There is only one city in the country that can say it is the Nation’s Capital – Washington, D.C. Given that distinction, The Metropolitan Police Department is the premiere law enforcement organization in the city. We receive over 22 million visitors a year, have almost 700,000 residents, and 21,000 private business. The Department consists of more than 4,200 members: approximately 3,550 sworn members and over 650 civilian employees. We are one of the most diverse and highly trained departments in the country. We have the honor of safeguarding and protecting not only our nation’s residents, but also people from all over the world.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) offers an attractive benefits package. The benefits package includes competitive compensation, health insurance, prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability and life insurance, as well a strong retirement benefit and savings options. Employees are also eligible for our employer contributed 401a plan after one year of employment. Additional perks such as discounts on wireless carriers, gym memberships, amusement park tickets and much more! Additional information can be found at: DCHR Benefits
This position is located in the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Executive Office of the Chief of Police (EOCOP), Office of Communications (OC), Digital Media Unit (DMU). The primary purpose of this position is to take official photos of the MPD activities including but not limited to, special events, graduation and promotion ceremonies, planned/staged photo sessions, identification photos, and other occasions as needed. The Photographer is responsible for taking professional photographs according to client specifications. The work entails creative planning to include setting up backdrops, lighting and equipment, directing models and subjects to capture the perfect image, editing photos, and preserving images for agency use.
This Photographer position is covered under the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) bargaining unit and you may be required to pay an agency fee through direct payroll deductions.
The Incumbent Will Be Responsible For The Following

• Plans projects including the selection of subjects, backgrounds, positioning, and manner of presentation supportive of the request, objectives, and/or occasion. Scouts and identifies site locations and identifies potential subjects for photos.
• Reviews, selects, and processes the best photographs to include photo submissions from agency partners to use in MPD communications. Performs retouching and/or imaging to produce compelling photographs; edits images using Adobe PhotoShop or other software to produce high quality finished products.
• Prepares images for print and digital production (traditional print or images used online and in social media). Recommends creative ideas and solutions to achieve desired results and maintains a professional image.
• Takes photographs of MPD activities like special events, community outreach efforts, planned photo shoots, graduation and promotion ceremonies, portrait and ID Photos, and other official occasions.
• Advises on studio equipment and set up (including lighting, backdrops, and organization of space, and other factors to enhance the desired image).
• Provides advice on camera operations to peers including camera settings, composition, or technique.
• Delivers final product to internal and external customers, media, graphic designers, corporate communications, and other concerned parties. Submits and shares photos to clients, supervisors, and other customers who may need images.
• Maintains and manages photography equipment and accessories (e.g., battery, memory chips or its equivalent, etc.) and ensures supplies are sufficient for operational readiness.
• Researches and recommends photography equipment and supplies for purchase.
• Communicates with clients to set up a time and place for a photo shoot.
• Maintains records of all work completed, number of orders, and department requests. Uploads images to shared storage locations as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of photographic principles and practices sufficient to plan and photograph subjects, events, and activities and produce the desired images that meet demanding standards of detail, sequence, emphasis, and esthetics.
• Knowledge of a variety of specialized photographic equipment, techniques, and processes sufficient to complete assignments requiring high degrees of detail, critical timing, and critical focus.
• Knowledge of and skill in using computer hardware and software to generate high quality, precisely scaled photographic images. Demonstrated ability to use applicable art media such as but not limited to, Adobe Creative Suite family of products (Light room, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, and Dreamweaver), Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, Microsoft PowerPoint, and other similar software.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply a variety of photographic and processing techniques.
• Knowledge of the application of a variety of cameras (e.g., Single Lens Reflex or SLR, Digital Single Lens Reflex or SLR, Mirrorless cameras, other types of cameras appropriate to the occasion) and associated lenses, accessories, and lighting equipment and effect of alternatives approaches to a particular photography assignment.
• Knowledge of the equipment, techniques, and processes of photography; demonstrated artistic ability in selecting, arranging, and lighting subjects or other factors affecting the quality of finished products.
• Demonstrated ability to manage portrait sessions (schedule sittings, maintain studio space, request new equipment as applicable, and other variables to achieve the artistic level desired).
• Demonstrated possession of creative ideas and ability to use artistic knowledge to enhance and compose photographs.
• Knowledge of pertinent District of Columbia and federal regulations and policies as well as MPD directives, programs, and missions to understand their impact on OC/DMU programs.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively.

Licensures, Certifications And Other RequirementsN/A.
EducationHigh School Diploma or its equivalent is required.
Work ExperienceApplicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the CS-08 grade level in the District of Columbia government service or its non-District equivalent, gained from the public or private sector. Specialized experience includes but not limited to, demonstrated knowledge photographic principles and practices sufficient to plan and photograph subjects, events, and activities and produce the desired images that meet demanding standards of detail, sequence, emphasis, and esthetics; knowledge of a variety of specialized photographic equipment, techniques, and processes sufficient to complete assignments requiring high degrees of detail, critical timing, and critical focus; demonstrated skills in editing photographs to enhance the image relative to its purpose; demonstrated ability to create slide presentations; and other similar duties.
Work EnvironmentThe photographer has a dedicated office space with a desk, computer, studio lighting, backdrops, flags, and stools for specific purpose. In the field, work involves moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions (i.e., working around moving parts, carts or machines; etc.).
Other Significant FactorsPromotion Potential: This position has Promotional Potential.
Your position is “emergency” and subject to rotating shifts, to include weekends and holidays.
This Position Is Deemed As “Security Sensitive” Pursuant To Chapter 4 Of The D.C. Personnel Regulations, In Addition To The General Suitability Screening And Criminal Background Check (pre-employment And Periodic), Individuals May Be Subject To The Following Checks And Tests

• Traffic record check (as applicable);
• Pre-employment drug and alcohol test (as applicable);
• Consumer credit check (as applicable);
• Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test;
• Random drug and alcohol test;
• Return to duty or follow-up drug and alcohol test; and
• Post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test.

The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer: all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is also prohibited. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited.
Click here to review additional information Employee Disclosure & Information for Applicants