How to hire a signal technician

How to hire a signal technician, step by step

Here's a step-by-step signal technician hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a signal technician job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new signal technician
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your signal technician job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a signal technician for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect signal technician also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list presents signal technician salaries for various positions.

   Type of Signal Technician	Description	Hourly rate
   Signal Technician	Broadcast and sound engineering technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electrical equipment for radio programs, television broadcasts, concerts, sound recordings, and movies.	$17-33
   Remote Broadcast Engineer	A remote broadcast engineer is primarily in charge of managing and overseeing broadcast-related devices and equipment, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around installing systems and equipment, addressing problems and concerns, troubleshooting issues, performing repairs and corrective adjustments, and conducting regular maintenance checks... Show more	$38-74
   Broadcast Engineer	A broadcast engineer specializes in handling and maintaining broadcasting equipment. Their responsibilities include performing installations and adjustments, setting-up video and audio equipment, troubleshooting problems, performing repairs, and recommending upgrades as necessary... Show more	$24-47

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Traffic Control Devices
   • CDL
   • DOD
   • Signal Systems
   • MUTCD
   • IMSA
   • Detection System
   • Electrical Equipment
   • Switches
   • AC
   • Emergency Repairs
   • Traffic Signal Equipment
   • Signal Cabinets
   • Trouble Calls

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Used UNIX base analysis systems to accomplish all tasks.
   • Compose written reports of data collect from patient evaluation and present to department chief for thorough analysis of patient diagnosis.
   • Coordinate with road masters and other CSX personnel to get cars spot and efficient completion of all require task.
   • Assist in the construction and installation of ATC and PTC systems.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your signal technician job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A signal technician can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, signal technicians' average salary in mississippi is 47% less than in virginia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level signal technicians 46% less than senior-level signal technicians.
   • Certifications. A signal technician with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a signal technician's salary.

   Average signal technician salary

   $51,106yearly

   $24.57 hourly rate

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   Entry-level signal technician salary

   $37,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 31, 2026

4. Writing a signal technician job description

   A job description for a signal technician role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a signal technician job description:

   Signal technician job description example

   The City of Pasadena Public Works Department is seeking a detail-oriented problem solver to assist journeymen Street Light and Signal Repairers and Mechanics in the installation, maintenance, and repair of street lighting and traffic signals.
   IDEAL CANDIDATE
   
   The ideal candidate for the Street Light and Signal Technician position must be detail-oriented and possess the ability to multi-task and manage a robust workload while working independently. The candidate should also have a construction background, particularly in placement of signal pole foundations or equivalent; be reliable; and demonstrate good problem-solving skills.
   
   Essential Functions
   
   The major responsibilities of this position are listed below. Please review thejob descriptionfor additional information.
   
   * Performing street light maintenance and routine trouble repairs,
   * Hand digging trenches/holes for conduit installation.
   * Hand digging foundations and pouring concrete for standard replacement.
   * Installing traffic signal gear and street light fixtures using an aerial lift.
   * Assisting in the pulling in and splicing of wires to install, replace, and repair damaged traffic signal and street light standards.
   * Assisting in the installation, maintenance, and repair of traffic control equipment.
   
   Qualification Guidelines
   
   COMPETENCIES
   
   The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in this position.
   
   * Learning Agility- Seeking learning opportunities and applying the lessons to one's work.
   * Self-Management - Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability.
   * Teamwork - Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.
   * Environmental Exposure Tolerance- Performing under physically demanding conditions.
   * Safety Focus - Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards.
   
   EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
   
   Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for acceptable job performance would qualify. For example: a minimum of six months of experience assisting a skilled electrical craftsman.
   
   SELECTION PROCESS
   
   Applicants who appear best qualified based on their application and supplemental application submitted will be invited to any combination of written, performance, and/or oral appraisal to further evaluate their job-related experience, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
   
   VACANCY INFORMATION
   
   There is currently one full-time vacancy in the Street Maintenance Division of the Public Works Department. The resulting eligibility list from this recruitment may be used to fill this vacancy and similar vacancies in the future. Candidates selected for this position are subject to a one year probationary work period. Special Requirements
   
   SLIDING CLASSIFICATION: The Street Light and Signal Technician participates in an on-the-job training program designed for advancement to the journeyman level. Upon successful completion of a two year training program in the Street Light and Traffic Signal Section, or upon certification by the department that the incumbent is qualified to perform the duties of a Street Light and Signal Repairer based upon a combination of experience, formal instruction and training, and other qualifying criteria, promotion may be made to the higher classification of Street Light and Signal Repairer.
   
   Certification from the Pasadena Water and Power Department for underground electrical work and completion of approved college-level courses of basic electricity and electronics will be required prior to promotion to Street Light and Signal Repairer.
   
   A Street Light and Signal Technician may be required to work graveyard, swing shift and/or weekends as part of the regular word schedule; and is subject to emergency call-out on an "as needed" basis.
   
   A valid Class B California Driver's License is required 6 months after appointment.
   
   Physical strength and agility to lift up to 100 pounds, bend in all directions; climb ladders and poles, squeeze with arms and hands; operate machinery using hands and legs, and work outdoors in all kinds of weather.

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5. Post your job

   To find the right signal technician for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with signal technicians they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit signal technicians who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your signal technician job on Zippia to find and recruit signal technician candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit signal technicians, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new signal technician

   Once you've selected the best signal technician candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new signal technician. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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