Sign Production Specialist & Installer / Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sign Production Specialist & Installer / Graphic Designer Company: FASTSIGNS #69301 Location: Lemon Grove, California, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Operations & Production Date Posted: August 09, 2025 Experience Level: 2-5 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• This role requires a blend of creative graphic design, meticulous production execution, and client-facing customer service within the signage industry.
• The specialist will be responsible for the end-to-end production process, from initial customer interaction and design creation to final output, finishing, and potential installation.
• A key aspect involves translating customer needs and provided artwork into high-quality visual graphics, adhering to strict production timelines and quality standards.
• This position demands strong technical proficiency in design software, excellent organizational skills for managing multiple projects, and a proactive approach to client engagement and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title includes "Graphic Designer," the core responsibilities and required skills heavily lean into production, operations, and customer service within a specific industry context. The role is less about pure brand design and more about executing visual communication for clients using signage and graphics production technology.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, managing inquiries via phone, email, and in-person interactions, including potential site visits for consultation.
• Prepare accurate estimates and implement work orders, ensuring all project specifications and deadlines are met for timely order delivery.
• Create and modify computer-generated full-color graphics and vinyl output, preparing them for printing, mounting, or weeding and application.
• Design and arrange layout of illustrative material and copy, selecting appropriate typography and ensuring aesthetic appeal within space constraints and production requirements.
• Perform comprehensive quality assurance checks on all jobs before output, verifying correct materials, accurate device settings, and adherence to customer specifications.
• Maintain and manage the customer logo library, including the conversion of graphic files for production use.
• Apply computer-cut vinyl or full-color graphic images to various substrates according to precise layouts.
• Prepare substrates for vinyl application, which may involve cutting, painting, laminating, or cleaning.
• Execute vinyl weeding tasks, removing excess vinyl from computer-cut images, adapting techniques based on vinyl type, size, and image complexity.
• Operate and maintain production printers, ensuring optimal performance and output quality.
• Conduct thorough finishing operations, including laminating and mounting of printed graphics.
• Assist with or perform sign and graphics installation at client locations, ensuring professional and accurate application.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on operational role with significant customer interaction. The emphasis on "timely delivery," "quality assurance," "preparing substrates," and "operating and maintaining printers" points to a production-centric function that requires efficient workflow management and meticulous attention to detail, typical of operations roles in specialized manufacturing or service environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Formal education or certifications in Graphic Design, Production, or a related field are beneficial.

Experience:

• 1-2 years of experience specifically in graphic design.
• 2-3 years of retail or counter sales experience is preferred, demonstrating customer interaction and transaction management skills.
• Experience in sign production, vinyl application, or graphics installation is preferred but not strictly required, indicating a willingness to train on specific technical aspects.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and work autonomously in a fast-paced environment.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating and manipulating vector graphics for signage.
• Customer Service Excellence: Ability to engage with customers effectively, understand their needs, and provide responsive support.
• Graphic Design Fundamentals: Understanding of layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy for effective signage design.
• Organizational Skills: Crucial for managing work orders, inventory, production schedules, and client communication.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Capacity to troubleshoot design issues, production challenges, and customer requests efficiently.
• Communication Skills: Clear and concise verbal and written communication for client interactions and internal coordination.
• Ability to Work Under Pressure: Capability to maintain high volume and quality output in a deadline-driven environment.
• Attention to Detail: Critical for ensuring accuracy in design, production, and installation to meet client specifications and quality standards.

Preferred Skills:

