Traffic Sign Fabricator (#RC0510)
$27.02-$32.84 Hourly / $4,683.73-$5,693.10 Monthly / $56,204.78-$68,317.26 Yearly

Under direction, performs road and traffic maintenance work by designing, constructing, painting, and lettering street name and roadside signs; utilizes specialized computerized sign-making equipment; designs, lays out, and fabricates silk screened signs for mass production orders; installs signs and performs other traffic maintenance tasks as needed; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

An incumbent in this class works independently, utilizing specialized skills to design and produce a wide variety of road, street, and other types of signs. Duties require broad knowledge of sign specifications and standards as required by the State of California Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and in some cases, international requirements. Work is performed with considerable independence, especially with regard to prioritizing and completing work assignments.

• Receives and prioritizes sign fabrication work orders; communicates with customers to gather additional information about order as needed. 
• Researches the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) or other applicable signage regulations to determine the appropriate size, shape, and color specifications for sign(s) being requested. 
• Using computerized/automated and/or manual fabrication methods, designs and fabricates signs for county roadways in accordance with specifications; produces and places lettering, symbols, and other items on metal or other types of sign blanks; may hand cut letters and design elements for unusual or specialized sign orders. 
• Operates a variety of sign-fabrication equipment, such as a personal computer and various types of printers, power tools, spray equipment, shears to cut metal, and a panel saw to cut wood; uses a silk screening table to apply faces to sign sheeting. 
• Maintains and repairs signs as needed; determines whether damaged signs can be recycled or re-used. 
• Maintains an inventory of sign fabrication materials for the Sign Shop, as well as stock supplies of finished and unfinished signs, sign installation materials, and road paint supplies; keeps the Sign Shop buildings and Traffic Yard area organized and well-maintained. 
• Assists with developing and maintaining records pertaining to signs installed throughout the County, including the need for repair or replacement. 
• Receives and responds to complaints related to areas of assignment, or notifies supervisor as appropriate. 
• Trains and directs other employees on sign construction techniques, and the use of the automated Sign/Pavement Management System. 
• Serves as the lead worker in the Sign Shop and Traffic Yard. 
• Performs general road maintenance work as needed, including the installation of signs, the painting of road pavement markings, and/or the operation of heavy equipment.

Principles and practices of traffic maintenance and control; laws, codes, and regulations as they pertain to traffic signs, road striping, and pavement markings, including the State of California DOT and FHWA standards; current methods, procedures, tools, materials, and equipment used to design, manufacture, refurbish, install, maintain, and repair road signs, road striping, and pavement markings; techniques and procedures used to use blend inks and thinners in order to obtain appropriate consistency for sign making; the operation of hand and power tools used in the road maintenance and sign fabrication trades; basic record keeping principles and practices; basic principles and practices of effective customer service; State motor vehicle codes as they pertain to the operation of Class B vehicles; basic use of personal computers in a Windows operating environment, including standard business hardware and software; safe practices while working in a road or traffic maintenance environment.

Operate a variety of traffic sign and pavement marking equipment, including computerized sign design and spray equipment, in a safe, efficient, and effective manner; manufacture, refurbish, and install various types of traffic signs; perform free hand lettering on various types of materials, such as silk cloth and metal; operate motor vehicles, trucks, and equipment used in the installation, maintenance and repair of traffic controls or the construction, maintenance and repair of road ways; use and maintain a variety of hand and power tools; read and understand job-related materials; perform basic arithmetic computations, including the use of decimals and fractions; understand and follow oral and written instructions; work independently with minimal supervision; lead the work of other staff; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; operate personal computers and standard business software; establish and maintain safe, effective and cooperative working relationships with others.

Mobility – frequent operation of a data entry device; frequent walking, pushing, pulling, bending, squatting, and driving for extended periods of time; occasional climbing; sitting, standing, running, crawling, driving and operating heavy equipment; Lifting - frequently 5 to 30 lbs or less; occasionally 30 to 70 lbs; occasional restraining, lifting and/or turning heavy objects; Visual – constant use of good overall vision, color perception, depth perception; frequent reading and close-up work; frequent use of normal hand and eye coordination; frequent use of good field of vision/peripheral vision; Dexterity - frequent holding, reaching, grasping; occasional repetitive motion; frequent writing; Hearing/Talking- frequent hearing of normal speech; frequent hearing/talking on the radio, talking in person; frequent exposure to traffic and machine-related noise; occasional use of ability to hear faint sounds; Emotional/Psychological – frequent concentration, decision making, working alone; occasional public contact; occasional dealing with emergency situations; Environmental – frequent exposure to dirt, dust, smoke, fumes, odors, and varied weather conditions. frequent risk of exposure to hazardous materials including corrosive solutions; Special Requirements – frequent use of a respirator and other protective equipment; occasional working overtime, weekends, nights, holidays and emergency call-back; occasional travel.