Traffic Sign & Marking Specialist

Traffic Sign & Marking Specialist

Salary

$32.41 - $39.40 Hourly

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

5023-26

Department

Public Works

Division

Public Works, Street Operations

Opening Date

09/18/2026

Closing Date

10/2/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

The City of Tacomas 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

Minimum Education

• High School Diploma or GED

Minimum Education

• 1 year working in roadway signage and pavement markings or 2 years as a Street Maintenance Worker
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary background to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to perform the essential duties of the classification

License, Certificates and other Requirements

• Valid Washington State Driver License at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter.
• Prior to completion of probation, employee must obtain, and then maintain, the following:
• valid Washington State Commercial Drivers License (Class A) with Tanker Endorsement with Air Brake restrictions removed
• valid flagging and traffic control card, forklift certification
• first aid/CPR card
• 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

A Commitment to Equity & Diversity

At the City of Tacoma, were on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. 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.

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.

The Community

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 Tacomas geographic area. Downtowns Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and Americas 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

To be considered for this rewarding career opportunity:

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 candidates 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.

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should 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 email folders.

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 age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 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.

01

Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. I understand that any form of cheating or falsification will disqualify my application for further consideration.

• Yes
• No

02

Did you graduate from High School or the equivalent, such as a General Education Degree or Home-Schooling certification?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have one year of experience installing regulatory signage and roadway markings, OR two years of experience as a Street Maintenance Worker or similar position?

• Yes
• No

04

Will you have a valid Drivers License if selected for this position?

• Yes
• No

05

Please indicate which level of International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) certification for Signs and Pavement Markings you may have.

• None - not applicable
• IMSA Level 1
• IMSA Level 2

06

Are you familiar with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices?

• Yes
• No

07

The successful candidate for this position will need to be able to obtain a Class A Commercial Drivers License (Tanker endorsement) with Air Brake Restriction removed by the end of their probationary period. CDL training and testing is on City time and all costs are paid by the City.

Please follow the link in the job announcement to view the requirements to obtain a Commercial Drivers License as listed in RCW 46.25.090 or click RCW 46.25.090:

Will any of the reasons listed in RCW 46.25.090 prevent you from obtaining a Commercial Drivers License after appointment?

• I currently have a Class A Commercial Drivers License
• I am able to obtain a Commercial Drivers License
• I would be prevented from obtaining a Commercial Drivers License

08

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST:

Questions #9 and #10 are the experience and training test that will be used to establish the eligibility list. These questions will be scored by subject matter experts who will not have access to any of your application materials, and will provide scores based solely upon your answers to the question. Your answers must stand on their own merit. DO NOT RESPOND WITH "SEE RESUME" in lieu of answering this question, as raters will not have access to your resume or application and this will result in a score of 0 points and you will fail the test. Your score on the experience and training test will ONLY reflect your response to the questions asked.

Responses to supplemental questions must be the original product of the applicant. The use of the internet online tools including the use of Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.), or plagiarism is considered cheating and falsification of the application. I understand that any form of cheating or falsification will disqualify my application for further consideration. I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment. Your score on the experience and training test will reflect your responses.

Please indicate "Yes" that you have read and understand the instructions for question #9 and #10.

• Yes
• No

09

In 500 words or less, please describe in detail your experience installing, maintaining and repairing traffic control signs (i.e. regulatory, warning, guidance) and pavement markings. If you do not have any experience in this area, please respond with "N/A".

10

In 500 words or less, please describe in detail your experience with heavy manual labor, road maintenance work, and installing and maintaining traffic control signs and pavement markings for a Municipality. If you do not have any experience in these areas, please respond with "N/A".

11

Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.

• Internet Search
• Association of Washington Cities website
• Professional organization
• Union job posting
• Word of mouth
• City of Tacoma website
• City of Tacoma employee
• City of Tacoma job interest card
• Tacoma community organization
• Other

12

If you selected "other" or one of the community organizations in the previous question, please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. This information will be used to assess our public outreach and refine future job postings for community outreach. Thank you for your feedback.

Required Question

Employer City of Tacoma

Address Human Resources Department

747 Market Street

Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone 253-591-5400

Website http://www.tacoma.gov