Lead Hand, Sign Maintenance

The Role

Assigns, delegates, coordinates, directs, and oversees the performance of sign repairs and maintenance, ensuring quality of work and timely performance. Works alongside crews daily, performing same functions as crews. Provides technical guidance to crews regarding procedures, equipment, and projects. Assists management to set annual priorities and schedule. 
 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Reviews daily work programs with supervisor and provides information regarding daily work progress. Assists supervisor to plan/schedule annual programs and set priorities. Under the direction of the supervisor, determines overtime according to rotation schedule and advises if additional resources are required.
• Coordinates day-to-day sign repair and maintenance work, including for transit and capital projects. Prioritizes, monitors, and distributes work orders/assignments to crews. Determines staffing and material requirements, makes arrangements, and prepares work schedules with input from crews. Coordinates borrowing of equipment and staff from other sections, as required. 
• Operates vehicles and equipment (e.g., sign truck, hydraulic crane, oxyacetylene torches, material handling device, hammer drill, high pressure hydraulic hoses, saws, mobile crane).  
• Develops sign plans, including field location and approves final installs. Reviews project blueprints, giving consideration to roadway regulations, design, alignment, traffic volume and speed to determine best location. Stakes out location ahead of install and arranges locates for new traffic and transit signs with utilities representatives. 
• Discusses sign installation and location with staff in transportation planning, transit, design and construction, and consultants; provides technical expertise regarding field fit and discrepancies in drawings with field conditions. Assists transportation engineering staff in the design of new and modified signage.
• Performs sign-related maintenance and repairs (e.g., transit, road closures, detours, construction). Installs signs, giving consideration to traffic engineering plans, roadway regulations, design, alignment, sightlines, space availability, locate information, traffic volume, speed, driver safety, and understandability. Cuts posts and removes signs. Fabricates sign posts, special support systems, barricades, and road barriers, as required.
• Organizes and sets up own work, including site and equipment clean-up, circle checks, traffic protection plans, and grease and fluid top-ups. Maintains corporate vehicles in proper, safe, good working condition, troubleshoots malfunctions, and performs minor repairs and parts replacement. Informs supervisor or corporate fleet regarding equipment issues and service/repair requirements.
• Patrols to monitor work performed by staff; inspect and update inventory/state of signs and sign plants (e.g., reflectivity, proper placement, sheeting condition, visibility, damage); identify and coordinate requirements for capital projects; and resolve issues and urgent needs (e.g., critical repairs).  
• Participates to develop quality and service level standards. Researches and assists to develop new equipment specifications and procedures. Develops and maintains procedures for sign maintenance. 
   

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

• Maintains an inventory of signs and related hardware. Orders stock materials for day-to-day operations, and liaises daily with sign shop. Informs supervisor of non-standard equipment and material needs. Holds a p-card and has signing authority for stockroom requisitions. Contacts suppliers and manufacturers to purchase tools and equipment.
• Maintains documentation related to inspections, equipment, sign conditions, and work performed. Creates and maintains work orders. 
• Discusses and coordinates detours and road closures with contractors and local municipalities.
• Has contact with police and fire regarding sign installations, emergencies, and road closures.  
• Ensures staff maintain shop area, equipment, vehicles/trucks, hand/power tools, in a safe, clean, orderly manner, per policies and standards. Reports unsafe/damaged equipment to supervisor immediately. 
• Performs related duties, including traffic control and work in other sections, as assigned. 
• Attends meetings and assumes some of the duties of the supervisor in that incumbent’s absence.
• Backs up crews during peaks and absences.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Functional knowledge of the proper operation and use of equipment and tools related to sign installation, maintenance, and repair, traffic sign technology, and purchasing processes, normally acquired through a Grade 12 education, plus 3 years of directly related experience. 
• Must have a certificate in work zone safety from the International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) or equivalent, as well as traffic sign related training from an industry association (e.g., Ontario Good Roads Association, IMSA).
• Must have 2 years of leadership experience to plan, organize, direct, and coordinate work of crews. 
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, standards; field and traffic manuals; CVOR requirements; related by-laws, legislation, and regulations (e.g., traffic and parking by-laws, Ontario Traffic Manual, health and safety, Highway Traffic Act, minimum maintenance standards), and on-the-job training, as required.
• Communication skills to exchange technical information; liaise with other staff; give directions in construction and emergency situations; and participate as an effective team member. 
• Ability to provide field fit expertise to technicians for modifying layouts and plans, and lead crews through adjusting plans to accommodate locates and unforeseen conditions.
• Ability to read and understand manuals, notices, documentation, blueprints, and roundabout and traffic protection plans.
• Ability to complete and maintain vehicle maintenance documents (e.g., checklists, hours log, reports), purchase requisitions, work orders, locate books, basic written communications, and technical recommendations.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office (including Outlook and Excel) and an asset management system. Ability to enter field data, work orders, and time and resource information to mobile technology. 
• Must demonstrate successful completion of a physical demands test (pre-hire).
• Must have a valid Class D driver's licence with Z endorsement and acceptable driving record to operate a sign truck and other corporate vehicles.
• Participates in a regular on-call rotation to respond to after-hours emergencies and urgent matters, including evenings and weekends. 
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.
   

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Internal 1656 applicants are required to submit a document with their name on it (or an optional resume).  1656 staff are encouraged to internally apply with an updated resume, especially for those job opportunities that are a promotional opportunity, so that their qualifications are appropriately captured during the screening phase.