SENIOR CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHER

Metro’s mission is to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances the quality of life for all who live, work, and play within LA County. DescriptionThe Senior Creative Photographer is responsible for creating compelling marketing and event photography that supports the agency’s brand, public communications, and community engagement goals. This position involves planning and executing photo shoots across facilities, vehicles, and public events, collaborating with creative and communications teams to produce imagery that elevates the agency’s visual storytelling and public image.Recruitment Timelines : Interviews are projected to be scheduled for the week of 12/8/ 2025 . These dates are subject to change. We encourage you to monitor your governmentjobs.com profile and emails for the latest updates.Application cut-off: Please be aware that only the first 100 applicants will be guaranteed consideration for this position. Be sure to submit your application promptly, as the bulletin will close once 200 applications are received.Examples of DutiesLeads the Photography team in planning, coordinating, and executing photography and video projects that deliver high-impact, high-quality images to support Metro campaigns, programs, services, and events on-time and on-budgetLeads the Photography team in interfacing with clients, partners, and colleagues at every level of Metro, and with key outside partners, to accomplish goals for making effective and engaging imageryConceptualizes photographic and/or video images for Metro internal and external clients, including communications, marketing campaigns, and documentation of rail, highway, and other construction projects; acquires approval on a project to project basisOversees the execution of or conducts extensive photographic retouching and color model conversions on images prior to final output as print or web piecesSupervises the editing of video content and assembles complete video files for use across a variety of digital platformsOversees workflow of photo and video shoots to comply with scheduleProvides up-to-date information on jobs and scheduling to marketing, design, and production managementConsults with partners, designers, marketing representatives, and clients to complete jobs while satisfying the concepts and goals of a projectConstructs temporary photo studio environments in various locationsPrepares photography for the purpose of training, educating, and informing Metro employees as well as the publicOrders necessary photo and video hardware and software within established budgetCoordinates with digital asset manager and Digital Asset Management (DAM) system for archiving digital library of Metro imagerySupervises the development of database keywords, tags, and file conventionsSearches image databases to respond to requests for existing photographyAdministers license agreements for photographs when requiredAdvises staff of the possibilities and limitations of photographyWorks closely with Directors and Managers to ensure deadlines are metMonitors color accuracy and image qualityLeads and trains photography Administrative Interns and Transportation Associates; supervises execution of Transportation Associates' photographer projectsRemains up to date on the ever-changing methods and technology for achieving the most efficient and highest quality of imageryMinimum QualificationsMay be required to perform other related job dutiesRequiredA combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis. A typical combination includes:EducationBachelor's Degree in Fine Arts, Photography, Photojournalism, or a related fieldExperienceThree years of relevant experience professionally photographing and retouching images in a studio or agency setting; some positions in this class may require specialized experience in area of assignment; strong photography portfolio preferredCertifications/Licenses/Special RequirementsA valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functionsPreferred QualificationsPreferred Qualifications (PQs) are used to identify relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) as determined by business necessity. These criteria are considered preferred qualifications and are not intended to serve as minimum requirements for the position. PQs will help support selection decisions throughout the recruitment. In addition, applicants who possess these PQs will not automatically be selected.The Following Are The Preferred QualificationsExperience creating impactful marketing and editorial photography, delivering high-quality imagery that aligns with brand strategy and enhances integrated campaigns across print, digital, and social media Experience capturing live events and photojournalistic moments that authentically reflect the energy and diversity of public spaces and community engagements Experience operating professional camera systems, managing lighting setups, and executing post-production workflows in Adobe Creative Suite or equivalent software to deliver publication-ready imagery Experience conceptualizing and executing visual narratives that humanize transit operations, emphasize community impact, and strengthen brand identity Experience collaborating with marketing, communications, and public affairs teams to deliver cohesive visual and strategic outcomes