County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, to plan and execute projects involving the writing, producing, directing, filming, and editing of videos, and production, reproduction editing, design and layout of photographic film, digital images, art work and other forms of media for the purpose of producing training materials, historical documentation, and other related projects involving public relations; provide photography support at crime scenes and to perform other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES:

This is a journey-level classification that includes responsibility for the production of a variety of different forms of media, video production and photographic production work. Positions in this class are assigned to the Sheriff’s Office and services are typically performed for the Regional Training Center, Sheriff’s Office staff or other County Departments.

Assignments given the incumbent require performance of all phases of technical video or photographic production including client consultation, project planning, designing, editing, producing, layout and the duplication and distribution of finished video, print media, photography, and other multimedia or graphical products.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Receives and evaluates requests from Agency members for unique or special-purpose video, photographic, or other multimedia projects.

2. Conducts pre-project planning meetings with Agency staff. Determines the general nature and purpose of the requested project. Identifies the type of final product that would best suit the requesting party’s objective, dates and locations of events to be recorded, deadlines and time required to complete the project. Identifies practical and technical factors related to completion of the project as envisioned. Discusses practical and technical considerations, options and alternatives with requesting parties; arrives at a final project plan.

3. Reports to the video or photography project site; prepares equipment for use; utilizes video, still photography, digital images, graphic art and sound recording equipment to create video recordings, and images, posters, flyers, banners, case evidence and other print or electronic media in accordance with the project plan developed.

4. Creates video or photographic images of regularly scheduled events, e.g. Recruit Training Academy activities, Academy graduations, promotions and other ceremonies, Sheriff’s staff meeting presentations, as well as crime scenes and other events related to the Sheriff’s Office or County.

5. Downloads video or photographic images, graphic art and audio from recording or photographic equipment to computer-based editing or photo-lab systems. Designs, edits and mixes raw footage, still images and graphic art from multiple sources; combines video/audio footage recorded with still images, audio and music obtained from other sources (e.g., TV broadcasts, audio tapes, computer clips, DVD, VHS recordings) to create an initial composition. Views and evaluates photographic or audio/visual content to determine the need for technical, artistic or substantive revision. Reviews work in progress with Agency staff. Re-edits project content as necessary to arrive at a final product.

6. Prepares photographic evidence for presentation in court. As required, testifies on the authenticity of photographic materials presented.

7. Downloads still camera images to photo editing systems. Using currently available photo editing software, edits, crops, formats and color corrects rough images to produce final electronic prints. Transfers completed images to CD or DVD format. Produces hard-copy images as required.

8. Copies, labels and packages DVD and CD disks containing final form video/audio and still photography projects for distribution to Agency staff or others, as the circumstances require.

9. Using available computer graphics software, designs and prepares instructional material, brochures, documents used in conjunction with special events for hard copy reproduction, as the project dictates.

10. Sets up, maintains, and performs quality control duties on photographic processing equipment video and still photographic files. Maintain associated indices and records of material on file, content, date of production and filing location.

11. Maintains an inventory control of photographic and video supplies and equipment used in video, audio and still-image photography, editing and production by tracking requests, preparing monthly and annual statistics and preparing billing statements.

12. Periodically inspects the production printer, video and still photography equipment for proper functioning. Arranges for repair or replacement of damaged or worn equipment. Evaluates new video, multimedia, and photographic systems, equipment, software and other devices for use by the Agency. Make recommendations to supervisory staff regarding equipment replacement or upgrade.

13. May provide backup support to other Multimedia Unit Services staff or assist with the training of new employees in the use of photographic or video equipment and operational processes as needed. Performs other administrative tasks as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the field of graphic design/animation, broadcast television or journalism, communication, film, fine arts, video production, photographic production, or a closely related field

(Additional journey-level or professional work experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.)

AND

Experience:

The equivalent of two years of verifiable full-time, journey level experience performing video and multimedia production, digital document or digital art design, still photo image production, advertising design or multimedia design, in one or more of the following areas: law enforcement or other public agency, government access television, broadcasting, television news programming, training or media/multimedia production, public affairs, and/or media coverage that included overall, independent responsibility for video production planning and design, image recording and editing, or processing of still or digital images and print media.

License: Possession of a valid California Motor vehicle Operator’s license.

Special Requirements:

1. A thorough background investigation will be conducted of all prospective incumbents to ensure they are suitable for work in a law enforcement environment.

2. Incumbents are generally assigned to work day shifts however evening, weekend or holiday shifts may be required.

3. Vision must be free from color blindness in either eye.

4. Incumbents may be required to use, and move, a variety of equipment requiring that they lift equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and frequently lift objects of 20 pounds.

5. All audio and visual imagery taken as a result of this position is the property of the Sheriff’s Office and may not be used for personal gain or distributed outside the agency without proper written consent.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of media production processes; such as graphic design/computer animation, script writing, directing, camera work, lighting, editing, and television/video/audio production.
• The use of digital press reprographics production unit.
• The operation of field video and still photographic equipment and software and, specifically, the equipment and software used by the Sheriff’s Office for image recording and editing.
• Video editing principles, production methods, equipment and techniques.
• Equipment and procedures used in video duplication and storage.
• Principles, practices and techniques of graphic design and the use of graphics design software.
• Graphic arts design software.
• Materials, techniques and equipment used in commercial art.
• Knowledge of effective project management.
• Knowledge of budgeting principles.

Ability to:

• Operate field video/audio and still photographic equipment to secure images for finished projects.
• Edit video/audio recordings and still images and create finished products suited to their intended purpose.
• Work cooperatively and productively with a variety of individuals in the planning, design and execution of video, photographic, multimedia, and graphic projects.
• Plan and organize project activity.
• Work independently with minimal technical direction.
• Produce multiple copies of videos and still images for use by others.
• Perform simple maintenance on video and photographic equipment or recommend replacement or repair.
• Set up and maintain video, photographic and digital image filing systems.
• Keep abreast of developments in videography, photography, and multimedia techniques, procedures, software, and equipment.
• Follow written and oral instructions and the ability to express oneself, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Prepare graphic presentations on a wide variety of subject matters to diverse audiences.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Newspec: 9294.doc
DS:cs 1/27/11
CSC Date: 2/23/11
NLB:cs Revised 4/1/16
CSC Date: 4/27/16

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.