Job Description Help for Job Description. Opens a new window. On the Job Training/WIOA Position To be considered for this job WIOA eligibility must be determined. Please make sure you have a current resume listed in EFM. Click on How to Apply OJT-Graphic Designer SOC reference 27-1024.00 (Graphic Designers) Full-Time Design, engineer, and fabricate code-compliant architectural signage and environmental graphics including ADA/tactile signage, wayfinding sign systems, dimensional letters, monument and post-and-panel signs, and large-format architectural graphics. This is a specialized signage-trade role distinct from general graphic design: it requires learning sign-industry fabrication methods, substrate engineering, ADA and building-code requirements, sign-specific prepress and tooling, and the hands-on operation of large-format printing, routing, engraving, and tactile-forming equipment. The position spans the full sign-production process from field-measured layout through fabrication, finishing, and installation-readiness.

Also known as:

Signage Designer, Production Artist, Sign & Print Production Specialist, Graphic Designer (Sign Shop), Prepress & Print Operator Tasks Interpret architectural sign packages, sign-location plans, and sign-type schedules (e.g., sign types ID-1, R-1, etc.) to extract a complete, code-compliant message schedule and quantity take-off for a building. Translate ADA tactile-sign requirements into producible artwork: set raised tactile characters to the required 1/32-inch raised height, correct character height and stroke-to-height ratio, sans-serif/non-decorative type, and required spacing and lay out Grade 2 (contracted) Braille with correct dot diameter, dot spacing, cell spacing, and position below the corresponding text. Determine mounting locations and heights to ADA rules (e.g., 48-inch baseline to 60-inch tactile-character requirements, latch-side placement at doors) and reflect required mounting details on shop drawings. Select sign substrates and engineer the build for each application acrylic, aluminum composite (ACM/Dibond), PVC (Sintra), HDU, photopolymer, and tactile-grade materials accounting for interior vs. exterior exposure, UV and weather durability, and fabrication method. Develop production-ready cut, route, and engrave files: artwork to clean vector tool paths, set cut/contour paths and weed lines, build registration for print-then-cut, and apply material-specific kerf and tool-offset allowances. Lay out and prepare files for second-surface printing, applied first-surface graphics, and subsurface/embedded graphics, and specify the correct print/laminate/mount build order for each sign type. Prepare large-format files to fabrication specification (bleed for trim, oversize for wrap and return, panel seams and tiling for oversized graphics, registration for double-sided signs) distinct from screen- or press-oriented file prep. Build and apply color management for sign output: select substrate/ink ICC profiles, and match brand/Pantone spot colors within the printer-substrate gamut, and color-match across different machines and media so a job matches its approved proof and prior production. Operate the RIP for large-format printers queue and nest jobs to minimize material waste, choose print mode, resolution, and pass/white-ink/varnish settings, and rip files for the specific media loaded. Set up and operate the roll-to-roll (eco-solvent) printer: load and track media, set tension and heater/take-up settings, run nozzle checks and head cleanings, and manage print-then-cut registration. Set up and operate the UV flatbed printer: register and jig rigid substrates on the vacuum table, set material thickness/head height, and run white-ink, layered, and multi-pass jobs for rigid signage. Set up and operate the CNC router to cut sign blanks, letters, and shapes: fixture material, select bits and feeds/speeds for each substrate, manage tabs and onion-skinning, and produce clean routed edges. Set up and operate the engraver and the ADA tactile-production process compression forming and photopolymer ink-tipping to manufacture raised-tactile and Braille signage that passes ADA inspection.

