PHOTOGRAPHER

POSTION SUMMARY

The Illinois Office of Communication & Information is seeking a professional and creative individual to join our team as a Still Photographer. This role functions as a photojournalist, capturing key moments at news conferences and State-sponsored events across Illinois. In addition to event coverage, the Still Photographer will provide expert portrait photography and contribute creative imagery to support various graphic design initiatives. Traveling throughout the state, this position offers a front-row seat to historic events, documenting the activities of constitutional officers, legislators, and numerous State agencies, boards, and commissions. We encourage qualified candidates to apply and play a vital role in visually telling the story of the State of Illinois.

POSITION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Under general supervision, serves as an agency photographer for the Springfield Area and various locations statewide.
• Coordinates aspects of photo shoots.
• Stores digital photo assets in the Digital Asset Management System.
• Maintains inventory of photographic supplies and equipment.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of two years of college, including coursework in photography, or equivalent training and technical work experience with photographic editing software.
• Requires one year of professional photographic and image processing work experience as a journey level Photographer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

•  Prefers one (1) or more years’ professional experience with photographic techniques and practices, as well as operation of photography equipment including digital cameras, digital card readers, lighting, light meters, and photographic printers. 
• Prefers one (1) or more years’ professional experience with photojournalism.
• Prefers one (1) or more years’ professional experience utilizing Microsoft Suite application software such as Word, Excel, and Outlook to generate memos and maintain photographic journals.
• Prefers one (1) or more years’ professional experience with digital imaging software, such as the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite to edit digital images.
• Prefers one (1) or more years’ professional experience with archiving and maintaining a digital library including inputting metadata into digital picture files such as copyright, exact shooting location, subject names, titles, descriptions, etc.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Requires a valid Illinois driver’s license and the ability to travel extensively statewide, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires the ability to lift, load, unload, set up, and tear down equipment used to produce informational material weighing up to 50 lbs. and assists with lifting up to 75 lbs.
• Requires ability to set up and operate optical equipment and visual acuity sufficient to inspect completed work products.

ABOUT THE AGENCY

Central Management Services (CMS) is the operational engine working behind the scenes to enable the State's more than 60 agencies, universities, boards, and commissions to deliver efficient, reliable services to all Illinois citizens.  The Agency's mission is to support the State by delivering innovative, responsive, and effective services that provide the best value for Illinois State government and the people it serves.  Among the services CMS provides are human resources facilitation; benefits programs for employees, retirees and local governments; property and facilities management; diversity initiatives for public contracting and State employment; joint purchasing support; vehicle fleet oversight and support; surplus property programs; print and electronic communications services; and administrative hearings coordination. 

STATE OF ILLINOIS BENEFITS

CMS values employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents. CMS offers a robust benefit package including:

As a State of Illinois employee, you receive a comprehensive benefits package including:
•    Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
•    Flexible work schedules (when available and dependent upon position).
•    10 -25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment).
•    12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year.
•    3 paid personal business days per year.
•    13-14 paid holidays per year dependent on election years.
•    12 weeks of paid parental leave.
•    Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System.
•    Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan.
•    Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP).
•    Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.
 
For more information regarding State of Illinois Benefits follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx
If this opportunity appeals to you, please apply today!