Occ. Code 7747200

SIGN PAINTER, GRADE 12

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

NATURE OF WORK

            A Sign Painter performs skilled sign painting activities in the production and repair of signs of metal, wood and other materials used for a variety of purposes including regulating, directing and guiding highway traffic and for education and information purposes.

            Sign Painters exist in only a few agencies with the greatest number in the Department of Transportation.

CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA AND DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

            Sign Painters are characterized by the full-time responsibility for all stages of the production and repair of signs using a variety of processes, equipment and materials.  Incumbents design, lay out and paint letters and designs to make signs according to rough sketches, standards and oral and written instructions.  Highway signs are constructed according to specifications promulgated by the Federal Government’s Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

            Sign Painters may supervise the activities of sign shop workers and other employees who assist in the production and repair of signs; estimate material needs; maintain supplies and equipment, standard work records for the sign shop.

            Artist Designer classes are distinguished from Sign Painter by the responsibility for the preparation of a wide range of graphic materials such as graphs, charts, maps, diagrams, posters, signs and illustrations used for educational, training, informational and promotional purposes.  The preparation of signs by Artist Designers is only an occasional activity while the Sign Painter is characterized by the full-time performance of sign painting activities.

TYPICAL ACTIVITIES, TASKS AND ASSIGNMENTS

A Sign Painter performs the tasks and activities of a sign shop worker which are described in the Classification Standard for Sign Shop Worker, Occ. Code 7746200.

In addition, Sign Painters perform a variety of skilled tasks in the production and repair of signs including but not limited to the following:

• Prepare sketches of signs indicating the layout and lettering design.

• If signs are to be silk screened, lays out the design on stencil film, fabricates silk screens, cut screen stencils by hand and paints signs according to accepted silk screen practice and procedures.

• Sketch, layout, and produce reflectorized signs using reflective coated materials.

• Design and hand letter posters and cards used in exhibit work with emphasis on artistic layout.

• Apply gold and silver leaf to signs.

• Design and hand letter special signs, particularly those requiring an artistic effect.

Sign Painters may supervise sign shop employees by training, assisting and guiding staff in the performance of their work to insure that the quality and quantity of work produced meets standards.

Estimates material needs for the production and repair of signs and orders and maintains supplies and equipment for the sign shop.

Maintains standard records of materials used and work produced.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS

            Sign Painters have a working relationship with their supervisors and meet with individuals or groups within the program area for whom signs are being prepared.  Incumbents frequently supervise sign shop employees characterized by frequent oral communications in assigning work and providing instructions and assistance.   Written and oral communications with others are not typical of this class.

NATURE OF SUPERVISION

            Sign Painters are supervised by Sign Shop Supervisor 1 or facility administrators who assign work, set work priorities and provide occasional guidance and assistance in performing the work.  Although the work of a Sign Painter may be reviewed periodically by the supervisor, incumbents are expected to work with considerable independence as is typical of a journey level tradesperson.

            As assigned, a Sign Painter supervises other craft positions and subordinate employees in making assignments, giving instructions, providing materials and technical assistance and observing and inspecting work performed to insure that instructions have been followed and that the quality of the work is satisfactory.

MACHINES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

            Sign Painters use a variety of power and hand equipment, paint brushes and spray paint equipment in producing and repairing signs.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Working knowledge of the practices, materials, and processes used in producing and repairing signs.

• Working knowledge of the commonly used lettering styles.

• Working knowledge of such techniques as screen process printing and spray painting.

• Working knowledge of the characteristics and use of sign paints and finishes.

• Ability to plan and lay out signs.

• Ability to use the tools, materials and equipment of the sign painting trade.

• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

• Ability to lay out and free hand letter different styles of lettering.

As assigned:

• Working knowledge of the methods of effective supervision.

• Ability to supervise a group of employees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

            Four years of full-time experience under a skilled journey level Sign Painter which would provide training equivalent to that given in an apprenticeship program.  Apprentice training in the design, lettering and making of signs or training gained by the completion of technical courses in painting and sign painting may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

Reviewed:  3/03

NOTE:  Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe.  Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class.  The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written.  Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.