Apply sign-finishing operations:

weeding and application/transfer-taping of cut vinyl, lamination and overlaminate selection, mounting graphics to substrate flat and bubble-free, edge finishing, and assembling multi-layer or dimensional signs. Run in-process and final quality control specific to signage: verify dimensions against shop drawings, confirm tactile height and Braille correctness by touch and gauge, check color against the proof under controlled lighting, and inspect edges, adhesion, and finish before sign-off. Troubleshoot signage-specific production faults banding and color drift on long runs, head-strike and cure issues on the flatbed, occasional vinyl lifting and silvering, routed-edge chipping, and tactile dot/Braille forming defects and determine root cause and corrective action. Coordinate fabrication with installation and subcontracted scopes (channel letters, monuments, painting), and prepare signs and mounting hardware/templates for field installation. Estimate material usage and maintain production records, color targets, and an archive of fabrication files for reprints and future phases. Work Activities Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Signage for Fabrication Producing sign shop drawings, dimensioned layouts, cut/route/engrave tool files, and material and mounting specifications that tell the shop exactly how each sign is fabricated, finished, and installed. Evaluating Signage for Code Compliance Judging whether tactile, Braille, and architectural signage meets the 2010 ADA Standards, the Florida Building Code, and project specifications tactile height, Braille geometry, contrast, finish, and mounting. Operating Sign-Production Equipment Running large-format roll-to-roll and UV flatbed printers, the CNC router, the engraver, and the tactile forming/ink-tipping process to fabricate sign components. Selecting and Engineering Sign Materials Choosing substrates, inks, laminates, and adhesives and determining the build method for each sign based on durability, exposure, and fabrication constraints. Sign-Specific Prepress and Color Management Preparing files for fabrication (not screen), applying substrate ICC profiles, and matching spot/brand color across machines and media to the approved proof. Inspecting and Quality-Controlling Finished Signs Verifying dimensions against shop drawings, confirming tactile/Braille compliance by gauge and touch, and checking color, adhesion, and finish before sign-off. Handling and Finishing Sign Materials Weeding and taping vinyl, laminating, mounting graphics flat and bubble-free, edge-finishing, and assembling dimensional and multi-layer signs. Interpreting Architectural Sign Documents Reading sign-location plans, sign-type schedules, and architectural drawings to build message schedules and take-offs. Coordinating Fabrication with Installation Sequencing production across equipment, preparing mounting hardware and templates, and coordinating with installers and subcontracted scopes. Updating and Applying Sign-Industry Knowledge Learning and applying new substrates, ADA/code updates, equipment, and fabrication techniques specific to the sign trade. Detailed Work Activities Build code-compliant message schedules and take-offs from architectural sign packages. Lay out ADA tactile signage and Grade 2 Braille to specification. Engineer sign builds and select substrates, inks, laminates, and adhesives. Create cut, route, and engrave tool files with material-specific allowances. Prepare large-format files for fabrication (print-then-cut, double-sided, tiled, wrapped). Apply substrate ICC profiles and match spot/brand color to proof across machines. Operate the RIP and nest jobs to minimize material waste. Operate roll-to-roll and UV flatbed printers, including white-ink and layered runs. Operate the CNC router and engraver to fabricate sign blanks, letters, and shapes. Operate compression-forming and photopolymer ink-tipping for tactile/Braille signage. Apply vinyl, laminate, mount, and assemble dimensional and multi-layer signs. Quality-control finished signs against shop drawings and ADA/code requirements. Troubleshoot signage production faults and determine corrective action. Prepare signs, hardware, and templates for field installation. Knowledge Design Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles for producing precision layouts, technical drawings, and sign-system designs. Production and Processing Knowledge of substrates, production processes, quality control, and techniques for manufacturing signage efficiently and accurately.