under tight deadlines Essential KnowledgeKnowledge of (defined as a learned body of information that is required for and applied in the performance of job tasks)Theories, principles, and practices of modern film and digital photography, artificial lighting, portable power, and photo retouching, compositing, and color model conversionsPhotography equipment and softwareVideography equipment and softwareArtificial and natural lighting principles and practicesThe structure, services, environments, and purpose of a large public agency, such as Metro, in order to make informed and considered decisions in the creation of representational photographic images and video storytellingMarketing department workflow and operationsSkill in (defined as the proficient manual, verbal, or mental utilization of data, people, or things)Photography and photo editingVideography and video editingDetermining appropriate lightingDeveloping appropriate photo direction by evaluating clients' needs and creating appropriate shootsConstructing temporary photo studio environments in various locationsOrganization and efficiencyAnalyzing situations, identifying, and solving problems, and/or recommending solutionsInteracting professionally with various levels of Metro employees and outside vendorsCommunicating effectively orally and in writingAbility to (defined as a present competence to perform an observable behavior or produce an observable result)Provide positive and clear communication, e.g., with photo shoot crews, subject individuals, or other vendorsContribute creatively and produce high-quality imageryLead a team of creative professionals in both studio environments and in the fieldOversee Photography group's workflow, train assigned staff members, and assign photo jobs as needed to meet tight time constraints and deadlines while working on several different projectsScout photo shoot locations and determine efficient use of lightingUtilize natural light or apply artificial lighting systems and appropriately position modelsSpot photo related defects and perform complex retouching and color model conversionsComplete project goals and execute on department goalsManage databasesRead, write, speak, and understand EnglishSpecial ConditionsThis job specification is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirementsThe physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this jobMetro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functionsThis classification is at-will and the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the hiring authority when classified as an Intermittent, Emergency, Annuitant, or Temporary employee, is assigned to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) or Board Clerk's Office, and/or reporting directly to the LACMTA Board of DirectorsContributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried outWorking ConditionsTypical office situationClose exposure to computer monitors and video screenPhysical Effort RequiredSitting at a desk or tableOperate a telephone or other telecommunications device and communicate through the medium (Occasionally)Type and use a keyboard and mouse to perform necessary computer-based functionsStandingWalking (distance 5' to 100')Communicating through speech in the English language requiredGood distance vision and/or depth perception to judge distancesColor recognition (e.g., distinguishing wires, resistors, containers, light signals, etc.)(DL)Metro is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, or disability. Learn more about Metro’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program . Metro does not deny participation in the application process to anyone with prior justice system involvement, in line with Fair Chance hiring practices.Selection ProcedureApplicants who best meet job-related qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process that may consist of any combination of written, performance, or oral appraisal to further evaluate job-related experience, knowledge, skills and abilities.Application ProcedureTo apply, visit Metro's website at www.metro.net and complete an online Employment Application.Computers are available to complete online Employment Applications at the following Metro locations:METRO Headquarters, Employment OfficeOne Gateway PlazaLos Angeles, CA 90012Open: Monday through Friday, 8am-4pm(Closed Sat & Sun) Metro Talent Hub8501 S. Evermont PlaceLos Angeles, CA 90044Open: Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm(Closed Sat & Sun)East Los Angeles Customer Center4501 B Whittier BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90022Open: Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm(Closed Sun & Mon) Wilshire/Vermont Customer Center3183 Wilshire Blvd, Ste 174Los Angeles, CA 90010Open: Monday through Friday, 10am-6pm(Closed Sat & Sun) Rosa Parks Customer CenterWillowbrook/Rosa Parks Station11720 Wilmington AveLos Angeles, CA 90059Open: Monday through Friday, 6am to 6:30pm(Closed Sat & Sun) Telephone: (213) 922-6217 or persons with hearing or speech impairments can use California Relay Service 711 to contact Metro.All completed online Employment Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. Late applications will not be considered.Open to the public and all Metro employeesThis job bulletin is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform other related job duties.