Traffic Signs & Markings Technician I

This is a semi-skilled manual work in connection with the fabrication and installation of signs as well as the placement of markings, striping, and raised pavement markers for public right-of-ways and properties.  Work also involves erecting signs, assists in the placement of traffic counters, general maintenance of equipment, and performing custodial duties for the shop area.   General instructions are received from the Traffic Signs and Markings Manager; however, employees are expected to exercise initiative and skill in the performance of most duties independently and with minimum supervision.

• Assists in the placement of automatic vehicle counting devices for traffic studies.

• Operates hydraulic post puller and driver, lift bucket truck and other hydraulic tools used in the maintenance, repair and installation of traffic signs.
• Inspects city streets for damaged or missing signs; cleans, repairs or replaces signs as needed.
• Trims trees and bushes which block traffic control signs or cause restrictions of drivers’ line of sight.
• Assists in the layout of pavement marking, painting and laying down of pavement marking materials.  
• Performs work safety tasks such as flagging traffic, and setting out and picking up traffic cones, work area safety signs and barrels.
• Constructs signs; cuts sign blanks to special sizes.
• Erects barricades, detours, and other signs associated with road and bridge closings, construction projects, or special events.
• Conducts safety inspections of vehicles and equipment used, and maintains inventory of supplies needed; keeps records of tools and supplies.
• Removes paint and graffiti from vandalized signs.
• Utilizes a post puller to remove sign posts; installs sign posts in concrete utilizing the break-away system.
• Operates paint machine and thermoplastic equipment in marking centerlines, parking lanes, and other traffic control needs.
• Operates bitumen tar applicator to install raised reflective markers.
• Performs standby to install and repair signs, place traffic cones and barriers, and assist the Traffic Signal Technicians in emergency situations.
• Must not pose a direct threat or significant risk of substantial harm to the safety or health of himself/herself or others.
• Must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all of the City's safety policies and rules and must be willing to report safety violations and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisory or management personnel.
• Must assist with maintaining fleet and department equipment to City standards.
• Must maintain regular and acceptable attendance at such level as determined by the City of Decatur.
• Must be regularly available and willing to work at least 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, or such other hours per day or hours per week as the City determines are necessary or desirable to meet its operational needs.
• Must be available and willing to work such overtime per day or per week as the City determines is necessary or desirable to meet its operational needs.
• Must be available and willing to work such weekends and holidays as the City determines are necessary or desirable to meet its operational needs.
• Must be available and willing to travel to such locations and with such frequency as the City determines is necessary or desirable to meet its operational needs.
• Performs related duties.

• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.

• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Prior experience in the use of personal computers and related software programs; AutoCAD/computerized sign making software preferred. 
• IMSA Work Zone Traffic Control and Safety certification or ability to obtain within 24 months from the date of hire. 
• IMSA Signs and Markings Level I certification or the ability to obtain within 24 months from the date of hire. 
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Alabama for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Knowledge of the materials, equipment, procedures, and practices employed in street sign design, construction, and installation. 
• Must be able to read and comprehend the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. 
• Knowledge of general municipal maintenance concerning traffic signs and markings. 
• Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures. 
• Knowledge of safe work practices, including occupational hazards and safety practices necessary for the proper performance of heavy manual work and light to medium equipment operation. 
• Knowledgeable of basic traffic survey methods. 
• Knowledge of computer and job-related software programs. 
• Skill in the construction and maintenance of street signs and markings. 
• Skill in the operation of a variety of tools and equipment. 
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Guidelines

• Safety regulations, the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, equipment operation manuals, and instructions from supervisors.  These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.

Complexity/Scope of Work

• The work consists of related street-sign design, layout, construction, and installation duties.  Inclement weather conditions and heavy traffic around work sites contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to install, repair, and maintain street signs.  Successful performance helps ensure well-marked roadways.

Contacts

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, vendors, and the general public. 
• Contacts are typically to resolve problems and provide services.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• The work is typically performed while intermittently standing, walking, bending, crouching or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color.
• The work is typically performed in a shop and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving parts. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

• None.