Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.
When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.
For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:
https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire
$29.32 - $39.28
This is a hybrid position that includes a combination of remote and in-office work, with travel to onsite locations throughout Oakland County based on photography assignments, events and departmental needs.
Do you have an eye for capturing authentic moments and turning them into compelling visual stories? Oakland County’s Department of Public Communications is seeking a Part-Time Photographer to document the people, programs, places and events that tell the story of Oakland County. This is an opportunity to combine technical photography skills, creativity and journalistic instincts to create meaningful visual content for our communities.
What You’ll Do
- Photograph County events, programs, employees, elected and appointed officials, community members, facilities and other subjects for communications, marketing and informational purposes.
- Produce a variety of photography, including events, portraits, documentary and photojournalistic storytelling, community and lifestyle imagery, and buildings and facilities.
- Use your visual storytelling instincts to recognize, anticipate and capture authentic moments, meaningful details and perspectives that help tell the larger story.
- Work confidently and independently in live-event and field environments, adapting to different subjects, locations, lighting conditions and changing priorities.
- Apply your knowledge of composition, lighting, exposure and color to consistently produce professional, publication-ready images across a variety of settings and subjects.
- Work comfortably with people in both candid and directed situations while professionally representing Oakland County with employees, officials, community partners and members of the public.
- Collaborate with writers, designers, videographers and social media professionals to identify visual opportunities and create photography that supports broader communications goals.
- Select, edit and color-correct images using Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop or comparable professional tools, preparing files for social media, websites, publications, marketing campaigns and other digital and print platforms.
- Organize, caption, tag and deliver photography according to established workflows while managing multiple assignments and deadlines.
- Work a flexible part-time schedule based on assignments, including occasional early mornings, evenings or weekends, and travel to locations throughout Oakland County.
- Occasionally assist with basic video capture or other visual content needs.
Why You’ll Love It Here
- Your photography will help tell meaningful stories about Oakland County, showcasing the people, programs and communities that make an impact every day.
- You’ll enjoy a wide variety of assignments and environments, from community events and candid moments to portraits, programs and facilities throughout the County.
- You’ll have the opportunity to use your creativity and journalistic instincts to go beyond simply documenting an event and capture the moments that bring a story to life.
- You’ll work alongside writers, designers, videographers and social media professionals as part of a collaborative creative team that values strong visual storytelling, new ideas and constructive feedback.
- Your work will be featured across social media, websites, publications, marketing campaigns, news materials and other County communications, giving you the opportunity to build and showcase a diverse professional portfolio.
- You’ll bring your photography or photojournalism experience to a role where technical skill, strong interpersonal abilities and authentic storytelling are all valued.
PLEASE NOTE: While this position is focused primarily on photography, the official Oakland County classification and job title for candidates hired into this role will be Graphic Designer.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Possess an Associate’s Degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university with a major in graphic arts, graphic design, commercial art or closely related art field.
Have two (2) years of full time work experience in graphic preparation, including layout and design preparation of camera-ready artwork, desktop publishing or closely related area.
NOTE: Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major
in any of the fields described in 1 above may substitute for the experience requirement.
NOTE: Additional work experience as described in 2 above may substitute for the educational
requirement on a year for year basis.
ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Prior experience working in a wide range of marketing functions including branding, communications, advertising, digital marketing, content creation is preferred.
Considerable ability to demonstrate forward thinking and ability to apply current trends using excellent verbal and written communication skills to excel in a fast-paced environment.
Considerable knowledge of typography, photography, printing procedures, color separation, design principles, web design and video production.
Considerable ability to work within structured deadlines.
Considerable ability to manage multiple projects.
Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with
administrators, other employees, vendors and the general public.
Considerable ability to make routine decisions in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures.
Considerable knowledge of and ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.
Reasonable ability to follow complex written and oral instructions
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Uses creatively to produce new ideas and concepts for the county’s marketing and communications which includes brochures, signage, flyers, booklets, annual reports, billboards, logos, slide presentations, exhibits/displays and illustrations along with digital graphics for website and social media.
Communicates with various departments to understand their marketing needs for various projects and create graphic design options based on a creative brief or campaign goals.
Works collaboratively with other graphic designers, video production crew, and marketing coordinators and is open to receiving and giving constructive feedback to achieve the highest quality materials. Uses good time management, organizational skills, and the ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously.
Uses digital camera to capture photographs then edit, stylize, tag and prepare for print or digital applications.
Ensure projects are completed in a timely manner with a quality product using industry-standard graphic design best practices.
Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.
ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a typical office setting.
Depending on department assignment, some exposure to weather conditions may exist.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.
*If applicable
We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.
