Traffic Sign & Marking Specialist

Position Description

The City of Tacoma's Public Works Department, Street Operations Division, is recruiting to establish an Eligible List for the position of Traffic Sign and Marking Specialist, which will be used to fill temporary and permanent vacancies as they occur for a period of one year. This classified position is responsible for performing skilled, technical work to schedule, coordinate and complete fabrication, maintenance, repair, installation and removal of traffic control signs, supports, markings and traffic control devices.

Essential Duties

• Fabricate, maintain, install and repair traffic signs, sign components and signposts.
• Set up and remove temporary and emergency traffic control devices for parades, road closures, special events and emergency situations.
• Install, maintain and remove roadway paint striping, painted curb markings, pavement marker buttons and guideposts.
• Receive, investigate and resolve reports of damaged or missing signs.
• Interpret and implement instructions from drawings, work orders and applicable standards manuals.
• Document work performed as outlined in applicable standards and as it pertains to inventory control.
• Operate all equipment associated with signs and markings functions including personal computers, hand and power tools, motor vehicles and equipment, paint striper, paint application and removal equipment and sign fabrication equipment.
• Work safely cooperatively with co-workers and the public.
• Comply with all health and safety regulations including attending monthly safety meetings.
• Assist engineering staff with duties related to signs and markings design/lay out and traffic counts.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Position requires lifting of objects in excess of 50 pounds such as bags of materials, lumber and paint containers.
• Indoor and outdoor environment; subject to noise, fumes and adverse weather conditions while working in hazardous areas such as street surfaces, rights-of-ways, medians and shoulders.
• Exposed to potentially hazardous materials, chemicals and equipment.
• Work nontraditional shifts and schedules. Response to after-hour emergency calls required.

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or equivalent
AND
one-year experience working in roadway signage and pavement markings or two years as a Street Maintenance Worker.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid Driver License at time of application with maintenance thereafter.
Prior to completion of 9-month probation, employee must obtain, and then maintain, the following: Washington State CDL Class A with Tanker Endorsement with Air Brake restrictions removed, valid flagging and traffic control card, fork lift certification, first aid/CPR card and IMSA level I certification for Signs and Markings.

Knowledge & Skills

• Applicable standards including the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, WSDOT Sign Fabrication Manual and International Municipal Signal Association Signs and Markings Manuals.
• Applicable Federal, State and local laws, ordinances, regulations and guidelines relevant to assigned duties.
• Use and understanding of various traffic control devices and flagging methods.
• Methods, tools, equipment and materials used in the fabrication, installation, removal and maintenance of roadway signs and markings.
• General mathematics and algebra.
• Statistical record keeping techniques.
• The operation and maintenance of specialized equipment used in the fabrication, installation and removal of traffic signs and markings.
• Use, care and handling of toxic chemicals and hazardous materials.
• Operation of personal computers and specialized software related to sign maintenance.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• Operation of motor vehicles, including those requiring CDL class A licensing
• Respond to emergency calls during work and may be subject to call out during non-work hours to include nights, weekends and holidays.
• Perform heavy manual labor, lifting up to 50 lbs or more.
• Work independently and interpret drawings, diagrams and work orders.
• Office practices, methods, computer equipment and computer applications/software.
• Methods and techniques for record keeping.
• Maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing using tact, patience and courtesy.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.
The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

---
How to Apply:
Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to the supplemental questions evaluated by a panel of subject matter experts. These questions will be scored on the basis of the information provided; therefore, it is the responsibility of the applicant to carefully list all pertinent experience and training. The evaluation committee will not have access to the candidate's application. Providing false information will result in disqualification. Candidates must pass this evaluation in order to be placed on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.

If you have any additional questions regarding this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400 prior to 4pm on the date of this posting closing.

Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $32.41 - $39.40

Annual Salary: $67,412.80 - $81,952.00

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 10/3/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

Show more