Associate Graphic Designer

About the Role

Under general supervision, you will transfer verbal and written ideas into effective visual presentations by creating varied graphic designs using computer applications and other graphic design tools. This includes digital ads, web banners, infographics, illustrations, posters, pamphlets, fliers, banners, displays, and materials for inclusion in publications.

The Associate Graphic Designer is the entry-level professional classification within the Graphic Designer series. You will receive guidance on planning direction, completion schedules, and theme/design concepts for complex projects, distinguishing this role from the full journey-level Graphic Designer, who works more independently.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, lay out, and create a variety of images and illustrations for reports, brochures, maps, posters, charts, graphs, banners, fliers, advertisements, logos, promotional items, graphical assets, and other educational/informational publications using computer and graphic design methods.
• Design digital communications, including social media graphics, infographics, online newsletters, web banners, and other graphics.
• Recommend visual presentation methods, including theme, styles, and format for simple art projects, and receive technical direction for complex, multi-page productions.
• Follow, implement, and support established County graphic design standards and policies.
• Take and edit digital photographs and videos at news conferences, community events, and photo shoots.
• Prepare specifications for printers and collaborate with internal and external printing/duplication services.
• Perform other related duties as required.
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) as required.

Requirements

Education and experience equivalent to one of the following:

• An associate degree in graphic design, visual communications, photography, or a closely related field; or
• Completion of 60 college semester units (90 quarter units) with relevant analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory, or management experience that includes interpreting rules/regulations, data gathering, and report writing (substitutable year-for-year for education); and
• One year of full-time equivalent experience in graphic art design, digital arts, or web applications using graphic design software.

Special Requirements

• Ability to travel to alternate work locations.
• If driving, possession of a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment and ability to qualify for/maintain County driver authorization.
• All County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs) and must complete assigned DSW-related training and return to work as ordered in emergencies.

Knowledge

• Principles and methods of designing and presenting materials for publication.
• Desktop publishing, graphics, and word processing software.
• Photography, scanning, typography, and art materials/equipment used in illustration.
• Reproduction and printing processes, materials, and equipment.
• Freehand drawing techniques.
• Interpreting statistical data via charts and graphs.
• Effective materials and colors for composition.
• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Common computer systems and applications.
• Inclusive design elements and culturally appropriate practices for diverse audiences.

Skills

• Creative skills for drawings, tracings, charts, graphs, maps, and diagrams.
• Proficiency in desktop publishing/graphics software and other media.
• Ability to translate verbal/written ideas into visual presentations.
• Managing simple production projects from inception to completion.
• Working under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Effective oral and written communication with diverse audiences.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues, the public, and other agencies.