Groundman
Riverside, CA, US, 92501
Job Summary
The Traffic Signal Groundman provides field support for the installation, maintenance, repair, and operation of traffic signal systems, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), roadway lighting, communication infrastructure, and associated electrical equipment. The position performs manual and semi-skilled work supporting Traffic Signal Technicians and Foremen while ensuring compliance with all applicable safety regulations, project specifications, environmental requirements, and quality standards.
This role serves as a developmental entry point into the Traffic Signal and ITS profession and requires a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, customer service, and continuous learning.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist with the installation, maintenance, and repair of traffic signals, street lighting systems, ITS equipment, CCTV cameras, and fiber optic infrastructure.
- Maintain street-level assets including controller cabinets, concrete pull boxes, handholes, poles, conduits, and associated electrical equipment.
- Excavate, trench, backfill, and restore project sites using hand tools and construction equipment.
- Pull cable, fiber optic lines, and conduit associated with traffic signal and roadway lighting projects.
- Operate hand tools, power tools, compactors, generators, concrete equipment, and other construction-related equipment.
- Mix, pour, and finish concrete for foundations, pull boxes, pole bases, and equipment installations.
- Assist with traffic signal head assembly, span wire installation, pole erection, and equipment mounting.
- Operate or assist with bucket trucks, utility vehicles, trailers, and material handling equipment as authorized.
- Establish and maintain work zone protections in accordance with MUTCD, FDOT, IMSA, and company safety standards.
- Load, unload, transport, inventory, and organize materials, supplies, and equipment.
- Perform routine housekeeping and maintenance of vehicles, trailers, warehouse areas, and job sites.
- Participate in emergency callouts, after-hours service work, and on-call rotation as required.
- Accurately document work activities, materials used, inspections, and safety observations.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support project completion and customer satisfaction.
KSAs(Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
Knowledge
- Basic understanding of construction practices, roadway work zones, and utility infrastructure.
- Basic knowledge of electrical systems, underground conduit systems, and traffic signal equipment preferred.
- Understanding of workplace safety procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
- Familiarity with FDOT, OSHA, MUTCD, IMSA, and company safety standards preferred.
Skills
- Proficient use of hand tools, power tools, shovels, compactors, and material handling equipment.
- Ability to safely perform excavation, trenching, cable pulling, and concrete work.
- Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting capability.
- Effective verbal communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
- Time management and task prioritization skills.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
Abilities
- Ability to work safely near energized electrical equipment and active traffic.
- Ability to learn technical traffic signal, ITS, and roadway lighting systems.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision after training.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities, schedules, and project requirements.
- Ability to perform strenuous physical labor throughout an entire work shift.
- Ability to maintain professionalism while interacting with customers, agencies, and coworkers.
Core Competencies
Safety Focus: Demonstrates a commitment to personal safety, team safety, and regulatory compliance by following all company safety policies, procedures, and applicable regulations; properly wearing required PPE; safely operating company vehicles, tools, and equipment; and proactively identifying and addressing workplace hazards.
Customer Focus: Provides quality workmanship and professional support to customers and stakeholders.
Team Collaboration: Works effectively with Groundmen, Technicians, Foremen, Project Managers, and agency representatives.
Ownership: Accepts responsibility for work quality, attendance, equipment care, and project deadlines.
Attention to Detail: Maintains accuracy in installation work, material handling, documentation, and safety procedures.
Reliability and Dependability: Consistently demonstrates punctuality, preparedness, and follow-through.
Continuous Learning: Actively develops technical knowledge and pursues certifications relevant to traffic signal and ITS operations.
Integrity and Professionalism: Demonstrates ethical conduct, respect, and professionalism in all business interactions.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
- Minimum one (1) year of experience in construction, utility work, roadway construction, electrical labor, telecommunications, or related field operations; two (2) years of experience is highly preferred
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Must be able to maintain eligibility under the Company's vehicle insurance program.
- Ability to pass a DOT physical examination and drug screening, where required by company policy or position requirements.
- Traffic signal, roadway lighting, utility construction, or ITS experience preferred.
- Must be eligible to operate company vehicles and equipment and maintain eligibility under the Company's insurance programs
Licensing & Certifications
- Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record required
- Ability to obtain and maintain DOT Medical Certification
- IMSA Work Zone Safety Certification is highly preferred
- Bucket Truck Operator Certification highly preferred
- IMSA Traffic Signal Level I, Traffic Signal Construction Technician, or Roadway Lighting certifications is highly preferred
- Ability to pass company-required drug screening and background checks
Physical Requirements
- Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, climb, crawl, push, pull, and reach.
- Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Occasionally lift and move up to 75 pounds with assistance.
- Frequent operation of company vehicles, utility trucks, bucket trucks, and other equipment in the performance of essential job duties.
- Ability to climb ladders, poles, and elevated work platforms exceeding 15 feet.
- Ability to safely work from bucket trucks and aerial lift equipment.
- Ability to distinguish colors used in electrical wiring and traffic signal indications.
- Requires manual dexterity to operate tools, equipment, and controls.
- Ability to work extended hours when business needs require.
Working Conditions
- Work is primarily performed outdoors in varying weather conditions including heat, humidity, rain, cold, and wind.
- Regular exposure to vehicle traffic, construction activity, noise, dust, vibration, and moving equipment.
- Regular work near energized electrical systems and roadway hazards.
- May require night work, weekend work, emergency response assignments, and overtime.
- Frequent travel throughout assigned service areas.
- Work schedules may vary based on project demands, maintenance needs, and customer requirements.
- Work involves physical exertion and extended periods in potentially uncomfortable positions during installation and troubleshooting tasks.
Individuals with a disability who desire reasonable accommodation can contact Human Resource
Nearest Major Market: Riverside
Nearest Secondary Market: Los Angeles