Graphic Artist, OLS
About The Position
The Office of Livable Streets (OLS) is seeking a creative Graphic Artist to support visual storytelling, content development, and digital asset management. This role involves translating complex transportation planning and public engagement concepts into clear, accessible visuals for citywide cycling encouragement and outreach efforts. The selected candidate will contribute to both field-based and office-based work, supporting community engagement documentation and the development of visual materials such as graphics, illustrations, videos, and storytelling content. The ideal candidate will possess strong graphic design and illustration skills, an interest in learning new creative tools and formats, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively across projects and disciplines. The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) mission is to provide for the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible movement of people and goods in the City of New York and to maintain and enhance the transportation infrastructure crucial to the economic vitality and quality of life of our primary customers, City residents. DOT is an equal opportunity employer, committed to recruiting and maintaining a diverse workforce in an open and inclusive environment.
Requirements
- Serving permanently in the title of Graphic Artist, or reachable on the civil service list for exam #4123, or eligible under the 55a program.
- A baccalaureate degree, with a major in fine or graphic arts, from an accredited college and one year of full-time paid experience as a commercial or graphic artist; or
- A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent plus two years of training in a technical school approved by a state’s Department of Education or comparable governmental agency, in oils, water colors, painting, design, black and white, layout, computer graphics, and other art media, and three years of acceptable full-time paid experience as a commercial or graphic artist.
- To be qualified for assignment to Assignment Level II, individuals must have: at least one year of experience as a Graphic Artist, Assignment Level I; or the Qualification Requirements described in "1" or "2" above, plus two additional years of acceptable specialized paid experience conceptualizing and initiating graphic art projects.
Nice To Haves
- BFA in graphic design or related art/design degree
- Professional graphic design work experience
- Superior graphic design ability and an excellent print/web portfolio
- Extensive knowledge of graphic design, typography, color theory, digital printing process, and Fiery output
- Expert in graphic design for social media and web
- Understanding of user interface and web technologies
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel)
- Proficiency in relational databases (such as Microsoft Access)
- Proficiency in GIS software (ArcGIS Pro, QGIS) for mapping and spatial visualization
- Proficiency in visualization and presentation tools (e.g., Figma, Canva, or similar platforms)
- Basic video editing tools (Adobe Premiere Pro or equivalent)
- File and digital asset management systems (shared drives, DAM platforms, or similar systems)
- Experience with motion graphics, animations, and video editing
- Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
- Excellent organizational skills and an ability to focus on details and respond quickly to requests
- Strong analytical/critical thinking skills
- Ability to write and communicate clearly
- Excellent time-management skills
- Demonstrated interest in cycling and the built environment of NYC
- Willingness to work in the field in all seasons, traveling by bike, walking, or using mass transit
Responsibilities
- Develop visual communications and outreach materials supporting cycling activation programs, public engagement, and neighborhood planning.
- Translate transportation planning concepts into straightforward visual content for diverse audiences, adhering to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
- Work closely with other Units on the development, production, and distribution of the NYC Bike Map.
- Develop visual storytelling products, including illustrated narratives, explainer graphics, presentations, and conceptual storyboards for C&M campaigns.
- Produce motion graphics and animations, print and digital materials, including maps, reports, signage, web content, posters, flyers, brochures, postcards, ads, diagrams, and other public-facing and internal assets.
- Manage the Unit's official project imagery, including organizing, editing, and creating before-and-after visual documentation of projects in line with divisional recordkeeping practices.
- Document project implementation and community outreach through photography and short-form video.
- Recommend effective visual communication approaches for transportation safety and street improvement projects across platforms.
- Coordinating with the Communications & Press Division, work on C&M's branding, data visualization, and visual storytelling strategies.
- Support creative communications projects and additional visual design across the Unit as required.
Benefits
- New hires must reside in NYC for the first two years of employment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
