Traffic Sign & Marking Lead Worker

Overview

Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets! At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city. Seattle is growing fast, and we’re funding and building sidewalks, fixing bridges and improving transit connections to keep our city moving. We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews bringing purpose-driven work to life.

Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone together!

Employees in this class coordinate, lead and participate in the daily work activities of the crews involved in the installation, maintenance, repair and removal of traffic markings and non-electric traffic control devices such as traffic signs, road channelization, guard rails and crash cushions. The Traffic Marking Lead Worker is responsible for the operation of a traffic line painting truck and other vehicles/equipment (including combinations) that may exceed 26,000 lbs.

GVW. Employees must use some judgment in adapting guidelines to different situations.

This position has three (3) separate closing dates
, and hiring will occur on a rolling basis as qualified candidates are identified for each opening:

• 1st batch review closing by 4:00 PM on January 27, 2026.
• 2nd batch review closing by 4:00 PM on February 17, 2026.
• 3rd batch review closing by 4:00 PM on March 10, 2026.

• Operate Road Striping Truck, driving & tail gunning.
• Troubleshoot and perform in-field repairs of related equipment.
• Maintain Paint Truck and Liquid Thermoplastic applicators.
• Install lane line markers and other various road markings.
• Keep records indicating types and dates of work completed.
• Interpret blueprints, maps and diagrams of streets and intersections when painting lines and performing other work including sign installation.
• Train subordinate crew members and lead crew as assigned.
• Determine daily work location based on traffic and surface conditions of the particular streets, following an overall listing of streets to be marked each year.
• Lead crews in the installation of pavement markings for small crew-built capital projects.
• Set up temporary or emergency traffic signs for bridge closures, tunnel closures and special events.
• Apply hot thermoplastic types of pavement markings materials in marking cross walks and legends.
• Set out traffic cones as painting is done and guard against hazardous traffic conditions.
• Support department goals in promoting diversity and social justice.
• Perform other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

• Two years of public works experience including one year in the traffic marking field (or a combination of education and/or training and/or work experience which provides the ability to perform the work of the class).

• One year experience operating a Paint Truck
• One year experience operating a liquid thermoplastic applicator.
• One year experience leading crews in the installation of pavement marking.

• A valid State of Washington Driver's License is required for employment. This license must be maintained throughout employment.
• Some positions may require a valid Washington State "Class B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL), with the airbrake restriction removed, within 120 days of appointment. If required, this license must be maintained throughout employment.
• An Abstract of complete driving record (obtained at applicant's expense) is required from the State of Washington Department of Licensing.
• Comprehensive drug testing in accordance with the Federal Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing Program, are required.
• A valid Washington State Flagging Card, First Aid/CPR card and/or a defensive driving course certificate may be required within six months of employment.

Work is performed outdoors, in and around an urban street environment and in traffic, in all weather conditions. Employees work with hot or hazardous materials and/or equipment, are exposed to traffic, heavy exhaust, paint fumes, and work near the public, and occasionally work…