Cartographer, Public Information

JOB SUMMARY

Transit Information & Marketing is responsible for the delivery of transit customer information services and new customer information programs for wayfinding and consistency of the OC Transpo brand and messaging to improve the customer experience and transit services in the City of Ottawa.

In a high-volume, operational environment with critical deadlines, you design, produce and maintain map artwork and geographic materials forOC Transpo., You also create technical graphics, multimedia and interactive products, including signs, decals, facility drawings, graphic display boards, 3D print products and interactive or animated/motion graphic maps..

Using principles of user-centered design and adhering to accessibility standards, you develop maps and technical graphics for print materials, the web, digital platforms and emerging new media. You take on technical design projects by researching, analyzing data, identifying design challenges, and proposing well-supported creative solutions.

Your work includes researching content, preparing electronic artwork, collaborating with cross-functional teams, maintaining Branch files and records, coordinating production activities, and developing and documenting associated publication standards and production processes.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 3 year community college diploma or university degree with a concentration in Cartography, Geography or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or a related field.

Minimum of 4 years of experience with an emphasis on transit map design, production and technical illustrations for the public including a demonstrated ability in Cartographic Design and Production (e.g. through a portfolio). Experience must include 2 years using computer graphics systems and software.

KNOWLEDGE

• General knowledge of the public transit information program combined with knowledge of drafting, cartographic composition, content, conventions and intended audience
• Advanced knowledge of cartography design principles including, colour theory, typography and use of symbols
• Knowledge of the hardware and software used in desktop publishing
• Knowledge of transit industry signage and graphic design
• Knowledge of internet, web browser and web based design
• Knowledge of specification preparation for printing or photographic services
• Knowledge of different production techniques including multiple colour off-set, process- colour, silk screening, electronic pre-press and digital printing
• Knowledge of different materials such as paper types, finishes, and ink types and their intended use/application
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Able to work independently with minimum supervision, and collaboratively with all staff as part of a team
• Possess planning and organizational skills and flexibility to deal effectively with multiple demands, conflicting priorities, pressures and deadlines
• Possess drafting and layout skills to be able to produce detailed, accurate work of high quality
• Skilled in general page composition, layout and illustration
• Skilled in the use of different materials and media
• Skilled in digital photography and photo reproduction techniques
• Possess computer literacy in MS Office Suite in a Windows environment, including use of the intra/internet
• Able to use graphic production applications such as Quark Xpress, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe ImageReady
• Able to analyze customer expectations to identify the essential/important information content essential to understand/use the transit system
• Able to understand functional constraints (such as sight lines, letter sizes or colour combinations for legibility) and to appreciate technical limits imposed by different media or productions processes
• Able to demonstrate initiative, substantial creativity and resourcefulness
• Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Able to resolve cartographic design problems and production problems
• Able to operate a desktop based pre-press workstation and operate, maintain and update unsupported software
• Able to analyze hardware requirements and to evaluate and recommend alternate graphic methods and software
• Able to work in a fast-paced, often stressful work environment
• Attentive to detail
• Able to exercise sound judgment
• Possess a work record of good attendance and job performance