Job & Business Opportunities

Job Summary

This classification is primarily responsible for performing many of the tasks in the following areas: Graphic Design and Illustration; Photography/Photo/Image Retouching; Computer Maintenance; Video and Animation Production; Production Art and Fabrication; and Department Administration. This is the journey, fully trained level within this series; incumbents are expected to be fully competent to independently perform the full range of duties. Work mainly involves performing prescribed tasks in a somewhat predictable order. Exceptions are regular but are carried out according to pre-determined policies or procedures.

Supervision

Supervision Received: This class works under general supervision, wherein the assigned duties require the exercise of judgment or choice among pre-established actions, sometimes without clear precedents and with concern for the consequences of the action. The employee may or may not work in close proximity to his/her supervisor.

Supervision Exercised: This class may provide indirect supervision to lower level personnel.

Distinguishing Characteristics

N/A

Essential Functions

A. Graphic Design and Illustration
Duties may include:
Conceptualize the design and illustration of graphic art projects. Create artwork manually and electronically, mock ups, text formatting and other visuals to create layouts. Provide input for development of graphic materials. Consult with printers, service bureaus and suppliers. Bid, proof, and evaluate silver prints, color keys or bluelines for accuracy and quality. Follow-up on production and delivery. Create sketch concepts and determine best technique for digital production. Produce final art suitable for projects and final production techniques. Other duties as assigned.

B. Photography/Photo/Image Retouching
Duties may include:
Shoot photographs for events, publications and various projects. Create photo imaging artwork. Develop layout concept and determine photographic needs. Schedule or arrange photo-shoot requirements. Gather photographic material from sources (stock photography). Gather digital information and manipulate photographic imagery to suit requirements of project concept. Other duties as assigned.

C. Computer Maintenance
Duties may include:
Install and maintain hardware and peripheral components such as monitors, keyboards, printers and disk drives. Perform hardware and software upgrades; reinstall programs or replace files; resolve computer software and hardware problems. Contact software and hardware vendors to obtain software updates. Provide computer assistance, as needed, in use of equipment, and software. Perform preventive maintenance and routine backups. Research latest graphic design technologies. Other duties as assigned.

D. Video and Animation Production
Duties may include:
Produce and direct company video projects. Create storyboards using the script as a guide to refine the continuity of the sequences and for client approval. Design and create agency animations for local television usage. Other duties as assigned.

E. Production Art and Fabrication
Duties may include:
Produce documents and products that need to be produced in-house on the appropriate printer. Fabricate end-product according to job. Other duties as assigned.

F. Department Administration
Duties may include:
Organize and plan all phases of projects. Establish goals and planning for projects. Purchase graphics, computer, photography and printing supplies and services. Other duties as assigned.

Job Demands

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting.


• Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds.


• Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision.


• Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.


• Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone.


• Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone.


• Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.

Knowledge and Abilities

Required Knowledge of:

• Equipment and accessories which may include filters, lenses, lighting, video cameras, 35mm and digital cameras, printers, copiers, and other reproductive equipment.


• Collating, folding and finishing techniques.


• Computer illustration and design applications.


• Advanced PhotoShop special effect techniques, overlays, photo manipulation, and type styling.


• Hardware and software needed to perform assigned tasks.


• Graphic design principles and techniques.


• Digital image manipulation techniques.


• Fabrication techniques to produce materials in-house.


• Graphic computer file creation and preparation.


• Multiple file formats and cross-platform issues for file distribution.


• Photography and processing techniques.


• Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.


• Print material, techniques, and processes.


• Printing processes and preparation of files, quantity relationships of ink and color, stock and binding types.


• Production, printing and finishing techniques, as it relates to design and fabrication.


• Scanning techniques for traditional film photography.


• Commercial printing process.


• Video animation techniques, preproduction, production and postproduction techniques.

• Creatively design and produce artwork or direct vendor production.


• Produce quality work within a set budget and deadline.


• Perform color correction, contrast, image correction, check bluelines and proofs for offset printing press.


• Conduct press checks and final production.


• Retouch photos.


• Prepare photo images for reproduction purposes.


• Provide camera ready copy.


• Produce computer generated video animation and graphics.


• Scan photographs for use in publications and other District projects.


• Shoot and edit video.


• Manipulate images for optimum photo quality.


• Operate a variety of printers and machines to produce a variety of printed products.


• Create files specific to project needs.


• Research and compile information from various sources.


• Create, read, manipulate, and accurately interpret maps.


• Perform daily maintenance of equipment and files.


• Accurately proofread all completed materials.


• Stay informed and knowledgeable in equipment troubleshooting techniques.


• Consult with client to define graphic needs.


• File and store artwork, printed samples, files, supplies, and photographs.


• Handle multiple deadlines.


• Participate in organization meetings, seminars, conferences, and mandatory training.

• Common word processing software.


• Common spreadsheet software.


• Common database applications.


• ERMS software concepts.


• Accounting or operations software functionality.


• Email, contact management, and scheduling software.


• Project management software.


• Presentation software.

Minimum Qualifications — Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Required Prior Experience:
Three years of progressive experience in a graphics department or an advertising agency.

Required Prior Education:
Candidate must possess an Associate’s Degree or higher in a related field such as Commercial Graphic Design.
Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on a 2 for 1 basis. (2 years of education equals 1 year of experience).