Seasonal Photographer

Brief Description

TitleSeasonal PhotographerDepartmentMarketingStatusSeasonalOffice LocationWebbs Norman CenterReports ToSr Graphic DesignerWage$17/hourPosition Description

The Seasonal Photographer supports the Rockford Park District’s marketing and communications efforts by capturing high-quality images that highlight parks, facilities, programs, and community events. This role requires creativity, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently in both indoor and outdoor environments.

ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT VISION, MISSION AND LEADERSHIP BY VALUESAgency VisionTo be the best urban parks and recreation system in North America, as measured by national standards and the citizens we serve.Agency MissionThe Rockford Park District is in business to “help people enjoy life” by providing a quality park and recreation system.Vision & Planning SystemThe District aligns itself and all its resources to achieve its purpose, vision, mission, and priorities. This successfully drives the strategic plan, operational plans, and performance goals.Policy Management & Operations SystemEvery team member serves as an active contributor in the development of the team’s operational plan; develops job strategies and plans that support the team’s operational goals; identifies timetables for completion; plans daily work activities in an organized manner ensuring effective utilization of time and resources in the completion of job tasks.Leadership by Values SystemLeadership by Values can only be achieved if all team members believe in and live by these shared values: accountability, integrity, passion, agility, relationship oriented, results driven, service oriented, respectful, and innovative. While all team members share these essential values, our culture is enriched by and welcomes the diverse supporting values of its team members.Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging StatementThe Rockford Park District is committed and accountable to being a place where everyone is invited and belongs, as demonstrated by being an inviting, equitable, and inclusive environment, respectful of all people, embracing diversity, creating accessibility and valuing all team members, partners and community members for their unique experiences and backgrounds.

RELATIONSHIPS TO RESULTS CULTUREDefinitionSustained by long-term, positive, exceptional relationships with stakeholders and team members as our hallmark of success.

ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL COMMITMENTDefinitionTo work together to achieve the mission, vision, and shared values of the Rockford Park District.ConnectednessDepartments are truly interconnected to support the mission and vision of the Rockford Park District.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include the following. Other duties may be assigned

Operational Excellence

• Manage and fulfill photography requests from the Senior Graphic Designer.
• Follow brand guidelines, shot lists, and creative direction provided by the Marketing team to ensure consistency.
• Coordinate and execute photo shoots across various Rockford Park District parks, facilities, programs, and events.
• Coordinate with Program Supervisors/Managers to ensure photos are representative of programs and sessions do not disrupt activities.
• Coordinate event photo coverage with the Social Media Specialist.
• Travel between Rockford Park District facilities, parks, and event locations to capture assigned photography.
• Capture and prepare high-quality images for print and digital platforms.
• Interact professionally with participants, staff, and community members while capturing photos in active program environments.
• Ensure photo consent guidelines are followed and coordinate with staff to confirm appropriate photo releases when required.
• Set up, operate, and maintain photography equipment, ensuring proper care of equipment and that photo files are backed up according to department procedures.
• Edit, retouch, and organize photo assets in accordance with brand standards.
• Track photo shoots and image uploads in a shared spreadsheet to keep the marketing team updated on progress and new photos available for use.
  
  

Requirements

Education/Experience

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma required
• 1–3 years of photography experience
• Experience using digital photography equipment; ability to provide personal equipment (camera, flash, etc.) is a plus
  
  

Critical Skills, Knowledge, And Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Availability to work 20–30 hours per week, including evenings and weekends as needed
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as needed
• Knowledge of digital photography techniques, including composition, lighting, framing, and exposure.
• Ability to capture high-quality images in a variety of environments, including indoor facilities, outdoor parks, and community events.
• Proficiency in basic photo editing and retouching using common editing software.
• Ability to follow creative direction, shot lists, and brand standards to produce consistent marketing imagery.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple photography assignments and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating with marketing staff, program supervisors, and event personnel.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact professionally with staff, program participants, and community members.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment when photographing programs and events, including awareness of participant privacy and photo consent guidelines.
• Ability to adapt to changing schedules, weather conditions, and event environments.
• Ability to safely handle and maintain photography equipment and manage digital photo files.
  
  

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

Sedentary Work

• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria as described above are met.
• Frequent use of hands for camera operation and computer work
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching during on-site photo shoots
  

Work Environment

The Work Environment Characteristics Described Here Are Representative Of Those An Employee Encounters While Performing The Essential Functions Of This Job. Reasonable Accommodations May Be Made To Enable Individuals With Disabilities To Perform The Essential Functions

• Work environment includes both indoor and outdoor locations, with exposure to varying weather conditions
  
  

Summary

The Seasonal Photographer supports the Rockford Park District’s marketing and communications efforts by capturing high-quality images that highlight parks, facilities, programs, and community events. This role requires creativity, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently in both indoor and outdoor environments.