SENIOR CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHER

Metro’s mission is to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances the quality of life for all who live, work, and play within LA County.

Description

The Senior Creative Photographer is responsible for creating compelling marketing and event photography that supports the agency’s brand, public communications, and community engagement goals. This position involves planning and executing photo shoots across facilities, vehicles, and public events, collaborating with creative and communications teams to produce imagery that elevates the agency’s visual storytelling and public image.

Recruitment Timelines : Interviews are projected to be scheduled for the week of 12/8/ 2025 . These dates are subject to change. We encourage you to monitor your governmentjobs.com profile and emails for the latest updates.

Application cut-off: Please be aware that only the first 100 applicants will be guaranteed consideration for this position. Be sure to submit your application promptly, as the bulletin will close once 200 applications are received.

Examples of Duties

• Leads the Photography team in planning, coordinating, and executing photography and video projects that deliver high-impact, high-quality images to support Metro campaigns, programs, services, and events on-time and on-budget
• Leads the Photography team in interfacing with clients, partners, and colleagues at every level of Metro, and with key outside partners, to accomplish goals for making effective and engaging imagery
• Conceptualizes photographic and/or video images for Metro internal and external clients, including communications, marketing campaigns, and documentation of rail, highway, and other construction projects; acquires approval on a project to project basis
• Oversees the execution of or conducts extensive photographic retouching and color model conversions on images prior to final output as print or web pieces
• Supervises the editing of video content and assembles complete video files for use across a variety of digital platforms
• Oversees workflow of photo and video shoots to comply with schedule
• Provides up-to-date information on jobs and scheduling to marketing, design, and production management
• Consults with partners, designers, marketing representatives, and clients to complete jobs while satisfying the concepts and goals of a project
• Constructs temporary photo studio environments in various locations
• Prepares photography for the purpose of training, educating, and informing Metro employees as well as the public
• Orders necessary photo and video hardware and software within established budget
• Coordinates with digital asset manager and Digital Asset Management (DAM) system for archiving digital library of Metro imagery
• Supervises the development of database keywords, tags, and file conventions
• Searches image databases to respond to requests for existing photography
• Administers license agreements for photographs when required
• Advises staff of the possibilities and limitations of photography
• Works closely with Directors and Managers to ensure deadlines are met
• Monitors color accuracy and image quality
• Leads and trains photography Administrative Interns and Transportation Associates; supervises execution of Transportation Associates' photographer projects
• Remains up to date on the ever-changing methods and technology for achieving the most efficient and highest quality of imagery

May be required to perform other related job duties

Minimum Qualifications

A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis. A typical combination includes:

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts, Photography, Photojournalism, or a related field

Experience

• Three years of relevant experience professionally photographing and retouching images in a studio or agency setting; some positions in this class may require specialized experience in area of assignment; strong photography portfolio preferred

Certifications/Licenses/Special Requirements

• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications (PQs) are used to identify relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) as determined by business necessity. These criteria are considered preferred qualifications and are not intended to serve as minimum requirements for the position. PQs will help support selection decisions throughout the recruitment. In addition, applicants who possess these PQs will not automatically be selected.
The following are the preferred qualifications:

• Experience creating impactful marketing and editorial photography, delivering high-quality imagery that aligns with brand strategy and enhances integrated campaigns across print, digital, and social media
• Experience capturing live events and photojournalistic moments that authentically reflect the energy and diversity of public spaces and community engagements
• Experience operating professional camera systems, managing lighting setups, and executing post-production workflows in Adobe Creative Suite or equivalent software to deliver publication-ready imagery
• Experience conceptualizing and executing visual narratives that humanize transit operations, emphasize community impact, and strengthen brand identity
• Experience collaborating with marketing, communications, and public affairs teams to deliver cohesive visual and strategic outcomes under tight deadlines

Essential Knowledge

Knowledge of (defined as a learned body of information that is required for and applied in the performance of job tasks)

• Theories, principles, and practices of modern film and digital photography, artificial lighting, portable power, and photo retouching, compositing, and color model conversions
• Photography equipment and software
• Videography equipment and software
• Artificial and natural lighting principles and practices
• The structure, services, environments, and purpose of a large public agency, such as Metro, in order to make informed and considered decisions in the creation of representational photographic images and video storytelling
• Marketing department workflow and operations

Skill in (defined as the proficient manual, verbal, or mental utilization of data, people, or things)

• Photography and photo editing
• Videography and video editing
• Determining appropriate lighting
• Developing appropriate photo direction by evaluating clients' needs and creating appropriate shoots
• Constructing temporary photo studio environments in various locations
• Organization and efficiency
• Analyzing situations, identifying, and solving problems, and/or recommending solutions
• Interacting professionally with various levels of Metro employees and outside vendors
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing

Ability to (defined as a present competence to perform an observable behavior or produce an observable result)

