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Merit System Services

Visual Communications Specialist I/II Job at Merit System Services in Atwater

Merit System Services, Atwater, CA, United States


Salary:

$21.30 - $30.02 Hourly

Location :

Merced or Atwater

Job Type:

Full-Time

Job Number:

MSS04869

Department:

Merced County Human Services Agency

Opening Date:

11/13/2024

Closing Date:

12/4/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Position Information

Under general supervision, produces and coordinates promotional, informational, and educational materials; incorporates graphic design, text and visual content as needed to achieve desired objectives; coordinates the production of digital media and print (posters, pamphlets, banners, newsletters). Design, develop, edit, and produce a variety of complex communication products. This includes computer graphics, website design and maintenance, multimedia, video and print. Interact with internal and external clients on presentation methodologies, styles and production factors, layouts and printing considerations.

The Visual Communications Specialist I is an entry level classification in the Visual Communications Specialist series. Incumbents in this class are experienced and knowledgeable users of various software applications and are expected to develop increasing skills and expertise required to perform the more advanced and technical applications development and support work with the software. The Visual Communications Specialist II is the fully experienced, journey level classification in the Visual Communications Specialist series. Incumbents are expected to perform assignments which require the experience and ability to use the most advanced features of computer software programs used by the department. Incumbents exercise considerable judgment and independence in determining and/or developing methods and procedures needed to achieve work objectives and may be assigned coordination responsibilities for a specialized functional area within the department.

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 page, 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 increasetechnical knowledge and skill in software applications and utilities. 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. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Operate a personal computer, peripheral devices and other modern office equipment, including repetitive hand and arm motions. 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. 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.

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

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.

Supplemental Information

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE EXAMINATION - WEIGHTED 100%

The Training & Experience Examination is designed to elicit a range of specific information regarding each candidate's knowledge, skill, abilities, and potential to effectively perform the duties relative to the classification. Responses to the questionnaire will be assessed based on pre-determined rating criteria. All applicants must complete the entire examination to receive a score. In order to obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination.

Examination administration and processing time is approximately two weeks after the closing date of the job bulletin.

ELIGIBLE LIST INFORMATION

A departmental open eligible list will be established for the county of Merced. The list will be utilized for 12 months after it is established unless the needs of the service and conditions of the list warrant a change in this period.

RETEST PERIOD

Once you have taken the examination, you may not retest for SIX (6) MONTHS from the established eligibility date.

SPECIAL TESTING ARRANGEMENTS

Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants for disability, military, or religious reasons. If you require such arrangements, please contact CalHR at mssprogram@calhr.ca.gov or 916-909-3701 upon notification that your application has been approved. Documentation from medical, military, school or church officials outlining the accommodation request must be received by our office a minimum of five business days prior to a scheduled examination.

EDUCATION DOCUMENTS

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must attach your transcripts to your application. Applicants with foreign transcripts must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which the foreign course work is equivalent. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.

GENERAL INFORMATION

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.

MSS reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the recruitment if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all competitors will be notified.

If you meet the requirements stated on this bulletin, you may take this examination. Your performance in this examination will be rated against predetermined rating criteria. All competitors who pass will be added to the eligible list. Meeting the entry requirements does not assure success in the examination or placement on the eligible list.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgement, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. As part of the hiring process, a background investigation may be required.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Merit System Services program is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIREMENT

Some positions in this classification may require possession of a California driver's license. Employees who drive on County business to carry out job-related duties must possess a valid California driver's license for the class of vehicle driven and meet automobile insurability requirements of the County. Eligibility for employment for those who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on case-by-case basis by the appointing authority.

ABOUT MERCED COUNTY

Merced County is located in the northern part of the San Joaquin Valley in central California, an area earning worldwide acclaim for its rich agriculture, and spans from the coastal ranges to the foothills of Yosemite National Park. The City of Merced, the self-proclaimed Gateway to Yosemite, has a population of approximately 81,102, yet retains the charm of a small town with amenities routinely found in larger communities. Merced's revitalized downtown is emerging as the entertainment center of the area. The County is representative of the rural heartland and Gold Rush remnants underpinning the state's heritage. It is a peaceful, quiet, and friendly area with an abundance of beautiful bike paths and offers choices of higher education in UC Merced and Merced College.

Merit System Services does not negotiate or determine the benefits or salaries for positions offered by its partners. For more information about benefits or salaries, please visit the listed county or child support office's website or contact their human resources department.

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