

Qualifications

An equivalent combination to: graduation from high school (GED) including or supplemented by a high school level algebra course and a basic electricity class; and one year experience in the electrical construction or electrical maintenance trade or completion of a formalized vocational training program in a related field.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid Washington State Driver's License, with maintenance thereafter.

Valid Washington Commercial Driver's License with Class A-Air Brake endorsement, flagging, CPR, first-aid and forklift training certificates will be required prior to completion of the 12-month probationary period, with maintenance thereafter.

As part of the Apprenticeship Program, additional certifications will be required including Digger/Derrick certification, International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) certifications for Traffic Signal 1, Traffic Signal 2 and Roadway Lighting.

Knowledge & Skills

An employee in this class must be able to demonstrate continuing progress in gaining the following knowledge and abilities while enrolled in the Signal and Lighting Electrician Apprenticeship program. Progression through pay step increases is dependent upon successful completion of apprenticeship testing milestones.

KNOWLEDGE:

+ Methods, materials and tools used in electrical construction and maintenance work.

+ Electrical theory as applied to electrical circuits and wire systems.

+ Safe working clearances for energized primary and secondary conductors.

+ Proper use of body belts, safety straps, lanyards and other safety devices or equipment.

SKILLS:

+ Learn the skills and tasks required in electrical construction and maintenance work, including climbing and working at heights.

+ Learn and observe proper safety precautions.

+ Use specialized electrical tools; clean and assist in maintenance of electrical tools and equipment.

+ Operate electrical tools and lift equipment.

+ Understand and follow oral and written directions.

+ Learn to interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

+ Lift heavy objects in awkward and confined spaces using proper lifting and rigging techniques.

+ Maintain records.

+ Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationship with others.

+ Learn to read and interpret circuit diagrams, system maps and underground lay-outs.

+ Work in confined space.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

To be considered for this career opportunity:

Please apply online through the City of Tacoma's website. Individuals must meet the minimum qualifications t o progress in the examination process. Applicants must pass the examination process in order to be placed on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration. The eligible list will be for one years' time.

Applications will be accepted until Friday , January 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. pacific time.

Applicants who are eligible for veterans scoring criteria (Veterans Preference) must attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4 , (proof of military discharge form) at time of application , to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to take the in-person written examination tentatively scheduled for February 3rd, 2026 . There will be no alternative test dates. Please be sure to add HR email to your contacts/safe list to avoid missing the test invitation. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders to ensure you receive communication. Applicants must pass the written examination in order to be placed on the eligible list for further hiring consideration.

Estimated Timeline:

+ January/February – Job Posting & Application Screening:

+ Applications are screened to ensure minimum qualifications are met.

+ February– Basic Electricity & Math Exam In Person

+ March–Application Review:

+ Applications will be reviewed by Tacoma Public Works to determine which candidates are moving on to the next step in the process.

+ April -Physical Ability testing (Line & Wire only), Panel Interview and Practical Assessments:

+ Select candidates will be invited to participate in this step of the process.

+ Physical Ability Testing for Line & Wire Craft only.

+ Four-Person Panel Interview to evaluate qualifications, skills, and overall fit for the role.

+ Hands on Multi-Station Practical and Physical Assessment to test skills and ability.

+ May- Candidates are notified of their status after completing the interview process.

+ May/June- Conditional Offer Letter & Pre-Employment Physical: Upon receiving a conditional offer letter, candidates will complete a final pre-employment physical and background check.

+ July 13th- Apprentice’s First day.

Appointment is subject to passing a background check and will include a pre-employment medical examination and drug screen. In addition, new employees must successfully complete a 12-month probationary period to obtain permanent status in this classification. This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and IBEW Local 483.

References and Resources

Physical Ability Test:

As a condition of hire, candidates must be able to pass a physical ability test. This test would occur as part of the hiring process, after a job offer is made. To assist candidates with preparing for the assessment and provide ample time for training opportunities, we have listed what the physical ability test consists of below. For a printable version of the physical ability test, please click here. (https://www.cityoftacoma.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server\_6/File/cms/PublicWorks/Streetlights/Street%20Lighting%20Electrician%20Physical%20Assessment.pdf)

Street Lighting Electrician Physical Assessment

Maximum Standard Minimum

Chin Ups 952

Military Press (50lbs.) 221510

Squats (100lbs.)17116

Upright Row (45lbs.) 231511

Bentover Row 302216

Aerobic Bicycle Test ------6 min------

Aerobic Bicycle Test (6 min) - Used to determine the individual’s’ aerobic power (stamina).

Chin Ups - Start with hands shoulder width apart with palms toward your face, arms fully extended and feet off the ground. Bring the chin completely over the bar and do not allow the body to swing or kick.

Military Press (50 lbs.) - Sitting, straight posture, with hands shoulder width apart, bar starts in front of shoulders and pushed directly overhead until arms are fully extended, and back to shoulder level.

Squats (100 lbs.) - Standing, straight posture, pad rests comfortably on shoulders, with feet shoulder width apart. Bending at the knees until the thighs are parallel to the ground, then return to a standing position.

Upright Row (45 lbs.) - Standing, straight posture, with the feet shoulder width apart, arms straight holding the bar. Lift the bar past the height of the breastbone with the elbows higher than your wrists and return to the starting position.

Bentover Row (60 lbs.) - Standing, bent over at the waist, arms straight down in front, shoulder width apart, pull the bar upward to the breastbone and return to the starting position

*Resource Material Information:

The following reference listings are only intended to provide assistance with study materials. This list is not intended to be the sole source of information but to act as a resource for subjects that can be studied to help prepare for taking the Signal & Lighting Electrician, Apprentice tests. It is not designed or designated as a study guide.

Website References:

+ http://www.electricityforum.com/basic-electricity.html

+ http://www.the12volt.com/ohm/ohmslaw.asp#pie

+ http://www.angelfire.com/pa/baconbacon/page2.html

+ http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/electricity\_ohms\_law.htm

+ http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/ohmlaw.html

+ http://www.electronics-tutorials.com/basics/ohms-law.htm

+ http://www.thelearningpit.com/

+ http://www.opamp-electronics.com/tutorials/ac\_theory.htm

+ http://www.play-hookey.com/ac\_theory/

+ http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol\_1/index.html

+ http://www.awesomelibrary.org/Classroom/Mathematics/Middle-High\_School\_Math/Trigonometry.html

+ http://www.syvum.com/math/trigonometry.html

Textbook References:

+ Electricity (available from Alexander Publications), excellent reference guide!

+ Ugly's Quick Electrical Reference Guide (available at the Home Depot)

+ Delmars Standard Textbook on Electricity (available from delmarlearning.com)

+ Basic Electricity (authors, Van Valkenburgh, Nooger & Neville, INC.)

+ Basic Electricity (Schaum's, published by McGraw Hill)

+ Basic Electricity (U.S Navy)

+ Electricity Demystified (Gibilisco, published by McGraw Hill)

+ An Introduction to Electric Power Distribution (Wayne Beaty, available from Alexander Publications)

+ Painless Algebra (Lynette Long, published by Barron's)

+ Algebra Success In 20 Minutes A Day (Learning Express)

+ Algebra Demystified (Gibilisco, published by McGraw Hill)

+ Algebrahelp.com

+ Trigonometry Demystified (Gibilisco, published by McGraw Hill)

+ Trigonometry for dummies (Sterling)

+ Washington State Department of Labor and Industries

+ Safety Standards for Electrical workers

+ Chapter 296-45 WAC

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job

Communication from the City of Tacoma:

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $50.04 - $59.28

Annual Salary: $104,083.20 - $123,302.40

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma (https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/human-resources/employee-benefits/)

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

01

Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. I understand that any form of cheating or falsification will disqualify my application for further consideration.

+ Yes

+ No

02

Are you a high school graduate or equivalent?

+ Yes

+ No

03

Have you completed a high school level algebra course?

+ Yes

+ No

04

Have you completed a basic electricity class?

+ Yes

+ No

05

Do you have one year of experience in the electrical construction or electrical maintenance trades or completion of a formalized vocational training program in a related field?

+ Yes

+ No

06

Do you possess a valid Washington State Driver's License?

+ Yes

+ No

07

Do you possess, or will you be able to attain a valid Washington Commercial Driver's License with Class A-Air Brake endorsement, flagging, CPR, first-aid and forklift training certificates will be required prior to completion of the 12-month probationary period, with maintenance thereafter?

+ Yes

+ No

08

Please indicate all apprenticeship positions you will be applying for. NOTE: If applying for more than one apprenticeship position, you will need to submit a separate application for each craft & posting. Selecting more than one job as an answer to this question is not considered as an application for more than one job.

+ Apprentice Line Electrician

+ Apprentice Wire Electrician

+ Apprentice Electrical Meter & Relay Technician

+ Apprentice Signal & Lighting Electrician

09

The City of Tacoma is a diverse community, and our organization values diversity. Describe an opportunity you had to work on a project/task with people who were a race or ethnic background other than your own. What did you learn and or appreciate, and were there any challenges for you in this work? What did you do to make your work together successful?

10

Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.

+ Job Interest Card notification

+ Professional organization

+ Military organization

+ City of Tacoma employee

+ Online job board posting

+ Word of mouth

+ LinkedIn

+ Tacoma Training & Education Program (TTEP)

+ Indeed

+ Facebook

+ Instagram

+ Careers in Government

+ Government Jobs

+ Outreach Event

+ National Diversity Network

+ African American Job Network

+ Disability Job Network

+ Asian Job Network

+ Latino Job Network

+ Retirement Job Network

+ LGBT Job Network

+ Veteran Job Network

+ Other

11

If you answered "other" to question #10, please tell us how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, this information will help us to recruit for future positions.

Required Question

Employer

City of Tacoma

Address

Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone

253-591-5400

Website

http://www.tacoma.gov

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