Visual Information Specialist

General Job Information

Job Summary

This position is located within the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department, Public Information Office / Media and Community Relations Division. The mission of the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department is to preserve life and promote health and safety through excellent pre-hospital treatment and transportation, fire prevention, fire suppression and rescue activities and homeland security awareness. The incumbent is responsible for serving as a Digital and New Media Specialist and helping DC Fire and EMS advance its vision, mission, and goals through effective messaging and visual communication. This role plans, produces, and manages visual communications that effectively conveys information. The incumbent may also serve as a backup Public Information Officer (PIO) if directed by supervisors.

Duties and Responsibilities

Develops original designs, concepts or visual styles for publication, web, social media, exhibits or presentation materials and presents images and content desired by the department. Executes graphic design work for projects and programs and provides creative design to support department-wide programs and initiatives while also supporting division requests. Transforms written concepts into final layouts and is well versed in all major desktop publishing software including Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office Suite, web creation software, and other supporting software plug-ins. Works closely with senior agency leadership and communications team members to create, coordinate, publish, and edit content for public-facing websites, the intranet, and social media accounts, ensuring appropriate messaging for each audience. Coordinate internal marketing and communications metrics collections, reporting and analysis to inform broader, effective strategies. Maintains liaison with clients and other staff members, as well as vendors and contractors (, web developers), to communicate job specifications and ensure deadlines are met. Meets with staff members and clients as needed to develop design concepts, gather information, discuss alternatives, gain approval, and review requests. Analyzes and advises about proper equipment, software, techniques, and styles to be used in graphic design and production.

Qualifications and Education

Undergraduate and Graduate Education :  Major study commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, photography, visual communication, or other fields related to the position. Some positions may also require subject-matter knowledge of medicine, science, or technical equipment.

Advanced training in a vocational school, technical institute, or art institute above the high school level in one of the fields listed above is creditable as general experience on a month-for-month basis.

Experience in the actual type of work for which application is made. Unpaid experience is creditable, provided the work done was of a quality level and demonstrated the ability required for the position. This includes planning the preparation and use of photographs, illustrations, drawings, and other art work, charts, diagrams, dioramas, maps, slides, overlays, and other kinds of visual material for use in communicating information through visual means.

License and Certification

None.

Working Condition / Environment

The work is performed both in a typical office setting and out in the community. The incumbent must be able to carry out official duties in a variety of settings and conditions.

Routine work occurs primarily in an office setting. The work is also performed in conference rooms, meeting rooms, display areas and in community settings.

Emergency operations may require the incumbent to work in austere conditions, and / or in outdoor environments for extended periods of time. The incumbent must be able to perform work throughout the Metropolitan Washington area.

Promotional Potential - No Known Promotion Potential

Other Significant Facts

Collective Bargaining Unit : This position is not covered under the collective bargaining agreement. This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by AFGE 3721. You may be required to have union dues or other applicable fees deducted from your salary.

Duration of Appointment :  Career Service – Regular Appt.

Tour of Duty :   Monday - Friday 8 : 15am-4 : 45pm

Pay Plan, Series, Grade :   CS-1084-13

Promotional Potential : No Known Promotion Potential

Position Designation : This position has been designated as Security-Sensitive. Pursuant to Chapter 4 of the Personnel Regulations; in addition to the general suitability screening, individuals applying for or occupying security-sensitive positions are subject to the following checks and tests : Criminal background check, Traffic record check, and Consumer credit check (as applicable), Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test, and post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test. As a condition of employment and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks for the duration of your tenure.

Residency Preference :  Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement :   The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.