Graphics Designer, Maps

About the Role

As a Graphic Designer specializing in Maps on Metro’s Customer Experience team, you’ll transform complex transit data into clear, accessible, and visually compelling maps and wayfinding solutions. Your work will support customers across stations, rail lines, bus routes, special events, and service changes through print, digital, and environmental graphics. This role offers a unique opportunity to combine cartographic expertise, design excellence, and public service while contributing to one of the nation’s most recognized transit systems. The position is based on-site at Metro’s L’Enfant Plaza headquarters in Washington, DC.

Responsibilities

• Designs, produces, and maintains customer-facing maps across print and digital platforms, supporting bus, rail, parking, and station access environments.
• Translates GIS, network, and operational data into clear, accurate, and user-centered cartographic products.
• Develops and stewards standardized map components, including symbology, legends, color systems, typography, and layer logic.
• Supports Wayfinding and Service Information's ownership of customer-facing map standards, documentation, version control, and asset organization.
• Ensures map products meet accessibility, usability, and governance requirements, including WCAG compliance and cross-device use.
• Coordinates cross-functional inputs from Planning, Operations, Maintenance, Digital, and Design partners to align data and design intent.
• Supports project management and contract oversight for map design and production, including review of contractor deliverables.
• Collaborates on broader wayfinding and service information initiatives and assists with non-map graphic design work as needed to ensure systemwide consistency.
• Supports other Customer Experience graphic design projects as needed.
• Maintains awareness of cartographic, GIS, and graphic design trends through professional development.
• Incorporates stakeholder feedback into revised deliverables in a timely manner.
• Manages multiple projects simultaneously and communicates effectively regarding priorities and deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, Fine Arts, Geographic Information Systems, or related field. In lieu of a Bachelor’s Degree, a High School Diploma/GED and four (4) years of graphics, GIS, cartography, and/or multimedia design experience, in addition to the experience stated below, will be considered.
• A minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated graphic and multimedia design experience, within an advertising agency or in-house design, and/or experience producing customer-facing maps or spatial information products preferred.

Skills

• Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop).
• Working knowledge of GIS platforms and geospatial data formats (e.g., ESRI, ArcGIS, QGIS, or equivalent).
• Strong attention to detail, particularly for spatial accuracy, labeling, and visual consistency.
• Effective collaboration and communication skills across technical and non-technical teams.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of cartographic principles, spatial data visualization, and map generalization techniques.
• Knowledge of customer-facing wayfinding systems and multimodal transit environments.
• Knowledge of service design, accessibility standards, usability principles, and human-centered design practices.
• Knowledge of serving diverse audiences and related cultural and language sensitivities.
• Knowledge of Agile methodologies.

Abilities

• Ability to translate complex spatial and operational data into intuitive visual formats.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to present and explain design and cartographic decisions clearly to stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating across multiple teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Cartography, Geographic Information Systems, or Urban Planning strongly preferred.
• Experience designing maps for transportation, wayfinding, or complex service environments.
• Familiarity with WCAG and accessibility standards for visual information.
• Experience supporting or coordinating vendor and contractor design deliverables.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), known as Metro, is the region’s leading public transportation provider. Serving a 2,054-square-mile jurisdiction, Metro operates six rail lines, 98 stations, 126 bus routes, and Metro Access, a shared-ride paratransit service. As one of the nation’s busiest transit systems, Metro connects communities, supports economic growth, and provides safe, reliable transportation.