Regulatory / Compliance

(ADA & Building Code) Knowledge of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design as applied to signage, and awareness of Florida Building Code and local AHJ signage requirements. Computers and Electronics Knowledge of design and prepress software, RIP software, color management, and the controllers and electronics of production equipment. Color and Materials Science Working knowledge of color theory, CMYK/spot color, ICC profiles, inks, coatings, and how substrate/ink combinations behave. Fine Arts Knowledge of composition, typography, and visual principles applied to signage and graphics. Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of assessing client needs and meeting quality standards for design-build sign projects. English Language Knowledge of spelling, grammar, and composition for accurate sign copy and message schedules. Skills Operation and Control Controlling printers, routers, engravers, and forming equipment to produce accurate output. Quality Control Analysis Inspecting and testing output and finished signs to evaluate quality against proof and spec. Critical Thinking Using logic to choose materials, processes, and solutions and to troubleshoot production problems. Attention to Detail / Being Exact and Accurate Working to tight tolerances on dimensions, color, and ADA requirements with minimal rework. Active Learning Picking up new equipment, software, and materials and applying them on the job. Monitoring Assessing print runs and equipment performance to take corrective action. Reading Comprehension Interpreting architectural drawings, sign schedules, spec sheets, and equipment documentation. Coordination Adjusting work in relation to the production schedule and other team members. Time Management Managing multiple jobs and deadlines across the equipment fleet. Abilities Near Vision Ability to see fine detail at close range for layout, color, and quality inspection. Visual Color Discrimination Ability to match and detect differences between colors, shades, and brightness essential for color management and proofing. Visualization Ability to imagine how a sign or layout will look when produced, mounted, or arranged in space. Originality Ability to develop creative and clever design solutions. Information Ordering Ability to arrange elements and steps according to specific rules layouts, sign schedules, and production sequences. Manual Dexterity / Control Precision Ability to handle materials and operate equipment controls accurately. Problem Sensitivity Ability to recognize when something is wrong or likely to go wrong in a file or a print run. Deductive Reasoning Ability to apply general rules such as ADA standards to specific sign problems. Technology Skills & Equipment Graphics and imaging software Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign). Document software Adobe Acrobat / PDF preflight. RIP and print-management software for large-format printers. Color management ICC profiles and color-matching tools. Office and file-sharing software Microsoft Office / Google Workspace. Roll-to-roll large-format printer (eco-solvent) e.g., Epson SureColor S-series. UV flatbed printer e.g., Canon Arizona series (including white/multilayer printing). CNC router for sign substrates e.g., AXYZ. Engraver for tactile/dimensional components e.g., Vision 1624. Compression forming press and photopolymer ink-tipping system for ADA/tactile signage. Vinyl/print-cut, lamination, and standard sign-shop finishing tools. Education, Experience & Training Education Degree or coursework in graphic design or visual arts is helpful for foundational design ability. Formal design education does not cover the specialized signage trade sign-industry fabrication, ADA/building-code signage requirements, substrate engineering, sign-specific prepress and tooling, and production-equipment operation are learned on the job in this role. Related Experience No signage or sign-fabrication experience required. A general graphic-design background provides only the visual fundamentals; the sign-trade knowledge, code competency, prepress-for-fabrication skills, and hands-on operation of large-format printing, routing, engraving, and tactile-forming equipment that this position requires are taught through structured on-the-job training. Job Training Extensive structured on-the-job training is required to reach full proficiency, progressing from supervised practice to independent fabrication across all equipment and sign types. The breadth of specialized, non-transferable skills to be learned is substantial. Job Zone Considerable preparation needed, developed primarily through significant on-the-job training and hands-on sign-fabrication experience rather than prior education. Work Context On-site, full-time in a production sign shop and design environment. Combination of seated design/prepress work and standing hands-on equipment operation. Importance of being exact and accurate tolerances, color, and ADA compliance are critical. Spend time using hands to handle materials, tools, and equipment controls. Work with and contribute to a small production team; coordinate closely with the owner and project managers. Time pressure and deadlines are a regular part of the role. Use of personal protective equipment and adherence to shop safety procedures around machinery. What We Offer Full-time, stable position with a growing design-build signage company. Comprehensive paid on-the-job training across design, compliance, prepress, color, and equipment operation. Hands-on experience on a full fleet of professional print and fabrication equipment. A clear path to becoming a skilled, well-rounded sign and print production professional.