Visual Communications Specialist I/II

Merced County; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Merced County is seeking a Visual Communications Specialist to produce graphics, layouts and publications for outreach and internal communications. The role involves using advanced software for charts, logos, brochures and forms, plus managing media and publications libraries.

You will edit and prepare complex documents, train staff on software, and contribute to web pages and online forms. A relevant associate degree and several years of production software experience are expected.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience with word processing, databases, spreadsheets, or graphics software.
• Equivalent to a two-year Associate Degree with 24 units in Office Administration or Computer Studies or related field.
• One (1) year of full-time experience in production work with computer software.

Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of graphic, editing, manipulation and typography software to prepare charts, forms, logos and publications.
• Assist with outreach materials, layouts, color schemes, and complex spreadsheets and report formats.
• Maintain files, archives and information systems; manage media library and publications.
• Serve as in-house expert for assigned software package.
• Plan and perform photographic, AV, motion graphics and live stream video work.
• Research new technology and trends to meet graphic design needs and manage inventory.
• Create templates, online forms, web pages and automated presentations; proofread for standards.
• Collaborate with other departments and photograph county sites for communications.

Skills

Graphic design software

Editing

Typography

Project coordination

Education

Associate degree in Office Administration or Computer Studies

Tools

Photoshop

InDesign

Illustrator

Premiere Pro

Job description

Examples of Duties

• Performs a variety of specialized assignments using advance graphic, editing, manipulation and typography software; researches, develops, adapts, automates and prepares charts, graphics, database reports, forms, memos, logos, banners, brochures, pamphlets, letterheads, procedural manuals, slide shows, specialized documents, and other items.
• Assist with development of outreach material, coordinates, identify needs, and provides consultation on layouts, graphs, charts and color schemes and creates complex spreadsheets, database management systems, report formats, forms, ad hoc and record maintenance systems.
• Establishes and maintains a variety of files/archives, information systems, and program management tracking systems; including maintenance of media and technical library of publications, books, manuals, and internal publications.
• May serve as an in-house expert with respect to utilization of an assigned software package.
• Plans, coordinates, edits, and performs photographic, audio-visual, motion graphics, and video work including Live Stream productions. Transports, sets up, stages, operates, and breaks down audio, video, projection, and lighting equipment.
• Researches and recommends new technology and trends, software applications and materials and techniques to meet agency graphic design needs; order and maintain supplies/inventory and determines materials needed for assigned projects.
• Plans, creates and monitors projects such as template design, on-line forms, master documents, procedural manuals, web pages, automated forms processing and presentations.
• Recognizes and resolves routine hardware and software problems when they occur; performs problem solving, assessment, troubleshooting and researching of technology, software applications, setups, etc.
• Assess, develop and conduct training and curriculum for departmental users on computer software and operating systems, automated applications, and applicable software applications. This also includes preparing lesson plans, activities and teaching aids, such as handbooks and visual aids.
• Manages, maintains, and updates the Agency intranet and County internet pages to provide accurate and current information to the community.
• Proofreads all work for spelling, grammar, content, and compliance with Agency standards. Reviews final artwork to ensure layouts comply with design standards.
• Occasionally perform assignments in collaboration with other County departments or community agencies.
• Takes photographs of county sites (buildings, historical landmarks) and other subject matter relating to Merced County for visual communication and publications.
• Prepares and modifies photographs for reproduction, printing, and displaying.
• Participates in in-service training and other staff development activities to increase technical knowledge and skill in software applications and utilities.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs a variety of specialized assignments using advance graphic, editing, manipulation and typography software; researches, develops, adapts, automates and prepares charts, graphics, database reports, forms, memos, logos, banners, brochures, pamphlets, letterheads, procedural manuals, slide shows, specialized documents, and other items.
• Assist with development of outreach material, coordinates, identify needs, and provides consultation on layouts, graphs, charts and color schemes and creates complex spreadsheets, database management systems, report formats, forms, ad hoc and record maintenance systems.
• Establishes and maintains a variety of files/archives, information systems, and program management tracking systems; including maintenance of media and technical library of publications, books, manuals, and internal publications.
• May serve as an in-house expert with respect to utilization of an assigned software package.
• Plans, coordinates, edits, and performs photographic, audio-visual, motion graphics, and video work including Live Stream productions. Transports, sets up, stages, operates, and breaks down audio, video, projection, and lighting equipment.
• Researches and recommends new technology and trends, software applications and materials and techniques to meet agency graphic design needs; order and maintain supplies/inventory and determines materials needed for assigned projects.
• Plans, creates and monitors projects such as template design, on-line forms, master documents, procedural manuals, web pages, automated forms processing and presentations.
• Recognizes and resolves routine hardware and software problems when they occur; performs problem solving, assessment, troubleshooting and researching of technology, software applications, setups, etc.
• Assess, develop and conduct training and curriculum for departmental users on computer software and operating systems, automated applications, and applicable software applications. This also includes preparing lesson plans, activities and teaching aids, such as handbooks and visual aids.
• Manages, maintains, and updates the Agency intranet and County internet pages to provide accurate and current information to the community.
• Proofreads all work for spelling, grammar, content, and compliance with Agency standards. Reviews final artwork to ensure layouts comply with design standards.
• Occasionally perform assignments in collaboration with other County departments or community agencies.
• Takes photographs of county sites (buildings, historical landmarks) and other subject matter relating to Merced County for visual communication and publications.
• Prepares and modifies photographs for reproduction, printing, and displaying.
• Participates in in-service training and other staff development activities to increase technical knowledge and skill in software applications and utilities.

