Graphic Designer I

Come be a part of VTA’s Creative Services team! We are seeking a talented individual that’s looking for the next step in their career building. Help design visually appealing messages that promote public transportation and alternatives to solo driving in Santa Clara County. This is an entry-level position with potential for growth. We look forward to you joining our team!
 
Ideal Candidate
We are seeking an exceptional candidate to join our Creative Services team as a Graphic Designer I. This is an entry level position with potential for career growth.
 
You are someone that thrives in a fast-paced environment and can adapt to changing priorities with ease. Attention to detail is paramount, as you will design posters, bus wraps and other high profile promotions.
 
Strong communication skills are essential, as you will regularly interact with vendors, public officials, and project managers throughout our agency.

Classification Bargaining Unit: SEIU

 Application Deadline: 4/7/2024 at 4:00 PM

Definition

Under immediate supervision, a Graphic Designer I is responsible for the development, implementation, and coordination of a wide variety of creative graphic artwork for public information and promotional materials. Projects include newsletter publications, brochures, direct mail collateral, flyers, maps, posters, carcards, signage, displays, slide presentations, print ads, banners, web page designs, and specialty items.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the entry and working professional level in the Graphic Designer series. Positions in this class begin with close supervision and are characterized by graphic design duties that are performed with some design guidance. As the incumbent gains experience, the work will be completed with less immediate supervision and more independence. Incumbents may receive general supervision on routine assignments or may assist on more complex assignments under closer supervision. The Graphic Designer I is distinguished from the Graphic Designer II in that the latter works independently in the performance of the full range of duties in the completion of complex graphic design projects, and may lead and train staff as required.

About VTA

About the Department

Creative Services is the primary resource for creative design and production services for printed materials and web graphics to support VTA departments and capital projects. These designed materials communicate information about VTA programs and services to both internal and external customers. Creative Services also ensures that all VTA materials meet the established graphic standards, uphold and enhance VTA's image, and are easy to understand. 

Creative Services has produced high quality materials for the opening of the Levi's Stadium, annual Youth Summer Blast Pass campaign, Holly Trolley and holiday shopping services, Clipper transition collateral, the SR 237, Express Lanes opening, the BART Silicon Valley one-year milestone celebration, the Alum Rock-Santa Clara BRT groundbreaking, and transit service to Super Bowl 50.

Our Community
Typical Tasks:

• Develops, implements, and coordinates a wide variety of graphic artwork for public information and promotional materials;
• Collaborates with others in advertising campaigns;
• Updates elements for brochures, maps, posters, reports, and other marketing and public information materials;
• Within guidelines, creates simple flyers, postcards and other marketing collateral;
• Assists in the design and coordination of the construction of exhibits, displays, and models;
• Assists in updating page layouts for multi-page publications, booklets, and reports;
• Assists in preparing a variety of technical art work such as maps to illustrate planning concepts;
• Assists in web ads and web design; uploads photos/artwork to social media sites;
• Operates single-lens reflex (SLR) camera at various locations capturing traffic, vehicles, or public events;
• Consults with coworkers and other department staff requesting artwork to discuss preferences, methods of production, budgetary, scheduling, and production requirements;
• Designs and lays out publication proofs for print production;
• Coordinates design projects with vendors such as outside designers, photographers, illustrators, and service bureaus;
• Prepares printing and production specifications for print vendors; expedites deliveries of project orders;
• Meets deadlines;
• Adheres to set budgets and deadlines for all design projects;
• Maintains an adequate supply of art materials and instruments;
• Researches and keeps current on new materials, methods, and techniques of production and equipment as related to graphic design printing, presentations, computer graphic hardware and software;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

Sufficient training, education, and experience which demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks and the possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Development of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a four-year degree in Graphic Design or a related field.

Interested applicants may only meet some of the requirements. We encourage applications from any person who believes they can thrive and grow within VTA. 
While we’re welcoming to a variety of different candidates, this position could be an excellent role for a number of different profiles, including those who: 
 
REQUIRED FOR FULL CONSIDERATION: Attach your resume AND proof of your education to your application.

Attaching a COVER LETTER will also be beneficial. Knowledge of:

• Operation of computers and latest graphic software, including: Adobe Acrobat, Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop; Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
• Basic knowledge of latest web tools for building websites and creating online portfolio websites;
• Content publication on various social media platforms to communicate with the public;
• Operation of SLR digital cameras;
• Art materials and equipment including various papers, spray mount, X-Acto blades and scanners;
• Basic graphic design advertising techniques of visual presentations, layout, and typography;
• Principles and contemporary practices of the design of graphic publications and production techniques including new technological developments;
• Basic printing processes;
• Basic principles and practices of photography;
• Good customer service skills;
• Excellent organizational skills.

