Environmental Graphic Designer 2

About the position

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service. Metra's Capital Delivery Department is divided into seven sections: Stations and Parking Design, Civil/Structural Design, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Construction, NEPA, Project Management, and Project Controls. The Station and Parking Design manages the design of Metra's station and parking capital projects. The Wayfinding and Signs team is a subgroup of Stations and Parking Design that manages wayfinding and sign projects related to Metra stations. The Civil/Structural Design manages the design of capital infrastructure projects including tracks, bridges, and yard facilities. Electrical/Mechanical manages traction power and mechanical capital projects. Construction manages the construction of capital projects. The NEPA team manages the environmental review and historic resources review processes for capital projects. The Project Management team leads various capital projects across the Capital Program. The Project Controls team continually improves the processes and systems that are used to manage capital projects. The Environmental Graphic Designer 2 (Wayfinding and Signs), is a newly created position that comes at an exciting time of growth for the Wayfinding & Signs team at Metra. Applicants will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact by contributing to new station design projects and our Systemwide Signage Program. Over the next several years, we are redeveloping and implementing new sign standards across all 243 stations, enhancing wayfinding and overall passenger experience. Reporting to the Manager - Wayfinding and Signs, the Environmental Graphic Designer 2 (Wayfinding and Signs), will have the opportunity to touch all facets of signage projects from planning and design management of vendors to fabrication, installation, and maintenance. We've introduced new technological solutions, and you'll play a key role in shaping how the team leverages them to enhance the Metra passenger experience and improve navigation throughout the system.

Responsibilities

• Participate in conceptualizing, designing, and producing signage and environmental graphics for stations and facilities that provide ridership with information needed to navigate Metra's commuter rail system.
• Collaborate with team members in the development of project materials including sign design, programming (sign location plans and message schedules), detailing, graphic artwork, diagrams, maps, templates, standards, and specifications ensuring continuity and integration of Metra's brand and system-wide standards.
• Conduct station and facility audits to assess signage design, location, material, and installation for project compliance.
• Collaborate with team members on project budgets, schedules, objectives, and priorities for assigned projects.
• Provide support throughout all stages of the project, including assisting with the preparation of visual presentations and reports for management and project stakeholders.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field or in lieu of degree, a combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four years in graphic arts and design.
• Must have a minimum of three years of environmental graphic design experience.
• Good knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign.
• Knowledge of Sign Agent, ESRI GIS, or similar GIS mapping tools.
• Knowledge of drafting software, such as Cad Tools, MicroStation, Auto Cad/and or Revit, and the ability to create BIM and CAD templates.
• Knowledge of accessibility codes including Illinois Accessibility Code and 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
• Knowledge of transportation industry customer messaging.
• Good analytical, organizational, and problem solving skills.
• Skill assessing wayfinding needs and developing solutions.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good design, motion graphic, video production, and photography manipulation skills.
• Proficient in sign and/or map design.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to comprehend architectural/engineering drawings.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize multiple objectives, and bring projects to completion within a deadline-sensitive environment.
• Ability to understand and carry out technical issues clearly and concisely.
• Ability to encourage vibrant and collaborative team engagement.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
• Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
• Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.