Traffic Striper Operator

City of San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

City of San Diego is seeking a Traffic Striper Operator to operate, maintain, and repair traffic striping equipment and related paint systems. The role requires a California Class A or B license and ability to interpret complex work orders, coordinate with engineers and other municipal staff, and lead junior workers on site.

Responsibilities include directing traffic during operations, maintaining equipment, and preparing reports of streets painted.

Qualifications

• Six months of full-time experience operating vehicles with a California Class A or B license.
• A valid California Class A or B Driver License and a valid DMV medical certificate within the last two years.
• City of San Diego employees using Out-of-Class Assignment to qualify must submit signed documentation detailing work performed and qualifying hours.

Responsibilities

• Operate and repair a 3-axle, 5-speed traffic striper and computerized paint apparatus.
• Lead the work of Utility Worker I, Utility Worker II, and Laborer employees.
• Direct traffic around striping operations and communicate with City engineers and public.
• Prepare reports of streets painted and maintain paint equipment and supplies.

Skills

Traffic control

Equipment operation

Safety compliance

Tools

Bobcat tractor

Paint equipment

Job description

See NOTE(S) below for future wage increases and/or additional compensation opportunities.

Traffic Striper Operator positions operate, maintain, and repair a 3-axle, 5-speed, automatic, dual steering traffic striper for applying traffic markings; operate a Bobcat tractor for installing guardrails; adjust, operate, maintain, and repair computerized paint apparatus, which includes paint guns, glass bead guns, and pumps for dispensing colors of heated paint; operate a footage counter to record the amount of striping applied to streets; perform daily cleaning, maintenance and preventative maintenance of paint filters, paint guns, tips, and pumps; interpret complex engineering work orders and striping specification in order to complete traffic work orders; load materials; direct traffic around striping operations; lead the work of Utility Worker I, Utility Worker II, and Laborer employees; make repairs as needed to paint spraying equipment (e.g., high pressure pumps, air motors, heater pumps); prepare reports of streets painted; communicate with City engineers, County, other municipal staff, and members of the public; and perform other duties as assigned.

NOTES:

• Employees in job classifications represented by AFSCME Local 127 are scheduled to receive the following general wage increases:
  • 3.5% effective 7/1/27
  • 2% effective 7/1/28
  • 2% effective 1/1/29
• In addition to the scheduled general wage increases, the following equity wage increases are scheduled to take effect for the Traffic Striper Operator:
  • 5% effective 1/1/29
• Eligible benefitted employees originally hired on or after July 10, 2021, will be automatically enrolled in the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS).
• Traffic Striper Operator employees may be required to work on evenings, nights, Saturdays and/or Sundays for which they may receive 5% additional pay.
• Traffic Striper Operator employees who operate commercial vehicles are required by California State Law, as a condition of employment, to submit to drug and alcohol testing. Prior to hire, a background check will be completed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and with former employers regarding drug and alcohol testing results.

You must meet the following requirements on the date you apply, unless otherwise indicated.

EXPERIENCE

Six months of full-time experience operating vehicles which require a California Class A or B Driver License.

NOTES:

• On-the-job training without the required documentation will NOT be considered.
• City of San Diego employees using Out-of-Class Assignment (OCA) experience to qualify must submit written documentation signed by their appointing authority or payroll specialist, detailing the work performed, dates, and total number of qualifying OCA hours. OCA experience without the required documentation will NOT be considered.

LICENSE

A valid California Class A or B Driver License AND a valid California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) medical certificate dated within the last two years are required at the time of application.

NOTES:

• A California Class A or B Driver License with Restriction 48 or receipts for instruction permits are NOT acceptable.
• Some positions may require a valid Tank Endorsement within six months from date of hire.

HIGHLY DESIRABLE

• Experience driving vehicles larger than a passenger car or pick-up truck, preferably equipped with mechanical and hydraulic systems.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (MUST SUBMIT WITH APPLICATION

• Proof of valid California Class A or B Driver License AND a valid DMV medical certificate dated within the last two years.
• For City of San Diego employees, proof of Out-of-Class Assignment (OCA), if utilized to meet the minimum requirements.
• Proof of on-the-job training, if utilized to meet the minimum requirements.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Employment offers are conditional pending the results of all screening processes applicable to this position, which may include the following: confirmation of citizenship or legal right to work in the United States; completion of a pre-employment medical review and exam (which may include drug and alcohol testing); reference checks; and fingerprinting. Fingerprints will be submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice for a conviction record report. Certain positions may require additional screening processes, including a polygraph examination and/or background investigation. All screening processes must be successfully completed before employment begins. A positive test result for alcohol, cannabis/marijuana, illegal drugs, or inadequately explained prescription drugs, or misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of pertinent facts in any step of the screening or selection process, may be cause for disqualification or termination of employment. Nothing in this job posting constitutes an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego. Candidates must notify the Personnel Department of any change to their name, mailing address, email address, or phone number, otherwise they may miss employment opportunities.

Rev. 1 – October 30, 2026 (New Recruitment Date)