Minimum Qualifications

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST I

EITHER, I

Experience:

Three (3) years of increasingly responsible full time experience which require proficiency in performing a variety of production work with computer word processing, database, spreadsheet, web page design, desktop publishing, or graphics software.

OR, II

Education:

Equivalent to completion of a two (2) year Associate Degree from an accredited college or university with at least twenty (24) units in Office Administration or Computer Studies or another closely related field.

AND

Experience:

One (1) year of full time experience which require proficiency in performing a variety of production work with computer word processing, database, spreadsheet, web page design, desktop publishing, or graphics software.

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST II

EITHER, I

Experience:

Two (2) years of increasingly responsible full time experience performing a variety of computer processing and applications assignments which require proficiency in performing a variety of production work with computer word processing, database, spreadsheet, web page design, desktop publishing, or graphics software equivalent to a Visual Communications Specialist I with Merced County.

OR, II

Experience:

Three (3) years of increasingly responsible full time experience which require proficiency in performing a variety of production work with computer word processing, database, spreadsheet, web page design, desktop publishing, or graphics software.

THIS JOB SPECIFICATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPLY THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE STANDARDS OF THE POSITION. INCUMBENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW OTHER INSTRUCTIONS AND TO PERFORM OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THEIR SUPERVISOR.

Essential Functions

• Operate a personal computer, peripheral devices, scanners, printers and other modern office equipment.
• Operate a camera for photography and videography and peripherals.
• Frequent use of hand-eye coordination including repetitive hand and arm motions.
• Consistently sits for extended periods.
• Occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
• Lift and move with help objects weighing over 20 pounds.
• Occasionally bend or reach to obtain needed materials from shelving units
• Conduct research, develop, adapt, automate, install, operate and maintain department software applications.
• Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
• Analyze data, interpret policies, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate conclusions.
• Perform assignments which require previous experience and familiarity working with computer software programs in areas such as word processing, database, desktop publishing and graphics.
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
• Proofreading and editing various documents for grammar usage, punctuation, and spelling.
• Establish and maintain document archives.
• Perform job duties under stressful conditions.
• Respond appropriately to situations.
• Regular attendance is an essential function.

Knowledge Of

• Personal computer operating systems, software and database applications.
• Laws, rules, regulations, policies, and objectives of the Department.
• Methods and techniques used in researching, proofing, evaluating, gathering, organizing, and arranging data.
• Report writing and proper format and style.
• Principles of graphic design elements.
• Effective methods of training and presentations skills.
• Record keeping and time-management practices and procedures.

Ability To

• Learn and develop skills with the more advanced and complex capabilities of computer software programs.
• Prepare a variety of reports, correspondence, documents, statistical data, graphs, and charts using a computer and software packages.
• Provide training and assistance for others in computer and software use.
• Read and understand detailed and complicated instructions and software manuals.
• Organize work schedules and budget time efficiently.
• Work productively under time pressure and with interruptions.
• Exercise tact when dealing with others.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.