Senior Urban Design Visualization Specialist (Senior Public Relations Specialist)

Vision: Seattle is a thriving and equitable community powered by dependable transportation.
 
Mission: To deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities.
 
At Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we are recognized across the country for our efforts in combining different modes of transportation to make travel easier and more convenient. As our city grows quickly, we're always thinking about how to make transportation more accessible, safe, affordable, and reliable for people who live, work, and visit Seattle. We're passionate about creating an equitable, sustainable, and vibrant city for everyone.

We have important jobs to do at SDOT.  We look after the city's transportation network, add more bicycle and pedestrian paths, take care of over 240 bridges, and help people get better access to the regional transit system. We're a team of nearly 1,200 hardworking people, ready to serve Seattle's public transportation needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, no matter the weather. 


Position Overview:  
SDOT's Communication team is seeking an experienced and talented Senior Urban Design Visualization Specialist (under the City's classification title of Senior Public Relations Specialist) to create high-quality, accessible visuals that effectively communicate complex transportation projects to the public. This role requires a strong focus on producing 2D and 3D visualizations for streetscapes, roadways, bike lanes, and public space projects. Additionally, the position includes creating graphics and multimedia content to support public engagement and storytelling about SDOT’s work.

Examples of rendering/visualization and capabilities we are seeking: 

• https://www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/albums/72157647239438440/
• https://www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/sets/72177720312716002/
• https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/projects-and-programs/programs/transit-program/transit-plus-multimodal-corridor-program/madison-rapidride-g-line#downtowndesign

This is a unique opportunity to join SDOT, a nationally recognized leader in municipal transportation, and contribute to delivering world-class visuals that highlight Seattle’s transportation initiatives. If you have the skills, passion, and experience to fulfill this critical role, we encourage you to apply and help us bring our projects to life. This position will report to the Content Strategist.

1. 2D and 3D Renderings: Develop detailed and accurate, high-quality 2D and 3D renderings that clearly visualize urban design and transportation projects.
2. Graphics and Multimedia Design: Produce clear, engaging graphics, videos, and infographics that support SDOT’s public outreach efforts, adhering to accessibility and brand standards. 
3. Collaborative Development: Work closely with multidisciplinary teams like Communications, Public Engagement, Project Management, and Information Technology teams to create and refine visualization workflows.
4. Data Visualizations: Convert technical files, such as construction documents, across software platforms like AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Rhino into clear, visually compelling materials.
5. Creative and Accessible Innovation: Bring new ideas, industry knowledge, and continuous improvement to all projects, following accessibility standards and SDOT guidelines.
6. Race & Social Justice Initiative: Support department goals in promoting diversity and social justice.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires two (2) years professional experience in public relations, marketing, journalism, or related field involving the preparation and distribution of public information materials, and a Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or related field (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).
• Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility. 

Successful candidates will possess many of these additional qualifications or be able to demonstrate comparable experience and expertise:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Design, Architecture, Industrial Design, or Multimedia/Graphic Design are also strongly encouraged to apply.
• Proven ability to create urban design visualizations and renderings. Candidates will be required to provide urban development design and/or streetscape visualization samples and complete a skills demonstration during the interview process with a design tool of their choosing.
• Proficiency in visualization and video editing tools like AutoCAD, Revit, InfraWorks, SketchUp, Twinmotion, Tableau, Power BI, GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar software.
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills, including problem-solving, positivity, and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Excellent organizational and cross-functional collaboration skills to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines. 
• Passion for urban design and knowledge of Seattle’s transportation landscape. 
• Familiarity with transportation planning and community engagement.
• Commitment to continuous improvement: Interest in staying current with design and visualization trends, as well as new tools. 
• Effectively work in a multi-cultural workplace with a diverse customer base.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

•  Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment with hybrid options at this time.

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. Portfolio showcasing transportation-related or similar work, such as streetscape renderings, public space designs, or project visualizations, fully designed and produced by you (provide attachments or website links).

Candidates will be required to provide urban development design and/or streetscape visualization samples and complete a skills demonstration during the interview process with a design tool of their choosing. 


Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, including background check.
 
Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The full salary range for this position is $43.97 - $51.22 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans   

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.

Salary : $44 - $51