Traffic Design Technician / Designer

Montana Department of Transportation; Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid remote work

Health insurance

Paid vacation & holidays

Public service retirement plan

Overtime/comp time

Job summary

Montana Department of Transportation is seeking two Signing Designers in the Traffic and Safety Bureau. Entry level drafting roles involve using CADD to prepare contract documents for highway construction, with extensive training and potential advancement within a defined career ladder.

Ideal candidates have a HS diploma or equivalent, with additional education/experience in drafting or civil engineering. MDT offers a hybrid remote work option, comprehensive benefits, and relocation assistance

Qualifications

• Understanding of design drafting technology and CADD software.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Education or experience aligned with drafting and civil design.

Responsibilities

• Prepare contract documents using CADD for highway projects.
• Support design projects through office and field duties.
• Receive extensive training in signing design and career ladder opportunities.

Skills

CADD software

Design drafting technology

Written & verbal communication

Education

HS Diploma or equivalent

Assoc. degree or equivalent

Job description

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for 2 Signing Designers in our Traffic and Safety Bureau. This is an entry level drafter position located in the MDT Headquarters office within the Traffic Design Section. Duties consist primarily of using CADD software to prepare contract documents (summary, specification, plan sheets, details, and other engineering sheets) used for the construction of highway projects. Performs a variety of technical and pre-professional field, office, and administrative duties in support of ongoing design projects. This entry level position will receive extensive training and experience in signing design.

This position is part of a career ladder with advancement opportunities.

For a copy of the applicable job description, please contact Morgan Stibi at [e-mail].

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• Benefits apply on first day of employment
• Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer

For information on the Montana Department of Transportation’s mission, vision, and values, please visit our website: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values

Required Application Materials

• A resume detailing your qualifications and work history.
• Your online application and all required materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. Ensure all materials submitted are selected as “Relevant.”

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR representative listed below.

Required Education And Experience

Alternative qualifications include: Any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications

Design Technician I ($25.75)

• The required knowledge and skill are typically acquired through a High School Diploma or equivalent. That includes a class or classes that address CADD, Trigonometry, and Geometry. Engineering experience, drafting experience, or applicable MDT experience can be substituted for education on a one for one basis.
• Prior engineering experience and/or prior MDT experience is preferred.

Design Technician II ($27.09)

• The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to an Associate’s Degree or equivalent and some technical training or experience in drafting and technical work in highway design, survey, transportation planning, highway construction, traffic engineering or a related field.

Design Technician III ($28.06)

• The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to an Associate’s Degree or equivalent and at least one year of technical training or experience in design drafting technology that includes a working knowledge of computer aided drafting and design (CADD) software packages.

Designer I ($31.49)

• The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to related AAS/2-years college/vocational training.
• Combination of technical education and experience equivalent to four years in civil engineering technology or design drafting including demonstrated experience using computer aided drafting and design (CADD) software packages.

Designer II ($32.68)

• Combination of technical education and experience equivalent to five years in civil engineering technology or design drafting that includes demonstrated experience using computer aided drafting and design (CADD) software packages.
• This position requires a minimum of 2 years of work related experience.

Designer III ($39.36)

• The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to an Associate’s Degree/2-years college/vocational training in civil engineering technology, design drafting, or a related field.
• This position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in civil engineering technology or design drafting that includes demonstrated experience using computer aided drafting and design (CADD) software packages.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Understanding the concept of design drafting technology. Working knowledge of computer aided drafting and design (CADD) software packages.
• Effective written and verbal communication with a variety of audiences, maintain professional working relationships, and can operate various types of office equipment.

Other Information

• Driver’s record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant’s permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy #6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment.
• This position is being posted in accordance with the bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant, the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However, bargaining unit applicants will have preference.
• The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.
• The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana.
• Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov