| Location | Yakima, WA |
| Salary | $23.19–$27.83 Per Hour |
Traffic Signs and Markings Specialist I
Salary
$23.19 - $27.83 Hourly
Location
Yakima, WA
Job Type
Full-time
Department
Public Works
Division
Traffic Engineering
Opening Date
10/21/2026
Closing Date
11/4/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit
AFSCME
Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidates qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month. Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.
Overview and Minimum Class Requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
High school diploma or GED and any combination of education or experience equivalent to six (6) months in sign fabrication, sign installation, computer graphics design, commercial painting, metal fabrication, or equipment maintenance.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License; obtain basic first aid and CPR certificates, traffic flagging certificate, forklift certificate within six (6) months of employment. Must obtain International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) Level I Traffic Signs and Markings Specialist Certification (or equivalent) within twelve (12) months of employment.
Job Summary
Under close supervision, acquires and demonstrates basic knowledge of traffic signs and markings operations. Drives City vehicles and performs assigned basic operational duties in a variety of locations, such as: fabrication, installation, and maintenance of traffic signs and traffic control pavement markings; applies lane lines, parking spaces and crosswalks; inspects, installs, removes, cleans and replaces traffic signs; removes vegetation obscuring signs; and operates, maintains painting and fabrication equipment and machinery. Work is evaluated through observation, performance evaluations, results achieved and conferences.
Essential Functions
Drives, operates and maintains assigned vehicles, machinery and tools used to paint or apply traffic control markings, lane lines, parking spaces and crosswalks. Operates truck-mounted and manual equipment to apply: water and solvent borne paints; reflective glass beads; inlaid, pressure sensitive reflective tapes; thermoplastic tape and other materials. Drives light to medium-duty trucks as needed.
Acts safely and responsibly when driving and/or operating vehicles and other motorized equipment to perform required duties. Work is performed in a variety of locations in a timely and efficient manner. Legally adheres to all traffic laws and regulations.
Cleans and maintains stripers, stencil trucks, line walkers, sign fabrication equipment, graphic arts sign fabrication equipment, and other related equipment.
Fabricates traffic signs from aluminum sign plate, plastic, vinyl, reflective sheeting and printer inks using equipment such as vinyl plotters and roller tables. Prepares surfaces and applies appropriate coatings; makes stencils as needed; applies reflective sheeting; operates computers using graphic art design software and other specialized software, printers to make street signs.
Builds and repairs various types of traffic control signs and barricades; uses cones and barricades to temporarily detour traffic around work sites, emergency situations and other hazardous traffic conditions.
Reviews and monitors signs to determine reflectivity and identifies signs in need of repair. Removes and replaces worn, faded, damaged, missing or vandalized signs; cleans or repairs signs for re-use; replaces sign posts using hand tools, jackhammers, concrete and other equipment and materials as needed. Removes vegetation blocking or obscuring signs, as needed, using hand and power tools. Inventories signs to indicate type and location. Maintains an inventory of signs and sign-making materials. May install overhead signs using bucket trucks.
Maintains records, inventory, work status and completion.
Requires regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Major Worker Characteristics
Knowledge of: traffic regulations; pavement markings; sign manufacturing and fabrication techniques, tools, materials and processes
Knowledge traffic control procedures and equipment capabilities. Knowledge of safe techniques and procedures for the appropriate use of materials, hand tools, power tools, and equipment.
Knowledge city, state and federal traffic laws, rules and regulations with ability to direct traffic utilizing proper flagging processes and procedures.
Knowledge of time management and work flow practices, record keeping systems, processes, and practices; municipal records retention procedures, project planning; and organizational practices and techniques. Knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards.
Working knowledge of office equipment, computer operations, graphics, and programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge and adherence to professional office procedures and practices. Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer, fax machine, copy machine, telephone etc.
Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees and members of the public representing diverse education and background, utilizing well-developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of English, including but not limited to correct grammar, punctuation and vocabulary. Ability to routinely and regularly maintain confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication. Ability to follow verbal and written instruction.
