Description

Definition
 

Under general supervision, to transfer verbal and written ideas into effective visual presentation by creating varied graphic designs produced through computer applications and other graphic design tools, including digital ads, web banners, infographics, illustrations, posters, pamphlets, fliers, banners, displays, and for inclusion in publications. Under general supervision, to prepare a variety of educational and informative materials including posters, pamphlets, fliers, banners, displays and for inclusion in publications; produced through computer applications and other graphic design tools.

 
Distinguishing Characteristics
 

The Associate Graphic Designer is the entry professional level classification within the Graphic Designer series. The Associate Graphic Designer is distinguished from the Graphic Designer classification in that the Graphic Designer works independently to develop themes, formats and production methods for varied, complex or specialized projects using a wide variety of multi-media graphic compositions, publications and other visual materials. The Associate Graphic Designer receives guidance in terms of planning direction, completion schedules, and theme and design of concepts to be conveyed for complex projects. 

The Graphic Designer classification is the full journey-level classification within the Graphic Designer series. The Graphic Designer works independently to develop themes, formats and production methods for varied, complex or specialized projects using a wide variety of multi-media graphic compositions, publications and other visual materials, whereas the Associate Graphic Designer receives guidance in terms of planning direction, completion schedules, and theme and design of concepts to be conveyed for complex projects. Graphic Designer’s may provide lead supervision over lower-level Graphic Designers and support staff, as needed.

 
Typical Tasks
 

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

Plans, designs, lays out, and creates a variety of images and illustrations for reports, brochures, maps, posters, charts, graphs, banners, fliers, advertisements, logos, promotional items, graphical assets, and/or other educational and informational publications requiring personal interpretation, editing, and research of subject matter through a variety of computer and graphic design methods and tools;
 

Designs digital communications including social media graphics, infographics, online newsletters, web banners and other graphics;
 

Recommends methods of visual presentation including theme, styles, and format for simple art projects and receives technical direction in these areas for complex and detailed, multi-page, multi-colored productions;
 

Follows, implements, and supports established County graphic design standards and policies;
 

Takes digital photographs and videos at news conferences, community events and photo shoots;
 

Edits digital photos and videos; 
 

Prepares specifications for printers and works with internal and external printing and duplication services; 
 

May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;
 

Performs other related duties, as required.

Requirements

Employment Standards
 

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to an associate degree in graphic design, visual communications, photography, or closely related field;

OR

Training and experience equivalent to completion of 60 college semester units (90 quarter units). Relevant analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory or management experience that includes interpreting rules and regulations, gathering data and formulating recommendations, and report writing can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis; 

and

One (1) year of full-time equivalent experience in graphic art design, digital arts, utilizing graphic design software for product creation and/or web applications.

Special Requirements

Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work.  If driving, possession of a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.
 

*As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help.  A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.
 

Knowledge of:

Principles and methods used in the design and presentation of materials for publication;
 

Multiple desktop publishing, graphics, and word processing computer programs; photography; scanning; typography; art materials and equipment used in illustration work;
 

Methods and techniques of reproduction and printing processes; 
 

Materials, methods, and equipment used in freehand drawing; 
 

Techniques of interpreting statistical data by charts and graphs; 
 

Effective materials and colors used in composition;
 

English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling;
 

Common computer systems and applications;
 

Inclusive design elements and practices that are culturally appropriate for diverse audiences.
 

Ability to: 

Exercise creative skills in creating drawings, tracings, charts, graphs, maps, and diagrams; 
 

Use a variety of media proficiently, including desktop publishing/graphics computer programs; 
 

Transfer verbal and written ideas into effective visual presentation; 
 

Effectively manage simple production projects from inception to completion;
 

Work under the pressure of and effectively meet deadlines;
 

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures; 
 

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies.