NJ Civil Service Navigator

SIGN MAKER 2

Code: 03705 Common Competitive Range: C14 (FY2026)

Career Family: SIGN MAKER

Salary: $47,156.68 - $68,251.59/year FY2026 schedule (last updated 2026-05-08)

Sign Maker 2 is a competitive state or local title, the kind you test for: the exam result, not a hiring manager's pick, decides where you land in line.

Of the 2 Sign Maker grades this one pays the most, sitting just above Sign Maker 1. What it takes is 2 years of relevant experience. Pay on the FY2026 schedule runs $47,157 to $68,252.

How to get hired

  1. Watch for an open-competitive announcement for Sign Maker 2 on the NJ Civil Service Commission jobs portal. Announcements run for a fixed filing window.
  2. Apply during that window and sit the examination. Depending on the title, that can be a written test, a rating of your training and experience, or a mix of the two.
  3. Passing scores go onto a ranked eligible list. Veterans get preference points added on top of their score.
  4. When an agency has a vacancy it must appoint from the top of that list under the "Rule of Three." Many competitive jobs are first filled provisionally while the list is being built.

Read the official specification at NJ Civil Service Commission.

Pay ladder: Sign Maker series

  1. Sign Maker 1 — $43,237 – $62,340
  2. Sign Maker 2 — $47,157 – $68,252 (this title)

Its top salary lands around the 11th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.

Rungs are ordered by FY2026 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.

Definition

A position in this job category in a state agency or a local jurisdiction, typically designs sign layout and lettering from wood, plastic or reflective metal; draws graphic material or lettering for title, backgrounds or other layouts; operates lettering equipment and tools; sets up sign fabrication equipment; and provides technical advice to staff, peers or management.

Examples of work

  • Designs sign layout and lettering from wood, plastic or reflective metal.
  • Distributes materials, equipment, parts or supplies.
  • Reads journals or other publications for the purpose of keeping abreast of developments in the field.
  • Draws graphic material or lettering for title, backgrounds, or other layouts.
  • Records the use of materials, equipment, parts or supplies.
  • Estimates necessary quantity of time, costs, materials or personnel for the accomplishment of assignments or goals.
  • Proofreads material for accuracy.
  • Verifies that quantity and type of item ordered matches invoice.
  • Computes numerical data by addition, subtraction, division and multiplication.
  • Designs layouts of graphic or printed materials.
  • Recommends the purchase of new and replacement materials, equipment, parts and supplies.
  • Obtains current price quotes for special purchases.
  • Operates lettering equipment and tools.
  • Sets up sign fabrication equipment.
  • Cuts adhesive reflective sheet from roll.
  • Applies detail, background, and shading to signs.
  • Cleans tools and work areas.
  • Cuts stencils.
  • Applies press type or other transfer lettering materials.
  • Operates power saws and drill press.
  • Sends (dispatches) materials and equipment to construction sites.
  • Cuts metal.
  • Marks outline of sign on glass with pounce pattern.
  • Arranges perishable stock by date received.
  • Consults with outside agencies or individuals about information for job assignments.
  • Provides technical advice to staff, peers and management.
  • Answers questions about application of regulations or policies
  • Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Completion of a vocational, technical or specialized training program in graphic arts, graphic and printing communications, or graphic arts technology.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience in work involving sign design, layout, and lettering, or graphic arts

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in NJ only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

  • Knowledge of lettering techniques and their application.
  • Knowledge of techniques for applying commercial lettering to layout design.
  • Knowledge of the principles and techniques of copy preparation, composition and layout.
  • Knowledge of the techniques of screen printing.
  • Knowledge of layout techniques.
  • Knowledge of procedures for cleaning tools and work area.
  • Knowledge of general vocabulary and spelling.
  • Knowledge of metal cutting techniques and equipment.
  • Knowledge of the use of drafting instruments.
  • Ability to make precise measurements for graphic designs.
  • Ability to operate lettering equipment and tools.
  • Ability to apply lettering techniques to art projects.
  • Ability to use layout equipment and tools.
  • Ability to follow oral orders, written orders, directions and plans.
  • Ability to keep accurate records.
  • Ability to operate power saw.
  • Ability to operate drill press.
  • Ability to read and interpret laws, rules and regulations.
  • Ability to convey information in a written format.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, using decimals, percentages and fractions.
  • Ability to comprehend, interpret and evaluate relevant information from various types of source materials.
  • Ability to operate spray gun.
  • Ability to establish goals and set priorities.
  • Ability to compare written or printed material for accuracy.
  • Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
  • Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
  • Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all the duties listed in the job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute one (1) year of additional experience as described above. .