Graphic Designer, 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.

Working in a high-volume, operational environment with critical deadlines, you provide art directions and designs and/or create transit-related artwork for Transit Services, including maps, brochures, timetables, web site graphics, advertisements, banners, signs, billboards, vehicle branding designs, and logos. You also advise on and ensure adherence to OC Transpo visual identity standards, coordinate graphics production, and design and prepare materials for marketing and promotional campaigns.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 3 year community college diploma or university degree in Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design or Fine Art. Course work in either area alone must be complemented by demonstrated ability in the other areas (e.g. through a portfolio).

Minimum of 4 years of experience in graphics production with an emphasis on creative design, solutions including exposure to a wide variety of production processes, specification preparation and experience with Web Design. Experience must include using computer graphics systems and software.
 

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of organizing concepts and principles of transit, such as geography, routes and schedules
• Advance knowledge of design principles including colour theory, typography and composition
• 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 accessibility standards for print, bilingualism policy and clear print guidelines
• Expert knowledge of OC Transpo Visual Identity Standards
• 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 organizational skills and flexibility to deal effectively with multiple demands, conflicting priorities, pressures and deadlines
• 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
• 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 manage design projects and external design firms
• 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