• Sales Experience: Ability to identify upsell opportunities and provide consultative solutions to customers.
• Vinyl Application & Weeding: Hands-on experience with these specific production techniques.
• Printer Operation & Maintenance: Familiarity with large-format printing equipment.
• Sign Installation Experience: Practical knowledge of mounting and applying various types of signage.
• Proficiency with Hand and Power Tools: Necessary for installation and general production tasks.
• Clean Driving Record: Essential for potential site visits and installations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills blend creative capabilities with operational execution and interpersonal abilities. The preference for sales and installation experience suggests that candidates with a broader understanding of the customer journey and the physical application of signage will be highly valued. Proficient use of Adobe Illustrator is non-negotiable for the design and production aspects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Graphic Design Work Samples: Showcase a range of design projects, demonstrating proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, including logo conversions, layout design, and typography application relevant to signage.
• Production Process Examples: Include examples of work that illustrate an understanding of production workflows, such as file preparation for print, color correction, and substrate considerations.
• Customer Interaction/Problem-Solving Case Studies: Present instances where you effectively managed client needs, resolved issues, or provided consultative solutions that led to successful project outcomes.
• Quality Assurance Demonstrations: Highlight projects where meticulous attention to detail ensured accuracy and high-quality output, perhaps through before-and-after comparisons or documentation of QC steps.
• Project Management Examples: Showcase projects where you managed multiple tasks, met deadlines, and coordinated different stages of production or delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an ability to follow and document production workflows accurately, from order intake to final delivery.
• Provide examples of how you might have optimized a production process or improved efficiency in a previous role.
• Showcase how you ensure quality control at various stages of the design and production cycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "operations portfolio" isn't standard for this type of role, candidates should be prepared to present portfolio pieces that demonstrate their design skills, production understanding, and customer service capabilities. The focus should be on showcasing practical application of skills in a business context, highlighting efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $20.00 - $23.00 per hour.
• This range is competitive for skilled production and design roles in the Lemon Grove, CA area, reflecting the combination of creative and technical responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Full-Time Employment: Offers stability and access to a comprehensive benefits package.
• Health Insurance: Likely includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, common for full-time roles.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, sick leave, and holidays are typically provided.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Potential for a 401(k) or similar plan, often with an employer match.
• Training and Development: Opportunities to learn new skills, operate advanced equipment, and grow within the company.
• Employee Discounts: Possible discounts on FASTSIGNS products and services.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, generally equating to 40 hours per week.
• Standard business hours are typical, but flexibility may be required to meet production deadlines or customer needs, potentially including occasional overtime.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly wage of $20-$23/hour aligns with entry to mid-level positions requiring specialized skills in production and design. The "ideal qualifications" suggest a role for someone with 1-3 years of relevant experience, making this salary range appropriate for the San Diego County market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Signage and Visual Communications. FASTSIGNS is a leading franchisor and industry leader in the custom sign and visual graphics space, serving a diverse range of business clients. Company Size: FASTSIGNS #69301 is a local franchise center. While the FASTSIGNS corporation is large, individual centers are typically small to medium-sized businesses, often comprising a core team of 5-15 employees. This means a close-knit team environment where each member's contribution is highly visible. Founded: FASTSIGNS was founded in 1985. This indicates a well-established company with proven business models and operational frameworks, though individual franchise centers may have their own unique operational histories.

Team Structure:

• The operations team is likely structured around key functions: customer service/sales, graphic design, production (printing, weeding, finishing), and installation.
• The Sign Production Specialist & Installer / Graphic Designer will likely report to the Center Manager or Owner, acting as a key contributor across design, production, and customer interaction.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, with close coordination between sales, design, production, and installation teams to ensure seamless project execution and client satisfaction.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated, operations in sign production often rely on efficient job costing, production scheduling, and inventory management, implying a data-informed approach to resource allocation and workflow optimization.
• Process Standardization: As a franchise, FASTSIGNS centers typically adhere to standardized operating procedures for design, production, quality control, and customer service to ensure brand consistency and operational efficiency.
• Customer-Centric Operations: The role's emphasis on customer interaction and problem-solving underscores a commitment to client satisfaction as a core operational principle.

Company Website: https://www.fastsigns.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding that this is a franchise location is crucial. The culture and specific operational practices will have elements of the larger FASTSIGNS brand guidelines, but also the unique flavor and management style of the specific #69301 center. The team is likely lean, requiring individuals to be adaptable and willing to wear multiple hats.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an early to mid-career opportunity within the specialized field of sign production and graphic design. It requires a foundational understanding of design software and production processes, with potential for growth into more specialized or supervisory roles. Reporting Structure: The Sign Production Specialist & Installer / Graphic Designer will likely report directly to the Center Manager or the franchise owner. This provides visibility to leadership and direct feedback on performance. Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on customer satisfaction, brand representation for FASTSIGNS clients, and the center's profitability through efficient production and potential for upselling. Accurate execution of designs, timely delivery, and quality output are critical to the center's success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas like large-format printing technology, advanced vinyl application techniques, vehicle wraps, or complex installation projects.
• Advanced Design Skills: Become proficient in additional design software or specialized design niches relevant to signage (e.g., architectural signage, dimensional letters).
• Production Management: Progress to a Production Manager role, overseeing workflow, managing staff, and optimizing operational efficiency.
• Sales & Client Relations: Transition into a Sales or Account Management role, leveraging design and production knowledge to consult with clients and drive business growth.
• Center Management: With significant experience and demonstrated leadership, opportunities may arise to manage a FASTSIGNS center or even own a franchise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path here is clearly defined within the operations and production side of a service business. Growth is often achieved through deepening technical skills, improving process efficiency, and enhancing client relationship management. The franchise model can also offer entrepreneurial pathways.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hands-on role typically based in a commercial production facility that includes a design/office area and a production/shop floor. The environment will involve both desk work and time spent in the production area. Office Location(s): Lemon Grove, California. This location is in the San Diego metropolitan area, offering a typical urban/suburban business environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Production Space: Expect to work alongside other production staff, requiring good communication and adherence to safety protocols. The environment can be busy and dynamic.
• Design Workstation: A dedicated or shared workstation equipped with necessary design software and hardware.
• Exposure to Production Equipment: Will be in close proximity to large-format printers, plotters, laminators, and finishing tools.
• Potential for Field Work: Installation duties may require travel to client sites, involving various environmental conditions.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically during regular business hours.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends may be necessary to meet project deadlines or client installation schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is a critical aspect for operations roles. Candidates should be comfortable with a mix of office and shop floor settings, potentially noisy conditions, and the physical demands associated with production and installation tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume, likely followed by a brief phone or video call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• In-Person Interview: This will likely involve meeting with the Center Manager or Owner. Expect questions about your design skills, production experience, customer service approach, and ability to work under pressure.
• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: You may be asked to demonstrate your proficiency in Adobe Illustrator or present a portfolio of your work. A practical design or production task might also be assigned.
• Practical Test (Potential): A short, timed design task or a demonstration of basic production skills could be part of the process to evaluate real-world capabilities.
• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion to confirm details and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tailor to Signage: Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to create effective visual communications for businesses, including logos, branding elements, and signage concepts.
• Showcase Production Understanding: Include examples that reflect an awareness of print preparation, color management, and file optimization for various output methods.
• Quantify Achievements: If possible, use metrics to show the impact of your work (e.g., "increased client satisfaction by X%," "reduced production errors by Y%").
• Prepare a Walkthrough: Be ready to discuss your design process, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them for 2-3 key projects.
• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Include examples of how you adapted designs based on client feedback or technical constraints.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Task: Be prepared for a short design challenge, likely involving creating a sign concept based on a provided brief, or adapting existing artwork for a specific signage application. Focus on speed, accuracy, and adherence to the brief.
• Customer Service Scenario: Anticipate questions about handling difficult customers, resolving order discrepancies, or consulting with clients to find the best signage solution.
• Production Workflow Understanding: Be ready to discuss how you would prioritize multiple jobs, manage production materials, and ensure quality control.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will likely be very practical. Demonstrating hands-on skills and a customer-focused attitude will be as important as theoretical knowledge. Having a portfolio ready that showcases relevant work is critical for success, especially for the design and production aspects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: The core design software for creating vector graphics, logos, and text layouts for signage. Proficiency is essential.
• Adobe Photoshop: May be used for image manipulation, photo retouching, or preparing raster graphics for output.
• Adobe Acrobat: For managing and preparing PDF files for print.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Work Order Management System: Internal systems for tracking jobs, customer information, production status, and delivery.
• Estimating Software: Tools used to generate quotes and manage pricing for client orders.
• Inventory Management Software: Potentially used to track vinyl, substrates, and other production materials.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM System: To manage customer contact information, sales interactions, and project history.
• Production Scheduling Software: Tools to plan and manage the queue of jobs for printers and finishing stations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator, is paramount. Familiarity with production-specific software for estimating, order management, and scheduling will be a significant advantage. The role implies working within a defined operational system to manage the flow of work efficiently.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing client satisfaction through excellent service, quality products, and timely delivery. This translates to active listening, responsiveness, and problem-solving.
• Quality & Precision: Commitment to producing high-quality graphics and signage, with meticulous attention to detail in design, production, and application.
• Efficiency & Productivity: Striving for efficient workflows, minimizing waste, and maximizing output to meet demand and control costs.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues across sales, design, and production to achieve shared goals and ensure a smooth customer experience.
• Adaptability & Learning: Embracing new technologies, design trends, and production techniques to stay competitive and meet evolving client needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with sales to understand client briefs and requirements, and with production/installation teams to ensure seamless execution.
• Feedback Loops: A culture that encourages constructive feedback among team members to continuously improve processes and output quality.
• Knowledge Sharing: Sharing best practices in design, production techniques, and customer service to elevate the entire team's performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely a blend of creative energy and operational discipline. Team members are expected to be proactive, reliable, and possess a strong work ethic, understanding that their individual contributions directly impact the center's overall performance and client relationships.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Demanding Clients: Balancing the needs and expectations of numerous clients simultaneously, each with unique design and delivery requirements.
• Production Bottlenecks: Overcoming potential delays caused by equipment issues, material shortages, or high order volumes to maintain delivery schedules.
• Technical Skill Development: Keeping pace with evolving design software features and new production technologies (e.g., new printing methods, finishing materials).
• Balancing Creative and Production Demands: Switching effectively between creative design tasks and the more meticulous, process-driven aspects of production and installation.
• Physical Demands of Installation: Performing installations can be physically demanding and may require working in various weather conditions or at heights.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• FASTSIGNS Training Programs: Access to franchisor-provided training on design software, production equipment, sales techniques, and operational best practices.
• Industry Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications related to graphic design, print production, or installation.
• On-the-Job Skill Acquisition: Learning from experienced colleagues and mastering new techniques through hands-on practice.
• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a wide array of signage projects for different industries provides broad experience and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a solid opportunity for individuals looking to build a career in the specialized and dynamic signage industry. The challenges are typical of a production-focused environment, and the growth opportunities are geared towards developing expertise and advancing within the business.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Workflow: "Walk me through your process from receiving a client's request to delivering the final design file for production. How do you ensure accuracy and client satisfaction at each step?" (Focus on process, client communication, and quality checks).
• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you encountered a technical challenge during the design or production process. How did you overcome it, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, and resilience).
• Customer Service Scenario: "A client is unhappy with a design proof because it's not what they envisioned. How would you handle this situation to ensure they leave satisfied?" (Emphasize listening, empathy, and finding solutions).
• Prioritization: "How do you manage multiple projects with competing deadlines? What strategies do you use to stay organized and productive?" (Focus on time management, prioritization, and organizational tools).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why FASTSIGNS?": Research the company's mission, values, and its position in the signage industry. Be ready to articulate why you want to work specifically for this franchise center.
• Teamwork: "How do you contribute to a positive team environment? Describe your ideal team dynamic." (Showcase collaboration skills and a team-oriented mindset).
• Adaptability: "The signage industry is constantly evolving. How do you stay updated with new design trends and production technologies?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Key Projects: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your design skills, production understanding, and customer-facing capabilities.
• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the client's objective, your design process, any challenges faced, and the final outcome. Quantify results if possible.
• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Be ready to briefly discuss your experience with Adobe Illustrator and any other relevant software.
• Focus on Relevance: Emphasize projects that are similar in nature to signage production (e.g., branding, marketing collateral, visual graphics).

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). For the portfolio, focus on clarity, impact, and demonstrating the practical application of your skills within a business context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the FASTSIGNS career portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your design portfolio to prominently feature projects relevant to signage, branding, and visual graphics. Include examples that demonstrate your proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and your understanding of production requirements.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Adobe Illustrator," "Graphic Design," "Customer Service," "Production," and "Signage." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering common interview questions related to design workflow, customer service scenarios, and production challenges. Prepare to walk through your portfolio and discuss specific projects in detail.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with FASTSIGNS as a brand and the specific services they offer. Understand their commitment to customer satisfaction and quality production.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.