Visual Communications Specialist I/II

Job Description

Examples of Duties

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

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:
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.

Why Merced County? A message from the CEO:

HOLIDAYS & LEAVES
VACATION

10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours).

SICK LEAVE

0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.

HOLIDAYS

Twelve paid holidays annually plus two optional holidays.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE

Five (5) regularly scheduled workdays.

INSURANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE
Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums.

• Anthem 500 EPO
• Anthem 1500 EPO
• Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) with Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) without Health Savings Account (HSA)

Dental Insurance - Delta Dental

• County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)

Vision Insurance - VSP

• County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)

DISABILITY INSURANCE

State Disability Insurance (SDI)
Merced County non-management employees are enrolled in the State Disability Insurance Program (SDI). Premiums for this insurance are paid by the employee. This insurance is administered solely by the State, who determines eligibility and payments. Benefit amounts are based on the quarter with the highest wages earned within the base period.

LIFE INSURANCE

County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

• Represented Employees $10,000

Voluntary Term and Whole Life Insurance are available - premium paid by employee

RETIREMENT
DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The County offers a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pre-tax or post-tax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.

MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION

The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security. The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; your pension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.

EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES DO NOT QUALIFY FOR COUNTY BENEFITS.

EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.

EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS

The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.

THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.

For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7356.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous