Lead Photographer, New Mexico Goatheads

Job Description

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Lead Photographer

JOB SUMMARY : The Lead Photographer is responsible for capturing high-quality photography that documents New Mexico Goatheads games, players, fans, promotions, partners, community initiatives, and team events. This position will serve as the primary game-day photographer and help ensure consistent visual coverage across the Goatheads' digital, social, marketing, communications, and sponsorship platforms. The Lead Photographer will also coordinate with additional photographers and help establish coverage priorities for each event. The ideal candidate is experienced in fast-paced sports photography, highly organized, and capable of delivering professional images on tight deadlines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING:

• Serve as the primary photographer for New Mexico Goatheads home games and select events.
• Capture game action, player arrivals, warmups, celebrations, fan engagement, promotions, sponsorship activations, entertainment, and other key moments.
• Work with the Marketing and Communications staff to identify photography priorities and required shots.
• Provide direction and coordinate coverage assignments with additional photographers when applicable.
• Capture images suitable for social media, website, marketing, public relations, sponsorship fulfillment, and archival use.
• Edit, organize, caption, and deliver photos within established timelines.
• Maintain consistent image quality and visual standards across team photography.
• Assist with player portraits, promotional shoots, community appearances, team events, and other photography needs.
• Maintain and properly care for photography equipment.
• Organize and manage image files and photo archives as assigned.
• Stay aware of game presentation and event flow to anticipate key photographic moments.
• Other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous professional or collegiate sports photography experience strongly preferred.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating action, event, portrait, and low-light photography.
• Proficiency with professional DSLR or mirrorless camera systems and lenses.
• Experience with photo editing software, including Adobe Lightroom and/or Photoshop.
• Strong understanding of exposure, composition, autofocus, shutter speed, and arena lighting conditions.
• Ability to edit and deliver images quickly during or immediately following events.
• Strong organizational and file-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and coordinate effectively with other photographers and staff.
• Knowledge of hockey and ability to anticipate game action strongly preferred.
• Reliable and punctual with the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays based on the New Mexico Goatheads schedule.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & EXPECTATIONS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others; move throughout the facility; stand or remain in a stationary position for extended periods; traverse stairs, seating areas, ice-level locations, and hard or potentially slippery surfaces; and operate professional photography equipment.
• Must be able to transport, position, or move photography equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Position may require frequent standing, walking, kneeling, bending, and repositioning throughout events.
• Must be comfortable working near live hockey action and in loud, fast-paced arena environments.
• This position may require work inside or outside of a building and in varying temperatures or weather conditions.
• Must be able to work extended and non-traditional hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this job.

Rio Rancho LLC is an equal opportunity employer. A diverse workforce representing varied backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences is key to delivering on our promise to our fans and the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.