LIBRARY GRAPHICS TECHNICIAN
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision performs a variety of graphic design functions in the creation of promotional materials for all divisions within the City Library; independently applies creativity and graphic art and computer skills to a variety of projects that involve freehand drawing, computer graphics, and general technical design work; designs and creates flyers, brochures, posters, bookmarks, signs, banners, newsletters, programs and a variety of other graphic materials.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This position is distinguished from Graphics/GIS Technician in that incumbents are not required to know or utilize GIS automated mapping software or prepare computer-generated graphs, maps, charts, and other graphics required for Planning Department staff reports or to perform research and analysis of geographic and tabular data from public or private sources of conversion and input to the GIS and other electronic graphics systems.
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 form those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
- Utilizes a variety of graphic design functions to design and create promotional materials for the City Library; applies a variety of graphic art and computer skills to a variety of projects that involve freehand drawing, computer graphics and general technical design work.
- Meets with library division representatives to discuss and advise on graphic needs; coordinates all concepts and elements of graphics projects; determines appropriate software applications, tools and paper needed to complete projects; coordinates requests with outside vendors as needed.
- Designs and creates flyers, brochures, logos, posters, maps, announcements, certificates, calendars, bibliographies, bookmarks, newsletters, letterheads, banners, signs, various in-house library forms, and miscellaneous artwork in both English and Spanish using graphics software; updates artwork as necessary.
- Designs and creates layouts for multi page programs, trifolds, brochures, booklets and information guidelines.
- Creates designs and layouts for promotional material and single paged items including advertisements, job announcements, flyers, posters, postcards, coupons, invitations, certificates, resolutions, cards, calendars, manual and book cover layouts and forms.
- Creates camera ready artwork and electronic files for external Print Shop specifications; translates, converts and exports different file formats; burns compact disks as necessary.
- Operates a variety of equipment including digital cameras, copiers, scanners, computers, printers, laminating machine, light boxes and paper cutters.
- Selects, orders and maintains an inventory of paper, materials and supplies needed to complete graphics projects.
- Performs 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:
- Principles and elements of art using various equipment and graphics software such as PageMaker, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Corel Draw.
- Methods and techniques used in digital art and graphic design layout and illustration.
- Art media tools, methods and techniques as applied to print and computer graphics.
- Principles, techniques and experience using the latest equipment in promotional graphics and text.
- Principles and techniques of typesetting, printing and photography.
- Computer programs and equipment used to produce transparencies, color layouts, and camera-ready artwork.
- Print resolution, vector and raster images, copy preparation, paper selection, and use of color, typography, layout, design, and composition.
- Computer systems, the process to transfer files and the preparation/setup of artwork on disks for outside printer companies to utilize.
- Color schemes, and processes and palettes.
- Methods and techniques of assembling and compiling data.
- Principles and practices of customer service.
Ability to:
- Evaluate graphic requests; consult with and advise staff concerning graphic projects.
- Exercise independent judgment and initiative.
- Perform a variety of graphic design functions in the creation of graphic promotional materials for the City library.
- Letter neatly and clearly by freehand and mechanical means.
- Design and create freehand and computer generated illustrations.
- Organize and prioritize workload.
- Prepare assigned work using computer graphic skills.
- Stay abreast of new and emerging trends and changing technologies in the fields of graphic art; learn new computer applications and apply to work assignments.
- Operate a variety of equipment including digital cameras, copiers, scanners, computers and printers in the performance of assigned duties.
- Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
- 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 an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in graphic arts, graphic design, or a related field.
Experience: Two years of increasingly responsible experience in the design and development of graphic materials for promotional purposes.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Environment: Standard office environment; temperature variations within the building and from indoors to outdoors; possible mechanical hazards of equipment and papers. Work is performed in 80- hour bi-weekly work periods, with unscheduled breaks. Occasional overtime may be required for adequate staffing of library facilities, and incumbents may be required to work weekends, nights and holidays. Work is performed primarily indoors at library facilities. Work setting is formal, team-oriented, having both routine and variable tasks. Work pace and pressure is variable, but frequently fast-paced and high pressure.
Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment. CONTINUOUS sitting, upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity and light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls and other office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. FREQUENT side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending and stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting at waist, moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards. OCCASIONAL squatting, kneeling, reach above and at shoulder height, moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 20-35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet..
Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.
Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
Date: November 2006
Johnson & Associates
Revised: November 27, 2006
Library/HR