Graphic Specialist

Snohomish County Public Works is hiring a talented individual to fill a key Graphics Specialist II position with our award-winning, strategic, and creative Communications Team within the Transportation and Environmental Services (TES) Division.

As a Graphics Specialist II, you will assist in public outreach regarding Public Works projects and programs while also promoting the department's various services.

Some of the specific duties include:

• Utilizing different graphics programs, software, and equipment, such as InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, CorelDraw, Canva and StoryMap.
• Using various methods and techniques in the production and presentation of brochures and pamphlets, electronic media, internet and computer-based communications, and audiovisual presentation methods and equipment.
• Exhibiting knowledge of graphic art techniques, methods, and materials, photographic techniques and equipment, consumer/market research methods and video editing techniques.
• Collaborating with team members to produce video products for display, web, social media, and government cable channel programs.

The successful candidate will be a self-starter with strong graphics and video editing skills, innovative thinking, and an abundance of creative energy. Possessing a positive, collaborative attitude and the ability to work effectively in a team environment are also necessities.

The Communications Team is responsible for creating public awareness about Public Works projects and services, through various forms of media communications. Other responsibilities within the Transportation and Environmental Services (TES) division include traffic operations and maintenance, planning and prioritizing County road activities, and performing environmental reviews of projects.

Benefits

Snohomish County is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family and will be invested in your success and growth. We are proud to offer an outstanding benefit package to employees and their dependents. We offer competitive wages; job flexibility and stability; pension opportunities; and employer paid ORCA cards. Snohomish County will be invested in your success and growth and offers the following benefits to our employees. Your salary is only part of your Total Compensation Package:

• Retirement: County employees participate in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) administered by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
• Medical benefits: The County offers a choice of three comprehensive medical insurance plans with low deductibles. The county’s contribution to this benefit is significant.
• Flexible work schedules for some positions.
• Career development training
• Sick leave: You will accrue eight (8) hours of sick leave per month.
• Vacation Leave: You will start out accruing 8 hours of vacation leave per month totaling 2.4 weeks of vacation in your first year. Your leave accruals increase based on your years of employment with the County.
• Holiday Pay: The County observes eleven (11) paid legal holidays per year and provides employees with two (2) floating holidays annually.
• Benefits: The County offers a wide range of benefits including, medical, and dental, vision, life insurance, LTD, deferred compensation and more.
• Deferred Compensation: If you choose to participate in the Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP), the County will match your contributions up to 1 percent of your base monthly salary.
• Pay Increases: Each year you will be eligible for a step increase until you reach the top step.
• Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA): Effective January 1, 2025, wage and salary tables will experience an increase of 3.63%.

Teleworking Options

The work associated with this position can be performed with a hybrid of remote work and in-office work as needed and assigned. For employees who prefer to work in the office full time, that option is also available.

Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Snohomish County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. A Snohomish County Telework agreement is required for employees assigned to telework.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their Snohomish County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

About Snohomish County

Snohomish County, north of Seattle, is located in northwest Washington between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. The county has rich scenery, numerous activities, and a thriving economy. Snohomish County is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family.

Snohomish County The Future We Choose

For information about this job opportunity and posting, please email: SPW-Recruitment.

Job Duties

BASIC FUNCTION

Facilitates County’s visual communications projects by performing advanced and specialized skills and abilities in graphic design and production. Assures that production schedules and specifications on quality standards are adhered to.

STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

1. Strategizes and coordinates with team members, project managers, supervisors and other staff members to strategically conceptualize, plan, design and produce graphic design deliverables; schedules work to meet deadlines; prepares cost estimates for projects; and maintains positive client relations.
2. Develops, designs and produces advanced designs, layouts, and illustrations; prepares mock-ups and conceptual graphic materials; coordinates review process; revises and redesigns as required; performs all necessary functions required to carry graphics projects from concept to completion.
3. Researches and coordinates vendor selection, write bid specifications, obtains price quotes, monitors expenses and budget, communicates instructions and performs press and quality checks.
4. Develops, designs and produces a variety of graphic materials for public meetings and special events including signage, displays, banners, flyers, posters, forms and informational materials.
5. Strategizes, advises, and assists with creation and setup of displays and exhibits at meetings and special events to ensure proper placement, visibility, and physical care of graphic materials.
6. Designs and produces a variety of visual and graphics materials using computerized graphics programs, software, and equipment. Maintains current knowledge of required software and equipment.
7. Develops and maintain filing systems, catalogs, documents and manages graphic and photos resources, and digital and physical files to ensure care and security of graphic tools, supplies, records, and equipment.
8. Researches, analyzes and recommends software, video, subscriptions and other tools for graphic uses before submitting requests for graphics supplies and equipment.
9. Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in graphic design, graphic arts, digital or visual communications, fine arts or related field; AND two (2) years of experience in a related field. Proficient use of graphics software and production equipment is required; OR, any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities. Must pass job related tests.

Special Requirements

A valid Washington State driver’s license may be required for employment.

Job offers are contingent on successful completion of reference and background checks. Snohomish County will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.

Additional Information

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• graphic design and desktop publishing software applications;
• graphic and visual arts equipment use and care;
• content management system, social media platforms, photography, web design, and video;
• advanced principles of design, layout, typography, and production of printed materials;
• advanced expertise in one or more specific disciplines in the graphic arts field.

Ability to:

• translate project or program branding/positioning/messaging into strategic graphic formats and materials;
• create innovative solutions and deliverables that are effective in targeting the requested audience;
• coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, requiring significant planning and organization skills;
• provide samples of completed graphic design and printed materials that indicate professional-level ability to utilize typography, illustration, and other graphic elements effectively;
• communicate effectively both orally and in writing with diverse groups at multiple organizational levels, as well as the ability to recommend effective design solutions to clients;
• establish and maintain effective work relationships with supervisors, peers, associates, media representatives, and the general public;
• use advanced software and equipment to produce graphic materials for a variety of media.

SUPERVISION

The employee reports to and receives direction from a supervisor. Work is reviewed through meetings and periodic status reports and by evaluation or results obtained.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work is performed in the usual office environment. Participation in night meetings and occasional work on weekends and holidays may be required.

Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.

Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.

EEO policy and ADA notice