Placer County

To plan, create, and produce engaging visual communications including multimedia video, photo, digital, and graphic productions for the Placer County website, social media platforms, and various digital and print mediums.  Use visual communications to promote, educate, and market to internal and external audiences.

The Visual Communications Specialist level recognizes a single position classification that assumes responsibilities for visual communication activities on behalf of the CEO, Board of Supervisors, Department Heads and County staff.  Identifies, directs, and executes the visual messages necessary to promote Placer County communications.

Receives direct supervision from the Director of Communications and Public Affairs or other management staff.

May exercise technical and functional supervision over technical and clerical personnel.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Coordinate and participate in the production of complex Placer County media projects including strategic planning, and allocation of time and resources.
• Plan, prioritize and create visual communication products (photo, video and graphic) to promote, inform, market, and educate both internal and external audiences.
• Record and edit visual stories, promotional videos and public announcements.
• Perform pre-production, production and post-production for visual projects, including the pre and post-production of graphics, storyboarding, script preparation and writing.
• Produce a wide variety of promotional and educational videos.
• Use and maintain a wide variety of specialized equipment associated with video or photo production including computer-editing systems, audio systems, lighting systems, cameras, switchers and other production equipment.
• Oversee the use of cameras, lights, microphones, scripts, graphics and music as related to video or photo production.
• Continuously improve systems and techniques to stay current with evolving industry practices.
• Provide engaging, high quality, and cost effective products.
• Serve as a video and photo resource to staff.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Three (3) years of professional work experience in media or video production.

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in communications, video production, advertising, computer science, business or public administration, or related field.

Required License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of video production, including digital video cameras, various support equipment, non-linear editing platforms, sound equipment, video switchers and sound mixers.
• Principles and practices of video production including camera operation, location and studio lighting, sound recording, graphics and titles, education and supporting software.
• Principles and practices of video and photo production including directing, producing and storytelling.
• Principles and practices of directing and producing photo shoots.
• Principles and practices of creating photo production concepts, plans, outlines, schedules.
• Principles and practices of industry standards for photography, lighting, editing, post processing and printing.
• Voice over and Podcast audio recording techniques, setup, editing and post production such as correction/enhancing.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Ability to:

• Research and identify the latest equipment methods and trends for photo and video production.
• Evaluate and oversee new equipment purchases or rentals on a project basis.
• Inspect, maintain, service and calibrate digital and physical equipment, including media management and storage, computer and camera operating systems and firmware upgrades.
• Develop, organize and maintain the Placer County digital media asset system.
• Prepare, operate, and troubleshoot media A/V presentation systems.
• Manage a diverse set of project assignments simultaneously.
• Assist with special events and projects which may occur during evenings and/or on weekends.
• Interpret and apply County policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Sit at desk for long periods of time.  Intermittently twist and reach office equipment; write or use keyboard to communicate through written means; lift moderate to heavy weight.
• Lift and move heavy or awkward camera equipment and camera support equipment into various locations including field or remote locations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.