Position Summary

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

Join the Oregon Zoo team as Assistant Visual Communication Designer in our Marketing Department. You'll independently handle a variety of graphic and technical tasks, maintaining and repairing interpretive, interactive, and audiovisual exhibits while producing signage and displays. Working closely with others, you'll provide input on design, coordinate technical aspects of projects, and liaise with vendors. Your role also involves assisting in interpretive development, ensuring equipment functionality, and addressing maintenance needs promptly. If you're a skilled problem solver with a passion for visual communication, join us in creating impactful experiences for our visitors and supporting our zoo's mission.

As the Graphics Technician you will:

Collaborate and provide design input and coordinate technical aspects of work, including graphics production, audiovisual, and lighting.
Consult with other stake holders to develop concepts, problem solve and determine job requirements; prepare working drawings, estimate materials and parts needed. Present designs and concepts using appropriate media.
Coordinate event graphics production, fabrication, set-up, and break-down.
Liaise with vendors, contractors, and consultants, assisting with RFP’s, RFB's, technical specifications and contracts for materials and services.
Build, maintain, and repair various graphics and interpretive exhibits, including metal fabrication and electrical work.
Assist with material procurement, inventory management, and equipment maintenance and production, including event signage and graphics.
Completes paperwork and maintains records in compliance with business needs and per archiving requirements.
Operates a variety of shop tools and hand tools to repair equipment or to fabricate and repair displays, signage, etc. Assists in coordinating with fabricators and contractors to facilitate production and repair of interpretive displays, including audio-visual, computer, electronic, 3-dimensional, and traditional displays.

Attributes for Success:

Knowledge of exhibit and interpretive design, and production, including audiovisual.
Ability to adapt their artistic and creative skills to develop visual content that reinforces the Oregon Zoo brand and communicates the tone and theme of exhibits and events.
Proficiency in exhibit designs and production, along with a creative approach to project execution. Familiarity with Adobe design programs is preferred (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
Demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills, effectively conveying ideas and information with clarity and professionalism.
Proactive and positive approach to their work.
Ability to deliver on deadlines amidst competing priorities and sometimes unpredictable work environments.
Basic knowledge and ability to operate and maintain hand and power tools.
Demonstrate cultural humility, responsiveness, and commitment to advancing equity and applying a racial equity understanding to work, systems, and processes.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.

Learn more about Metro’s Diversity Action Plan

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in graphic or environmental design or related field and
Two years professional experience in those fields
Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.

Required

Valid driver’s license

Work environment and schedule: Given the role's onsite responsibilities there is no option for teleworking and will be working outside regularly. This role will work the typical 40 hours per week but may require the periodic weekends, holidays, and early mornings or evenings, as dictated by business operational needs.

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply
If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Like to have qualifications
You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

Formal or technical education and training in fabrication, or exhibit design.
Trade experience, such as required for machinist, carpenter, electrical, welding, and similar operator responsibilities.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

A completed online application
Responses to supplemental questions

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

Initial review of minimum qualifications
In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
Consideration of top candidates/interviews
Testing/assessments (if applicable)
Reference check
Driving records check for finalist candidate

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

The full-salary range for this position is step 1: $61,672.00 to step 7: $82,700.80 annually.However, unless a candidate’s qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirementsand Metro’s internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1: $61,672.00 to the equity range step 3: $68,016.00 annually.

This position is not eligible for overtime and is represented by AFSCME union. It is classified as an Associate Visual Communications Designer.

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.

View the classification description.

Questions?
Recruiter: Megan Warneke
Email: megan.warneke@oregonmetro.gov

Additional Information

Equal employment opportunity
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Accommodation
Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans' preference
Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Pay equity at Metro
No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do.Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications
Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

How to Apply
For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page.

Government Jobs
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Metro
Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area’s garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home.

As part of the Metro family, Oregon Zoo helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Metro brings people together to shape the future of our area and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale.

The Oregon Zoo and Metro
The Oregon Zoo inspires visitors to learn about protecting endangered species and restoring native habitats and is the state's most popular paid attraction. The zoo’s roughly 320 employees welcome more than 1.5 million visitors each year.

As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region.

Family members, including eligible spouses, domestic partners, and children, are covered under most of our benefits programs. Benefits vary depending on position and full-time, part-time, and variable hour status.

This is a budgeted, regular status position with a full-time schedule. The position is eligible for these benefits:

Medical, dental and vision health insurance
Paid sick leave
Paid vacation, holiday, and other leave
Paid parental leave
Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement
No-cost TriMet Hop Pass
Employee Assistance Program
Training opportunities
Flexible schedules depending on position and department
Hybrid/Telework living in Oregon /Washington depending on position and department

Metro also offers a variety of perks for all employees, including free admission to the Oregon Zoo (including ZooLights!), Oxbow and Blue Lake Regional Parks, membership discount at Lloyd Athletic Club, credit union eligibility and more. Employees also receive access to financial wellness and legal consultation services, as well as first-time home buying and ownership counseling.

Learn more about employee benefits.

Some positions are represented by a union and have additional benefits.
View union contracts here.

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