CLASS SPECIFICATION
SIGN FABRICATOR I
DEFINITION OF CLASS:
This is journey level work involving a variety of graphic arts techniques to
produce signs for exterior and inside use, e.g., reflective and non-reflective
traffic signs, street name signs, and building and parking garage signs. Contacts
generally are limited to shop employees providing and receiving instructions
and information. This class of work may entail some public service/assistance,
but it is incidental to the primary focus of the work performed. An employee
in this class is responsible for independent design, layout and decoration of
signs by executing freehand and mechanical lettering using state of the art
production techniques such as silk screen printing, application of reflective
sheeting, and lettering with machines. Work involves a steady, delicate touch
and close concentration using the full range of hand tools and equipment associated
with the trade. Often little reference is made to written guidelines, for jobs
frequently are received in the form of work orders that may provide only a text
or sketch; however, blueprints or specifications, manuals for traffic signs,
type alphabets or directive formats are applicable to most of the work. Completed
work is periodically checked for overall adequacy, eye appeal and neatness.
Work requires the continual movement of hands and arms, standing, reaching and
bending, as well as lifting materials. Occasionally, some projects may require
heavier effort in doing such tasks as erecting signs or displays, kneeling to
letter vehicles and equipment, or climbing ladders. Most work is performed indoors
in a "clean shop" equipped with explosion proof electrical fixtures,
special exhaust fans, a fire rated ceiling, recessed lighting and sprinklers
for safety purposes. Some work is performed outdoors. Some outdoor projects
may require work near moving vehicles. Employees are subject to the possibility
of irritation of eyes and skin from exposure to fumes, solvents or paints.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative only)
Applies pressure or heat sensitive sheeting and attached ready made or hand
cut letters for reflective and non reflective signs.
Devises silk screens, stencils, templates, or paper patterns to reproduce designs
and shapes.
Embellishes signs with insignia, drawings, fancy script, shading, pin stripes,
or gilding.
Scales drawings by hand or by tracing an image provided by a projector.
Executes emblems or drawings either freehand with drafting tools, or by preparing
a silk screen for each color.
Uses a hand or semi automatic squeegee press to draw paint across a silk screen,
taking care to achieve close registration of colors on insignia.
Mixes chemicals and paints required in the fabrication of signs.
Operates one or more machines, such as a photo light table; squeegee roller;
letter cutting press; varitype or other composing machines; engraving tools;
paper cutters; projectors; cameras; or vacuum applicator tables used in preparing
silk screen films and finished signs.
Restores silk screens through the use of emulsion remover, chemicals and equipment.
Receives and interprets work orders with latitude for determining layout, balance,
spacing, and colors; determines the steps required and completes projects using
standard trade practices.
Maintains tools and equipment in good working order.
Informs supervisor of supplies and materials needed and the time required to
accomplish work.
Maintains records and makes reports of work accomplished and materials used.
Instructs apprentice employees in the skills of the trade.
Drives to and from work sites.
Assists with field activities, including events.
Performs other duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: Completion of a recognized Apprentice Sign Fabricator program.
Education: Completion of high school or High School Certificate of completion
recognized in the State of Maryland.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may
be substituted.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Considerable knowledge of how to apply reflective sheeting either by pressure
or operating heat vacuum applicators.
Considerable knowledge of the drying qualities and gloss characteristics of
paints including bulletin, oil, and varnish types.
Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of
the trade.
Skill in blending and mixing various pigments, primers and thinners.
Skill in the use of the hand and power tools and equipment associated with the
Sign Fabrication trade.
Ability to understand and apply state of the art techniques of sign fabrication
as outlined in the nationally used Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
and the County Government's Signing Procedures Manual.
Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, blueprints, sketches and
oral or written instructions to plan and lay out work.
Ability to set up and handle all materials and equipment necessary to accomplish
job assignments.
Ability to clean and fill surfaces and prepare them to receive paint or reflective
sheeting.
Ability to apply paint or ink onto such surfaces as metal, wood, cloth, or plastic;
and to letter in place signs or markings on building masonry or pavements as
well as sheet aluminum, and corrugated, riveted, or curved metal, including
vehicles.
Ability to produce the colors and figures specified for insignia or other illustrations
for signs.
Ability to frequently lift items that weigh up to 10 pounds and occasionally
to lift items that weigh up to 75 pounds.
Ability to install traffic signs on an exception basis.
Ability to wear and use personal protective clothing and equipment when exposed
to dust, fumes, and other irritants to eyes, nose, ears and respiratory system.
Ability to work inside and outside where it may be necessary to work from ladders.
LICENSE:
Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license appropriate to the equipment
operated by an employee in this class.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Individuals appointed or promoted to this class will be required to serve a
probationary period of six months, during which time performance will be carefully
evaluated. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion
of the probationary period.
MEDICAL PROTOCOL: Core Exam II
Class Established: March, 1965
Revised: May, 1973
December, 1973
December, 1984
May, 1991 (M)
April, 2010
January, 2012