Must be dependable; able to work independently with limited supervision and as a team player; be self-directed, highly motivated, organized and skilled at meeting deadlines; have a sense of urgency to complete tasks in a timely manner. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands.
Ability to: perform hard physical labor; to walk or stand for extended periods of time; safely use hand and power tools such as shovels, picks, post-hole digger, jackhammer, tamping bar, core drilling equipment, concrete finishing tools, power drills, paint sprayer, propane torches, wrenches, clamps and other tools. Ability to use chemical cleaning compounds safely.
Ability to work above ground level installing over-head signs in man-lift or bucket trucks. Ability to safely operate vehicles and attachments including but not limited to bucket trucks and forklifts.
Ability to: operate personal computers using specialized and common software, plotters, printers, copiers, letter die-cutter, 2-way radio and other specialized equipment.
Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, contractors and other members of the public, and to consistently demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs. Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential. Must demonstrate an attitude of cooperation and coordination of division efforts and efficient use of resources.
Must be able to drive legally with efficiency, precision, speed and safety. Ability to consistently work safely and in compliance with the federal, state and local regulations, laws, policies and standards; to recognize traffic hazards and other potential safety concerns; and to make sound decisions and actions while performing duties and/or operating vehicles.
Ability to respond to emergency calls, diverse work shifts, weekend and holiday work, and to work extended hours as necessary.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work frequently performed outside. Continuous use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/ keyboarding and other fine motor skills while performing duties, driving and/or operating a variety of vehicles, equipment and machinery. Occasional heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds. On rare occasions may be required to lift heavier weight with the assistance of others or mechanical devices up to 100 pounds. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs, ladders and inclines while maintaining balance. Continuous use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while driving, performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. May work alone, with others, or in noisy work areas. Work will require driving/travel to a variety of locations. May be required to operate hand tools, heavy truck, equipment, or machinery. May work outside with all weather extremes, be exposed to members of the public, stinging and biting insects, animals, vermin, pollen, dust, dirt, water, mud, poison ivy, smoke, electrical hazards, noxious odors, fumes, or chemicals, solvents, oil, ink, debris, needles, drug paraphernalia, vibrations, traffic and/or other hazards. Frequent kneeling/bending/crouching/reaching/hammering/shoveling/digging. Will be required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS
May encounter angry, upset and/or emotionally distraught individuals. Exposure to hot asphalt and extreme temperatures. May be required to work nights, alternative work shifts and standby on weekdays and weekends. Requires routine driving/traveling from site to site to perform duties
The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Temporary employees are not covered by collective bargaining benefits listed below.
The City of Yakima is a premier employer in the Yakima Valley with extensive opportunities for training and growth. The City offers a competitive benefit package including:
Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
FREE healthcare clinic!
WA State PERS pension plan
2% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
Leave accruals:
Vacation - Starting at 7.67 hours/month
Sick - 8 hours/month
Personal holiday - 2 days
Observed holiday - 11 holidays
Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
Life Insurance
Much more!
The pay range listed for this position is establish through the City of Yakima's Master Pay Ordinance in accordance with the Municipal Code and/or the applicable collective bargaining agreement. New employees generally start at step A with progression through the steps based on merit and successful performance evaluation.
City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.
This position is covered by the AFSCME Municipal collective bargaining unit. Click here to view the union contract and benefits.
01
Did you clearly document your work history in the Work Experience section of your application including dates, titles and duties for each position/classification held?
02
Do you attest you have reviewed the job posting for this position, and acknowledge the salary range is defined as listed on the posting?
03
What is your highest level of education?
04
How much experience do you possess in sign fabrication, sign installation, computer graphics design, commercial painting, metal fabrication, or equipment maintenance?
05
Select each of the areas in which you have at least 6 months work experience:
06
If you have the experience above, for EACH of the areas you have selected, document here the name of the employer where this experience was obtained. (This experience must be documented in the employment section of your application to be evaluated)
07
Please describe particular skills, experience or training which you believe BEST qualifies you for this position.
Required Question
Employer City of Yakima
Address 129 N. 2nd Street
Yakima, Washington, 98901
Phone (509) 575-6090
Website http://www.yakimawa.gov