Associate Wayfinding Designer

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, and sustainability and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Associate Wayfinding Designer will provide design support for the MBTA Wayfinding Program. The focus of this program is the implementation of a user-friendly and ADA-compliant navigation system throughout the MBTA, supporting the broader mission of the Customer Experience and System-Wide Accessibility Departments to create safe, dependable, and inclusive public transportation. Under the direction of the Manager of Graphics & Wayfinding and Senior Wayfinding Designers, the Associate Wayfinding Designer will carry out environmental graphic design standards, permanent and temporary station signage, and related tasks in compliance with the requirements of the Boston Center for Independent Living Lawsuit Settlement.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Using proprietary sign design software, produce working sign files, final graphic artwork, and modify sign schedules, under the direction of senior Wayfinding Designers and Manager of Graphics & Wayfinding
• Assist senior Wayfinding Designers and Managers of Graphics & Wayfinding with their work with consultants on station wayfinding plans and drawings to create signage contract drawings.
• Maintain organized, accurate, and updated graphic and architectural files for the purpose of consistent archival referencing and final production.
• Assist with reviewing design contract drawings at each submittal stage.
• Assist with reviewing RFIs, construction documents, shop drawings, and sign samples to help ensure signage is correctly executed and implemented.
• Assist with ongoing projects in the design and construction phases, as needed.
• Review transit maps for accuracy and consistency.
• Organize and maintain the office sign sample library.
• Assist with research on sign materials and specifications.
• Attend site visits to assist with reviewing and documenting existing conditions and paths of travel
• Assist with construction phase site visits to review signage implementation conformance and compile punch lists.
• Photo-document wayfinding signage at MBTA stations as needed.
• Stay current with architectural, environmental, and graphic design technology and trends.
• Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor, or co-worker in a courteous and professional manner.
• Perform related duties and projects as assigned.
  
  
  

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in architecture, environmental graphics, graphic design, or related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of demonstrated experience in the architectural field (Internship or Coop Experience Accepted.)
• Experience with reviewing construction documents and shop drawings.
• Demonstrated experience providing technical graphic production and architectural support throughout the design and production process.
• Proficient in industry-related software including Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, AutoCAD, and Microsoft 365.
• Strong technical production, research, analytical, coordination, and communication skills.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines in a scheduled and methodical manner.
• Excellent and effective customer service, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
  
  
  

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Previous Architecture or Wayfinding experience
• Experience in transit or multi-disciplined infrastructure programs.
  
  
  

Substitutions Include

• A High School Diploma or GED with an additional five (5) years of directly related experience substitutes for the Bachelor’s degree requirement.
• An Associate’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field plus an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the Bachelor’s degree requirement
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience
  
  
  

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team (or supervise, if required)
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection)
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service
  
  
  

Disclaimers and Definitions:

• General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
• Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
• Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
• Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
• Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
• On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
• Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
• ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com .
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer . For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions .