Photographer

Mississippi State University; Starkville (CO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University is seeking a photographer to expand visibility by creating high-quality images that align with the branding campaign. The role covers campus-wide events, studio and field shooting, and stock photography to enhance the unit's image library.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree in photography or related field and at least two years of relevant experience, with proficiency in digital photography equipment and software such as Photoshop and Lightroom.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in photography or related field
• Proficiency with digital photography equipment and software

Responsibilities

• Executes a large variety of photography assignments, including location, studio, scientific research, portrait, environmental and event for use in news, marketing/branding, publication and video production, social media and archives.
• Plans photo composition; analyzes subject matter; exercises artistic judgment; has professional knowledge of equipment, lighting, angles, props and backgrounds to produce high-quality images.
• Coordinates with administration and colleagues; serves as a source on equipment and techniques for others.
• Collaborates with administration to ensure consistent output of high-quality photos.
• Catches stock photos when not on assignment; prepares for shoots; processes, edits and archives digital files.
• Prepares photos for distribution, website and presentations; helps select images for projects; assists in purchasing equipment and software.

Skills

Digital photography

Studio lighting

Photo editing

2+ years experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Photography or related field

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Lightroom

Photoshelter

Photo Mechanic

Job description

Position Function:

The photographer works to expand the state, regional and national visibility of Mississippi State University through conceiving, executing and delivering high-quality, professional images that align with the university mission and the current branding campaign. The photographer covers all areas of the university, including a variety of indoor and outdoor events, some of which require availability outside regular work hours and minimal travel. Photographic collaboration with the support of all campus partners is expected.

Salary Grade

14

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Executes a large variety of photography assignments, including location, studio, scientific research, portrait, environmental and event for use in news, marketing/branding, publication and video production, social media and archives.
• Plans photo composition; analyzes subject matter; exercises artistic judgment; has professional knowledge of appropriate equipment, lighting, angles, props and backgrounds to select, adjust and use for production of high-quality images.
• Handles a mix of photo assignments, production activities, coordination and consultation, and office activities in cooperation with the administration and colleagues; serves as a source on equipment and techniques for colleagues and clients.
• Collaborates proactively with administration and colleagues to ensure consistent output of high-quality photos.
• When not on assignment, captures stock photos to improve the unit's stock image collection; prepares for photo shoots; processes, adjusts and enhances digital files for optimum results; archives files in a timely manner.
• Prepares photos for new distribution, client use, exhibits, university website and presentations; assists administration and colleagues with finding appropriate images for various projects; and works to select and assist in purchasing equipment, software and supplies as appropriate.
• Follows department procedures for filing, documenting and maintaining images; and maintains upkeep of equipment to keep it working properly.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and at least two years of relevant photographic experience
• Proficiency in digital photography equipment and software

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to handle RAW files via Bridge and/or Lightroom
• Competency in Photoshop & plug-ins, as needed, to edit individual files to publication quality

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Desirable skills include a working knowledge of Photo Mechanic, Digital Asset Management (DAM), including Photoshelter, Excel and Word.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion
• Often exposed to heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc.
• Frequent shifts in work priority: interruptions requiring immediate attention; unusual pressure due to accountability for success and project completion
• Frequently requires standing, walking, sitting, reaching, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands
• Ability to see information in print and/or electronically, and ability to distinguish colors
• Required work outside the standard 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, [phone].

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: [phone] or [e-mail].

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail]. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.