Ability to:

• Conceptualize and execute designs in a timely manner;
• Communicate effectively and clearly both verbally and in writing;
• Use web tools for building websites and host online portfolio;
• Publish content on various social media platforms to communicate with the public;
• Organize and prioritize in order to meet deadlines for all phases of design projects;
• Exercise creative skills in preparing a wide variety of creative and common graphic artwork for public information and promotional materials;
• Develop design projects from concept to completion, meeting deadlines throughout the process;
• Learn and determine the different types of papers, bindings, and color and quality of printers inks appropriate for a specific project;
• Learn to estimate budgets for design projects;
• Adhere to budgets for assigned projects;
• Research and keep current on new materials, methods, and techniques of production and equipment as related to graphic design printing, presentations, computer graphic hardware and software;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of business.

What’s in it for You? 

General Instructions
Please read this entire job announcement before applying for the position. Print and keep a copy of this announcement so that you can refer to it. Questions not answered within this job announcement may be sent to personnel@vta.org.

To ensure consideration, completed applications must be submitted online to the Human Resources department by the stated closing time and date posted. When the stated closing date is “continuous,” apply immediately; the position may close without notice.

You will receive an immediate email confirming receipt of your submitted application. If you do not receive this email, contact NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line at (855) 524-5627 between 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Only on-line applications will be accepted for this recruitment (paper applications or resumes will not be accepted). Job Interest Notification Cards, or copies of previous, partial, or un-submitted applications, are not an acceptable substitute to a completed application.

ALL APPLICATION AND TESTING NOTIFICATIONS WILL BE SENT BY E-MAIL. Applicants should select e-mail as the preferred method of notification. Candidates must maintain an up-to-date, valid and reliable e-mail address. Candidates are also responsible for maintaining up-to-date phone numbers and addresses on their on-line account. Due to the number of applications received, candidates must check their application status through their on-line account. Contact NeoGov for assistance if needed.
 
Information on how to apply for jobs at the VTA is available on the VTA Employment website and from the NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line (855) 524-5627. NeoGov Applicant support is available from 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
 
Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations
The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities.  If you wish to request an accommodation, call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.

 
Application Processing Information
All related current and past work experience (including VTA experience) must be listed and fully described in the Work Experience section of the application ("See Resume" is not acceptable). Incomplete or improperly completed online applications may be rejected even if you are qualified for the position for which you are applying. It is your responsibility to ensure that the online application reflects the work experience and education needed to meet the requirements for the position you are applying for. Although your resume may have all your experience and education details, please make sure to complete each section of the online application to ensure that your information is accurately captured during our screening process.
 
Important: Proof of Education, either as a copy of a diploma or transcript, is required to verify all educational units listed on your application. Official transcripts are not necessary. Copies of diplomas, degrees, transcripts, or foreign transcript evaluations must be attached to the submitted application as a pdf.
 
Note: Failure to provide all of the required documents in the appropriate format (pdf ONLY), and properly labeled as shown in the example (for example: Smith_J BS Diploma), will result in the application being rejected as incomplete. No exceptions will be made.
 
Note: Applicants holding degrees or credentials from outside the United States who are using these qualifications exclusively to qualify for a position are required to provide a foreign transcript evaluation as a pdf and properly labeled as shown above. Failure to provide a foreign transcript evaluation will result in the application being rejected as incomplete. No exceptions will be made.
 
All applications are subject to review as to meeting minimum qualifications at any point in the recruitment process. Passing any step is no guarantee of continuation if it is determined that the applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the class specification.
 
Candidates found to have exaggerated/falsified their qualifications, experience, training, and/or education may be disqualified at any point in the recruitment process and may be denied future employment with the VTA.
 
If selected for the position, candidates will be required to complete a criminal conviction disclosure form. Candidates who successfully become VTA employees, and fail to disclose any of the criminal background information as required may be subject to discipline up to and including discharge.
 
Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment. If you have questions related to an Eligible List you might be on or were on, you should contact Human Resources.

If you have questions regarding your status as an applicant for this position, please call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.

VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.  

Salary : $74,809 - $90,395