Graphic Designer (Substitute)

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision of assigned supervisor and/or graphics staff, produces a variety of publication, graphic design, and instructional graphics; assists other staff in the design of publications and materials; coordinates and participates in the production of the annual schedule of classes and student handbook, involving computer applications, graphic design, concept development, and layout; performs a variety of duties related to the production of signage; operates and maintains a variety of equipment used in the production of graphic materials; and performs a variety of technical duties relative to assigned area.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey level class within the Graphic Designer series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Senior Graphic Designer in that the latter assumes responsibility for coordinating and producing the most complex graphic design materials and serving as a lead worker on assigned projects. Employees at the Graphic Designer level have the ability to work independently and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Design, compose, and produce a variety of publication, graphic design, and instructional graphic materials including brochures, posters, fliers, newsletters, logos, signs, program announcements and related materials; create and cut mats; mount and laminate artwork.

Assist administrative, classified, and certificated staff in designing, composing and producing graphic materials as necessary.

Utilize and maintain a computer and a wide variety of graphic software, graphic techniques, desktop publishing techniques, production equipment and supplies to assist in preparing and/or designing layouts and producing graphic materials; ensure proper storage and backup of computer files; recommend new systems and software to improve production quality.

Coordinate schedule of classes edits and updates with College staff; resolve design problems; advise College and District staff of effective reproduction and layout techniques for assigned publications.

Assist in the establishment of production schedules and priorities to meet deadlines; monitor and track projects to ensure proper and timely completion of assigned publications.

Assist in determining work to be completed by outside vendors for assigned publications; assist in preparing project specifications and in selecting appropriate vendor; assist in working with vendors to ensure proper reproduction quality of publications.

Assist in press checks and final runs for assigned publications.

As assigned, meet with College departments to coordinate the production of College publications including the annual schedule of classes and student handbook; participate in designing, updating, formatting, and proofing of the schedule; compose bid specifications; interface with vendors; attend press checks.

Use a variety of equipment in the production of signage and visuals.

Convert various graphic images and publications for alternative platforms including the internet and television.

Provide technical direction to classroom video tapings; operate video cameras and electronic editing systems; edit taped footage; insert graphic edits.

Photograph various personnel and campus events; operate and maintain a variety of equipment including cameras, lenses, enlargers, and duplicating machines; produce photographs and slides.

Participate in developing and maintaining an archive storage system for college and/or district photograph/transparency and document materials; organize, categorize, protect, house, archive and maintain all past and current college/district historic materials; ensure materials are available for staff and outside resources; prepare materials for web page, print, and display purposes.

Operate a variety of audio and stereo equipment in order to monitor, record, and duplicate music.

Operate a variety of graphic and printing equipment and machines including cameras, copiers, scanners, computers, and printers.

Train and provide technical work direction of part time and student assistants; schedule and review activities to ensure that work is completed in a timely and appropriate manner; monitor and verify timecards for processing; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies.

Perform a variety of administrative duties including maintaining files and records; calculate the cost to be billed to each client after completion of publications using the department’s established price list; complete invoices for submission to clients.

Serve as liaison with clients, students, staff, vendors, other departments, and the general public; respond to inquiries in person and over the phone; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.

Assist in ordering and maintaining inventories of supplies, materials, and equipment; schedule and pick-up deliveries; requisition service and repairs from designated vendor; perform routine repairs and maintenance on equipment; arrange new product demonstrations.

Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

Operations, services, and activities of visual communication, graphic design, and print production.

Principles and practices of graphic composition, design, illustration, and production.

Basic operational characteristics of desktop publishing and graphics materials and tools used in the area of assignment.

Methods and techniques of page layout, drawing, sign layout, and photo manipulation software.

Operation and use of design and graphic equipment including cameras, computers, printers,  plotters, and scanners.

Principles and procedures of recordkeeping.

English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Ability to:

Plan and organize assigned publications to ensure quality publications are completed in a timely and cost effective manner.

Compose, design, and develop a variety of instructional graphics including posters, flyers, and signs.

Perform desktop publishing functions utilizing applicable computer software and graphics materials.

Manipulate images, design, and layout printed materials.

Operate a variety of design, scanning, computer and camera equipment.

Work independently in the absence of supervision.

Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Work with and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the varied racial, ethnic, cultural, sexual orientation, academic, socio-economic, and disabled populations of community college students.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in graphic design, visual communications, or a related field.

Experience:

Two years of increasingly responsible experience in the development of graphic materials for visual communication.