See Electrical and Electronic Systems Specialist Trainee.

Performs a variety of skilled electrical and electronic installation, maintenance and repair work on components and systems used in transportation and highway infrastructure in accordance with applicable code requirements and agency specifications.

This is the journey-level of the series. Positions work independently under general direction performing skilled work on complex highway electrical, fiber optic and electronic systems. Performs tasks such as diagnosing and repairing highway traffic signals and detection systems, tolling systems and equipment, configuring variable message signs and highway advisory radio systems, maintaining and repairing electrical systems for moveable and floating bridges, maintaining, testing and repairing tunnel fire life safety systems, fiber optic systems, electrical distribution systems, building monitoring and control systems, interpreting electronic schematics to make updates to existing as-built plans and/or programing to configure network systems.

Performs fiber optic installation, testing and repair;

Reads and interprets electrical and electronic schematics, plans and drawings; makes updates to existing as-built plans in the field;

Programs equipment for software functionality and configures network connections for all components in traffic signals and ITS cabinets;

Installs and maintains solar systems and wind generators;

Works on electrical, mechanical and electronic systems for moveable and floating bridges, inland ferry landings, wiring and maintenance of beacons and foghorns on fixed bridges and ferry dock lighting;

Makes decisions as to the degree of hazard to the traveling public in order to prioritize and complete repair work based on highest impact quickly and safely;

Maintains and repairs tunnel and lid electrical, monitoring and control systems, including surveillance, fire, and life safety systems;

Performs underground locates of all system types;

Diagnoses and repairs communications systems including work on radio towers, cell modems, highway advisory radios, weather stations and microwave communication systems;

Troubleshoots, diagnoses and makes repairs to complex highway illumination equipment, traffic signals and detection systems, programmable logic controllers (PLC), etc.;

Responds to reports 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;

Maintains, tests and repairs building and tunnel fire monitoring and suppression systems.

Performs testing and maintenance on security and video motion detection systems and cameras

Interprets data from programmable logic controllers and server-based systems

Coordinates with other agencies to ensure compliance and operation of equipment in accordance with applicable codes and design standards;

Tests emergency phone and fire pull station systems

Maintains, tests and repairs electrical breakers, power distribution systems up to 26kv, emergency generators, battery backup systems and thermal electric generators and associative ancillary equipment;

Provides technical support and solutions to engineering staff for design and construction of highway electrical and communications projects;

Positions may work in a shop or field environment;

Assists in training lower-level specialists in equipment usage, safety protocols, maintenance, installation and repair of electrical and electronics equipment, components and systems;

Other duties as required.

Knowledge of: National Electrical Code, National Fire Protection Association codes, state and local electrical codes; electrical and electronics theory and principles, programming 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, 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: configure and repair complex electronic equipment, components and systems; read and understand electrical and electronic schematic diagrams, plans and drawings.

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.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

High school graduation or GED.


Four (4) years (approximately 8,000 hours) of relevant professional experience performing technical electrical and electronic work;


Completion of equivalent, relevant professional 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 one (1) year of relevant professional experience performing technical electrical and electronic work.

Possession of a valid Washington State journey level electrical license (EL01, EL06, or EL07) may substitute for some of the above 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 adopted March 9, 2001.
Revised minimum qualifications; adopted March 15, 2002.
Revised class codes (formerly 7284A-D), general revision; adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.
Revised title, class series concept, definition, distinguishing characteristics, typical work, desirable qualifications; added knowledge and abilities; adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.