Summary / Objective

This position oversees all of the photography and artwork that appears in Missouri Department of Conservation publications, and serves as photo editor for Missouri Conservationist and Xplor magazines.

Must have a strong eye for detail, passion for visual storytelling, and expertise in various photo editing software. Responsible for enhancing and retouching images that meet high quality printing standards.

Essential Job Duties

• Review visual content in magazines and print publications for quality, effectiveness, and appropriateness.
• Facilitate creative discussions and brainstorming sessions on department publication products, guide visual plans, and advise editorial planning and formulation.
• Provide leadership as a supervisor to team of wildlife photographers and wildlife artist, as well as freelance contract(s).
• Oversee photography and art projects, assign staff, monitor deadlines and activities, overcome barriers, and manage project changes.
• Provide feedback to photographers and artists to improve the quality of their images and artwork.
• Write contract specifications and manage contracts for services (such as freelance artists and photographers) and products (such as stock photos) to supplement staff efforts.
• Prepare images for print publication of both Missouri Conservationist and Xplor magazines and other print publications.
• Organize and maintain a digital library of over 300,000 image assets.
• Manage art department budget of approximately $40,000 annually, and review / approve purchases and expenses.
• Manage photography payments and rate card, keeping budget up to date for photography assignments.

Ancillary Job Duties

• Serve on internal and external committees.
• Manage requests for art staff services from the public, partners and other state agencies, and internal MDC personnel.
• Manage reader photo email and flickr account, maintaining positive relationships with public.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Art, Graphic Design, or related.
• At least three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience.
• 1 3 year supervisory work experience desired.
• Must maintain a valid, current driver's license.
• Publication experience, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to meet deadlines efficiently and consistently to ensure timely delivery of edited photos while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Strong visual skills, particularly in evaluating art / photography for publication from a brand / style perspective, assessing color, lighting, composition, technical qualities, etc.
• Adept at communicating and growing relationships over Teams and email while working with teams in remote or hybrid offices, as well as in person
• Work effectively with others, using proactive communication and collaboration with photographers, artists, designers, editors, and other team members to achieve desired visual outcomes.
• Proficiency in digital tools and programs, such as Photoshop, Lightroom, and other image handling software.
• Ability to use office equipment, such as copier, multi-line phone system, scanner, and computer.
• Principles and practices of graphic art design and print reproduction processes.
• Excellent customer service as well as oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Basic accounting and human resources knowledge.
• Ability to work varying shifts and hours, as needed.
• Forestry / Fish / Wildlife experience, preferred.
• Be able to work with minimal supervision and be self-directed.
• Proficient with PC working environment.
• Knowledge of the latest trends in photography and image editing.

Work Environment

Occasionally perform outdoors where wet, hot, cold and / or humid conditions exist.

Physical Abilities

• Regularly remain in a stationary position.
• Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Clarity of vision and three-dimensional vision.
• Regularly lift up to 10 pounds, correctly lift up to 25 pounds.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, functions, and requirements.

Exemption Status / Special Notes This position has been determined to be Exempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Employees must agree to accept compensatory time in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Department's Compensatory Time Off and Overtime Policy.

Salaried and hourly employees are expected to use a mobile device-cellular phone for Department business, as needed. MDC promotes a Tobacco-Free (smoke and smokeless) working environment.

The Department of Conservation will only hire United States citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States.

All new employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification" (Form I-9) and produce requested documentation after employment.

Last updated : 2024-06-08