Senior Associate, Signs & Marking Technician

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Board; United States; On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Board seeks a skilled individual for sign design, fabrication, and installation. The position requires expertise with regulations and safety practices and involves leading projects as needed. Candidates must hold a high school diploma, have relevant experience, and possess strong mathematical skills.

Candidates will frequently work outdoors, handle heavy materials, and operate specialized equipment while ensuring compliance with FAA and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in sign fabrication and pavement marking or related experience.
• Ability to pass a color vision deficiency test.
• Possession of a valid Class B commercial driver’s license or ability to obtain one.
• Must obtain and maintain a Security Identification Display Area Airport Identification/Access Badge.

Responsibilities

• Designs, fabricates, and installs signs and pavement markings.
• Operates specialized graphics computers and equipment.
• Applies precision drafting and mathematical techniques.
• Acts as project leader or assistant when required.

Skills

Sign fabrication techniques

Pavement marking installation

Mathematical and geometrical computations

Clear communication via two-way radios

Tool and equipment maintenance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Windows software

Adobe Illustrator

GSP Graphix Advantage

New Hermes and Gerber Scientific Products systems

Job description

Job Overview

Under direction of the Signs & Markings Supervisor, this role works independently or in a team to design, fabricate, install, and maintain a diverse variety of new and replacement signs, pavement markings, and vehicle graphics for both public and airfield applications. Work involves compliance with FAA, TX‑DOT, MUTCD, FHWA, and Airport Board criteria, and requires the exercise of leadership skills on certain projects as directed by the Supervisor.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Designs, fabricates, and installs a variety of signs and pavement markings using drawings and verbal/written instructions in accordance with current codes, laws, and customer requirements.
• Operates specialized graphics computers and equipment, such as New Hermes and Gerber Scientific Products systems, to cut, engrave, and rout sign materials.
• Uses Windows software, Adobe Illustrator, and GSP Graphix Advantage for design and fabrication.
• Fabricates sign faces using screen printing and cold or thermal/vacuum lamination processes on substrates such as aluminum, plastics, and wood.
• Applies precision drafting, geometric, and mathematical techniques to achieve tolerances within ±0.001.
• Operates and maintains large truck‑mounted stripers and walk‑behind stripers, supports loading and cleaning of units, provides traffic‑control escorting, and executes precision masking procedures.
• Operates pavement preparation and removal equipment, including high‑pressure water blasters, self‑propelled shot blasters, and gas‑powered scarifier/grinders.
• Uses hand and power tools (e.g., power post drivers, drills, riveters) to install and maintain poles and signs.
• Operates a truck‑mounted aerial crane/manlift platform for overhead sign installation and maintenance.
• Acts as a project leader or assistant when delegated by the Supervisor, coordinating support personnel, setting up, executing, completing projects, and handling associated administrative tasks.
• Utilizes computerized departmental work orders and stock inventory systems operating in a Windows‑based Oracle format.

Minimum Requirements

• Completion of high school curriculum or equivalent.
• Two (2) years of experience in sign fabrication and pavement marking, or related experience; equivalent combinations of education and/or experience are acceptable.
• Ability to pass a color vision deficiency test.
• Ability to pass a medical physical examination.
• Possession of a valid Class B commercial driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 12 months of hire.
• Must obtain and maintain a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Airport Identification/Access Badge within 30 days of employment, renewing as required.
• Must pass drug and alcohol screening prior to employment and during tenure as a DOT safety‑sensitive position.
• Must complete all initial and recurrent training requirements per Title 14 CFR part 139 and AO.014.01 within the specified time frames.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of modern sign fabrication techniques and equipment, including photographic screen printing and computerized vinyl systems (Gerber Scientific Products, New Hermes).
• Ability to lay out and install various pavement marking types, including paints, raised markers, tapes, and thermoplastic films.
• Understanding of Federal and State regulations for public road and airfield signage and marking.
• Knowledge of FAA rules and safety precautions for working around commercial aircraft and ground support vehicles.
• Awareness of hazards and safety precautions involving hazardous chemicals, construction zones, oxy‑acetylene torches, steel shot blasters, propane gas torches, truck‑mounted cranes, and aircraft traffic.
• Proficiency in using and maintaining tools and equipment assigned to the role.
• Reading and interpreting specifications and drawings.
• Performing mathematical and geometrical computations.
• Understanding and following oral and written instructions.
• Providing work direction to and maintaining harmonious relations with co‑workers.
• Clear communication via two‑way radios, using the FAA phonetic alphabet with various parties.
• Ability to work at heights using ladders and powered manlift equipment.
• Capability to perform heavy manual labor, frequently lifting 50lbs and occasionally up to 100lbs, safely and properly.

Special Requirements

• Good private driving record: no more than two (2) convictions of moving violations in the last 36 months and no DWI convictions in the last 60 months.

Effort

• Extensive work outdoors in inclement weather, including prolonged periods of standing and awkward postures.
• Manual labor involving frequent lifting of up to 50lbs and occasional lifting of up to 100lbs.
• Work at various heights using ladders and powered manlifts.
• Use of hand, power, and precision tools.
• Communication via two‑way radio, telephone, orally, in writing, and with networked computers.
• Use of color perception and visual acuity in fabricating, installing, and maintaining signs and markings.
• Driving vehicles to various locations on airport property.