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Job Specification
Position Title: SIGN DESIGNER
Job Code: OPSEU - Engineering Services Officer 3, 12682
Job ID: 22072

Purpose of Position:
To provide technical and creative expertise in the design and production of highway signing systems on a Province-wide basis.

Duties/Responsibilities:
1. Creates and develops, from preliminary sketch through to final design and preparation of Provincial Standard drawings and patterns, all highway sign standards for use in Ontario by:
• Determining needs;
• Developing and selecting appropriate standard font alphabets;
• Incorporating human factors such as visibility and legibility of sign into designs, as influenced by speed and complexity of driving task;
• Ensuring designs reflect purpose and intent of specified function, including message content, layout, size and colour;
• Preparing full scale drawings depicting actual colour, detail and materials, for review and approval;
• Developing standard specifications (bilingual) for inclusion in the Highway Traffic Act, Kings Highway Guide Signing Policy Manual, Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and/or other governing documents, as appropriate;
• Assuming responsibility for accuracy and completeness of own work (completed work is accepted as authoritative and final)

2. Provides technical advice and coordination in the materials and production aspects of highway sign manufacture by:
• Maintaining liaison with Maintenance Operations Office and Purchasing with respect to type
and quality of materials to be specified;
• Providing training to Regional and District staff in the use of computerized sign making equipment, and sign manufacturing procedures;
• Providing technical assistance and trouble-shooting service to sign shops in all phases of sign manufacturing process;
• Introducing new materials and procedures, and assisting in training and implementation;
• Providing interpretation of standards, specifications and policies as required;
• Maintaining liaison with Districts to assist them in ensuring District signs conform to specifications.

3. Functions as Ministry technical specialist in sign design and manufacturing procedures by:
• Keeping current with developments in sign design by maintaining close contact with material supply industry, commercial sign companies and municipal sign shops;
• Independently researching, analyzing and evaluating related concept sources to determine current subject layout and art treatment;
• Keeping abreast of new design and graphic arts tools and equipment, and selecting most appropriate for Ontario use;
• Providing technical advice to Ontario municipalities and other Canadian jurisdictions as required.

Knowledge:
Proven knowledge of and skills in the graphic design field. Demonstrated ability to be creative and
innovative. Expert knowledge of state of the art highway sign design principles, considerations (e.g.,
visuals, physical constraints), materials, fabrication and computerized production techniques. Practical
working knowledge of the varied and complex human factors related to sign design and the driving task,
and traffic engineering and control principles. Expert knowledge of Ministry sign policies, standards and programs. Excellent working knowledge in computer systems and their applications. Job requires knowledge of project planning in order to design, implement, lead and manage a number of concurrent projects of varying degrees of complexity, individually or within a team environment.

Skills:
Demonstrated analytical, planning, scheduling, project management and work coordination skills. Ability
to understand and interpret engineering plans and profiles and technical reports. Well developed oral and
written communication skills and presentation skills; consultation skills to identify the needs of diverse
users to maintain effective working relations with Regional and District staff. Ability to work both
independently and as a member of a team, with minimal supervision. Commitment to customer service.

Freedom of Action:
Job requires continually exploring and recommending implementation of improved techniques and technologies. Job requires making decisions by: determining plans, scope and resources required for policy development/research and other projects; determining plans for implementing approved policy/program change and initiatives; recommending which policy/program options are most cost effective and providing opinions on interpretation and application of legislation and policies. Job requires discussing with manager/supervisor: policy/program recommendations; resource implications; issues which may have an adverse impact on stakeholders; strategies and standards and overall program objectives and strategic policy directions.