Inspector, Street Name Signs Unit

About the role

Traffic Control & Engineering handles operational and administrative tasks for the installation, maintenance, and removal of signs, flexible bollards, moveable barriers, in‑house traffic sign production, and other traffic control devices. The office leverages engineers, sign designers, planners, inspectors, IT experts, analysts, and other specialists to support the agency’s Vision Zero and broader city goals. The unit is seeking an Inspector for the Street Name Signs Unit to perform moderately difficult tasks in traffic control and engineering under direct supervision, assisting higher‑level staff with transportation studies, citywide traffic programs, and related work.

The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) mission is to provide for the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible movement of people and goods in New York City and to maintain and enhance the transportation infrastructure vital to the city’s economic vitality and quality of life.

Responsibilities

• Review, create, and modify Street Name Sign (SNS) work orders in the Sign Information Management System (SIMS), ensuring accuracy of sign legends, arrow orientation, dimensions, mounting configurations, and location data.
• Perform field inspections to verify existing conditions, sign supports, and installation feasibility before issuing or revising work orders.
• Assist with quality‑control reviews of contractor installations using field photographs and Cyclomedia imagery to confirm compliance with NYC DOT standards.
• Identify discrepancies in layout, panel sizing, font usage, arrow direction, and mounting types prior to fabrication and installation.
• Review contractor completion packages for accuracy prior to payment approval.
• Coordinate with borough engineering offices, contractors, and sign shop personnel to resolve field conflicts and clarify installation requirements.
• Track and monitor work order status to prevent duplication, unnecessary fabrication, or premature job closure.
• Assist in managing high‑volume sign replacement initiatives, including borough‑wide replacements, commemorative installations, and capital project adjustments.
• Maintain documentation of field conditions and determinations to support contract compliance and audit review.
• Support emergency and priority sign replacements as needed.
• Investigate and respond to public inquiries received through the City’s 311 and Agency Response Tracking System (ARTS) programs, researching field conditions, documenting findings, and assisting with preparation of professional correspondence for submission to the five Borough Commissioner offices.
• Work collaboratively and inclusively, seeking continued professional development and effective communication with all stakeholders.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications: a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, urban studies, planning, mathematics, or one of the physical sciences; OR a high school diploma or educational equivalent and four years of full‑time experience performing technical work on traffic programs and citywide transportation studies; OR education and/or experience equivalent to the above.

Skills

• Proficiency in SIMS including work order creation, modification, and status tracking.
• Working knowledge of MUTCD standards as applied to street name signs.
• Experience reviewing sign layouts, including legend spacing, arrow placement, and dimensional accuracy.
• Ability to interpret field conditions and translate them into accurate work orders.
• Experience reviewing contractor completion photos for installation accuracy.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage high‑volume workloads.
• Ability to identify inconsistencies in data, documentation, and installation reports to pause or process vendor payments.
• Experience coordinating with contractors and multiple borough offices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word).
• Strong written communication skills for composing professional letters, documenting findings, and responding to inquiries.

Benefits

• Eligibility for the 55‑a Program for qualified persons with a disability (indicate interest on resume and cover letter).
• Potential eligibility for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness and state repayment assistance programs.
• Residency requirement: New York City residency generally required within 90 days of appointment; after two continuous years of City service, eligibility to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County may be considered.

Pay

$57,323.00 – $84,334.00