• Provide positive and clear communication, e.g., with photo shoot crews, subject individuals, or other vendors
• Contribute creatively and produce high-quality imagery
• Lead a team of creative professionals in both studio environments and in the field
• Oversee Photography group's workflow, train assigned staff members, and assign photo jobs as needed to meet tight time constraints and deadlines while working on several different projects
• Scout photo shoot locations and determine efficient use of lighting
• Utilize natural light or apply artificial lighting systems and appropriately position models
• Spot photo related defects and perform complex retouching and color model conversions
• Complete project goals and execute on department goals
• Manage databases
• Read, write, speak, and understand English

Special Conditions

• This job specification is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements
• The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job
• Metro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• This classification is at-will and the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the hiring authority when classified as an Intermittent, Emergency, Annuitant, or Temporary employee, is assigned to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) or Board Clerk's Office, and/or reporting directly to the LACMTA Board of Directors
• Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried out

Working Conditions

• Typical office situation
• Close exposure to computer monitors and video screen

Physical Effort Required

• Sitting at a desk or table
• Operate a telephone or other telecommunications device and communicate through the medium (Occasionally)
• Type and use a keyboard and mouse to perform necessary computer-based functions
• Standing
• Walking (distance 5' to 100')
• Communicating through speech in the English language required
• Good distance vision and/or depth perception to judge distances
• Color recognition (e.g., distinguishing wires, resistors, containers, light signals, etc.)

(DL)

Metro is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, or disability. Learn more about Metro’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program . Metro does not deny participation in the application process to anyone with prior justice system involvement, in line with Fair Chance hiring practices.

Selection Procedure

Applicants who best meet job-related qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process that may consist of any combination of written, performance, or oral appraisal to further evaluate job-related experience, knowledge, skills and abilities.

Application Procedure

To apply, visit Metro's website at www.metro.net and complete an online Employment Application.
Computers are available to complete online Employment Applications at the following Metro locations:

METRO Headquarters, Employment Office
One Gateway Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Open: Monday through Friday, 8am-4pm
(Closed Sat & Sun)

Metro Talent Hub
8501 S. Evermont Place
Los Angeles, CA 90044
Open: Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm
(Closed Sat & Sun)

East Los Angeles Customer Center
4501 B Whittier Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90022
Open: Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm
(Closed Sun & Mon)

Wilshire/Vermont Customer Center
3183 Wilshire Blvd, Ste 174
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Open: Monday through Friday, 10am-6pm
(Closed Sat & Sun)

Rosa Parks Customer Center
Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station
11720 Wilmington Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90059
Open: Monday through Friday, 6am to 6:30pm
(Closed Sat & Sun)

Telephone: (213) 922-6217 or persons with hearing or speech impairments can use California Relay Service 711 to contact Metro.

All completed online Employment Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. Late applications will not be considered.

*Open to the public and all Metro employees

This job bulletin is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform other related job duties.

*Please refer to the applicable benefit type (Regular or Temporary)*

BENEFITS FOR REGULAR EMPLOYEES

Benefits cover probationary or regular full-time (working at least 40 hrs/week) employees of Metro.

We offer a range of high-quality medical, dental and vision plan options as well as health care spending accounts for you and your family. Metro will cover a significant portion of your health care premiums.

Medical/Dental/Vision Plan - Employee has the choice of 3 separate medical plans and 3 dental plans. A separate vision plan is included in each medical plan.

Group Life Insurance - PTSC pays for an amount equal to your annual salary, rounded up to the nearest $1,000. Minimum amount of life insurance is $30,000.

Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance - PTSC provides $50,000 coverage for each employee. Additional voluntary coverage in amounts up to $500,000 is available at favorable premium rates.

Long-Term Disability Insurance - 100% employer paid. Provides employees with a minimum income of 60% of earnings after six months of disability. Buy up or buy down options available.

Holidays - 12 days a year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Cesar E Chavez, Juneteenth,Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

Time off with Pay (TOWP) - Compensates employees who are on approved absence from work for reasons such as illness, injury, medical and dental appointments, personal business, vacation, or observance of (a) religious holiday.
Years of Service Annual Accrual
Hire date - 5 years 20 days
Beginning of 6th - 10th year 25 days
Beginning of 11th - 15th year 30 days
Beginning of 16th + years 35 days

Pension Plan - PTSC retirement plan is the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Vesting is five (5) years. Minimum retirement age is 52, based on the 2% at 62 formula.

Other Benefits: Transportation passes for employees and/or eligible dependents; Medicare; Tuition reimbursement; credit union membership; SDI; Deferred Compensation Plan; 401(K) Thrift plan; EAP; Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts; Flexible work schedules; and Jury Duty Pay.

BENEFITS FOR TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES

Temporary (Contingent) employees are eligible for the following benefits only:

• Kaiser medical insurance
• Public Pension Plan
• 457/401K Plan
• Flex Spending
• Paid Sick Time
• Fare Media
• Rideshare Subsidies
• Metro One Fitness membership

For more information on the Benefits Enrollment for Contingent Employees, please visit LA Metro’s Pension & Benefits website at benefits.metro.net

Closing Date/Time: 11/21/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority - LA Metro

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