Trades Apprentice to Sheet Metal Worker

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) seeks a Sign Fabricator to produce standard and special signs for district and statewide crews. The role requires following FHWA guidelines on design and uses equipment such as punch, shear, roller applicators, and forklifts.

Training and continued education are provided by DOTD. Position may be filled at Apprentice or Sheet Metal Worker level depending on experience; hourly wages start around $16.06 and $19.67, with potential for

Qualifications

• Knowledge of FHWA guidelines on Sign Design and MUTCD.
• Ability to follow instructions without requiring repeated corrections.
• Willingness to participate in DOTD training programs and continuing education.

Responsibilities

• Fabricates and prepares aluminum sign panels by cutting, punching, assembling, and applying reflective sheeting, lettering, graphics, backing, and hardware per standards.
• Performs sign layout and design preparation, ensuring signage meets specifications and quality control; maintains work orders and inventory records.
• Operates fabrication equipment including forklifts; transports materials and products; performs preventive maintenance and keeps equipment certifications up to date.

Skills

FHWA guidelines knowledge

Tools

Punch

Shear

Roller applicators

Forklifts

Job description

About This Position

At DOTD, our mission is to empower communities and improve lives by delivering responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking public services. We are proud to serve the people of Louisiana with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to equity.

The position performs the fabrication of standard and special signs for the Districts and the Statewide Sign crews. The incumbent should have some knowledge of FHWA guidelines on Sign Design the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The incumbent will operate various pieces of equipment used in the fabrication process including a punch, shear, roller applicators, and forklifts. The incumbent will participate in DOTD structured training programs and attend all continuing education classes and conferences deemed necessary to facilitate the performance of required tasks. The incumbent must be able to follow instructions without requiring repeated corrections.

While in an official capacity, DOTD employees must comply with applicable Louisiana and Civil Services laws, rules, and regulations, as well as DOTD policies, procedures, manuals, and directives.

No experience or training is required.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties

• Fabricates and prepares aluminum sheet and extruded sign panels by cutting, punching, assembling, and applying reflective sheeting, lettering, graphics, backing, and hardware in accordance with Federal Highway Administration and Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development standards.
• Performs sign layout and design preparation, ensuring all signage meets applicable specifications, department procedures, and quality control requirements while maintaining accurate work orders and inventory documentation.
• Operates material handling and fabrication equipment, including forklifts, transports raw materials and finished products, performs preventative maintenance, and maintains all required departmental equipment certifications.

Position Specific Details

Appointment Type: Probational, Promotional, Job Appointment, or Detail to Special Duty

Career Progression: May be filled as a Trades Apprentice or a Sheet Metal Worker depending on the level of experience of the selected applicant(s).

Compensation: Below is the starting hourly rate for each level.

• Trades Apprentice - $1,284.80/biweekly or $16.06/Hr
• Sheet Metal Worker - $1,573.60/biweekly or $19.67/Hr

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is an equal employment opportunity employer and serves as a model employer for individuals with disabilities. DOTD does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, disability, age, or pregnancy, and prohibits harassment of any type.

Information on the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is available: https://www.laworks.net/workforcedev/lrs/lrs_rehabilitation.asp

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.