Graphic Designer-1st 6 months

Connect to a career at City Utilities! CU has been connecting our community to the services they need for every day life since 1945. From electricity to power our lives, clean water to be healthy, natural gas to stay warm, internet to keep businesses connected, to transit services to get them where they need to go.

Salary:

Graphic Designer

1st 6 months:$30.02/hour

2nd 6 months:$31.04

3rd 6 months:$31.96

Thereafter:$32.96

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Job Description:

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Under the general direction of the Supervisor – Marketing & Communications or designee, provides for all areas of utility operations a high degree of artistic design and media composition for all types of multimedia representation and visual communication, as well as finished printed materials. Ensures the messages are in line with City Utilities’ goals, priorities and values, and match the intended audience.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Works closely with management, outside service providers, vendors, and agencies to coordinate and complete graphic service requests for final delivery through print, social media, web and other visual communication methods. Discusses design concepts with customer, group leader, and/or supervisor, from concept through finished product.

2. Formulates creative design using visual aids, sketches, freehand, or digital media to render sample artwork/visual for approval. Supports visual communication through the creation of graphics, infographics, social media posts, data visualizations, slide decks, posters, flyers, GIFs, reports, and other imagery. Utilizes appropriate creative design techniques for print, multimedia presentation, and digital media to produce a high-quality finish composition.

3. Develops and implements user-centered digital design solutions by applying UX principles to create visually engaging, accessible, and intuitive designs across digital platforms.

4. Participates in production and/or marketing campaign planning sessions and meetings.

5. Writes simple copy such as headings, subheadings, captions, and social media text to support graphic designs and visual projects.

6. Evaluates design requests to ensure they follow corporate guidelines. Utilizes skills, knowledge, and imagination to determine appropriate style, technique, and media best suited to produce desired effect and conform to distribution and reproduction requirements. Maintains the CU brand consistently throughout marketing materials.

7. Develops and proofs original designs and layouts for printed materials, online presentations, displays, multimedia, social media, websites, video, etc., using the appropriate equipment and software.

8. Employs photography, videography, or digital media when required to aid in producing finished assignments.

9. Accomplishes assigned project requests and all necessary activities for timely delivery and distribution.

10. Complies with all safety and environmental procedures.

11. Complies with training and professional development as assigned or required by department supervisor or designee.

12. Researches current graphics trends and improves technical skills by seeking out informational tutorials.

13. Assists Printing Services with project production and finishing work. Must operate and maintain all equipment related to Print Shop, Graphics, and Copy Services including copy machines, digital presses, printers, and other print shop equipment to produce high-quality products. Services and makes minor adjustments of equipment while maintaining high-quality control techniques. Finishes work may include padding, trimming, drilling, folding, perforating, stitching, collating, laminating, binding, and numbering.

14. Observes and complies with all CU policies and procedures relative to completing assignments and responsibilities, and established procedures relative to operations in the Creative Services Department.

15. Picks up and delivers completed printed matter to requesting department.

16. Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in Visual Communication, Graphic Design, or related field is required. Exceptional experience and skills may be considered in lieu of a degree on a year-for-year basis. Two years’ recent experience in graphic media design in an in-house graphic arts or media arts department is required. Experience using a variety of software for design, illustration, publishing, and multimedia presentation applications required. Experience in Adobe Creative Cloud products including Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and Adobe Express is required. Experience with video animation using Adobe After Effects is preferred.

Licensing/Certification:

A valid driver’s license (minimum Class F) is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

o Print production processes and industry standards, including color management, typography, and layout best practices.

o UX design methodologies

o Translate user needs into intuitive digital experiences that enhance engagement, accessibility, and functionality across web and mobile platforms.

o Work effectively under pressure to complete assignments to meet deadlines, with accuracy and with exceptional attention to detail.

o Be customer-focused and project a positive image of the Utility to all customers.

o Manage multiple tasks concurrently.

o Work independently on a variety of projects simultaneously.

o Take projects from start to finish with minimal supervision.

o Successfully navigate various electronic programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suites, other applicable information technology applications, and self-service platforms.

Physical Requirements:

Physical requirements include: sitting, standing, grasping, bending, reaching, pushing and pulling. Must be able to lift paper and supplies (occasionally up to 60 lbs.). Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word and receive detailed information through oral communication. Substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, and close visual acuity to operate a computer is required.

Working Conditions:

Primarily indoor environment; however, may be required to perform field duties outside in all weather conditions. Photography, production studio, and graphic art production environment with possible exposure to adverse weather conditions, locations, and time of day. Print shop environment with some exposure to noise, inks, solvents, and materials associated with printing equipment.

Safety Sensitive Position:

A safety-sensitive position involves the performance of duties which may have a direct and immediate impact on the safety of the public and other public employees. This is not a safety sensitive position.

Miscellaneous Requirements:

There is no automatic progression to the Group Leader-Graphic Design classification.*

TESTING:

Testing may be required.

EEO

City Utilities offers equal employment opportunities to individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, genetic information or marital status. Learn more about CU and EEO.