Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CA) is hiring: SENIOR

The 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.

Responsibilities

• Leads 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-budget
• Leads 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 imagery
• Conceptualizes 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 basis
• Oversees the execution of or conducts extensive photographic retouching and color model conversions on images prior to final output as print or web pieces
• Supervises the editing of video content and assembles complete video files for use across a variety of digital platforms
• Oversees workflow of photo and video shoots to comply with schedule
• Provides up-to-date information on jobs and scheduling to marketing, design, and production management
• Consults with partners, designers, marketing representatives, and clients to complete jobs while satisfying the concepts and goals of a project
• Constructs temporary photo studio environments in various locations
• Prepares photography for the purpose of training, educating, and informing Metro employees as well as the public
• Orders necessary photo and video hardware and software within established budget
• Coordinates with digital asset manager and Digital Asset Management (DAM) system for archiving digital library of Metro imagery
• Supervises the development of database keywords, tags, and file conventions
• Searches image databases to respond to requests for existing photography
• Administers license agreements for photographs when required
• Advies staff of the possibilities and limitations of photography
• Works closely with Directors and Managers to ensure deadlines are met
• Monitors color accuracy and image quality
• Leads and trains photography Administrative Interns and Transportation Associates; supervises execution of Transportation Associates' photographer projects
• Remains up to date on the ever-changing methods and technology for achieving the most efficient and highest quality of imagery

May be required to perform other related job duties.

A 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:

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts, Photography, Photojournalism, or a related field

Experience

• Three 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 preferred

Certifications/Licenses/Special Requirements

• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job‑related essential functions

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred 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.

• Experience 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

Knowledge of

• Theories, principles, and practices of modern film and digital photography, artificial lighting, portable power, and photo retouching, compositing, and color model conversions
• Photography equipment and software
• Videography equipment and software
• Artificial and natural lighting principles and practices
• The 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 storytelling
• Marketing department workflow and operations

Skill in

• Photography and photo editing
• Videography and video editing
• Determining appropriate lighting
• Developing appropriate photo direction by evaluating clients' needs and creating appropriate shoots
• Constructing temporary photo studio environments in various locations
• Organization and efficiency
• Analyzing situations, identifying, and solving problems, and/or recommending solutions
• Interacting professionally with various levels of Metro employees and outside vendors
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing

Ability to

• Provide positive and clear communication, e.g., with photo shoot crews, subject individuals, or other vendors
• Contribute creatively and produce high-quality imagery
• Lead a team of creative professionals in both studio environments and in the field
• Oversee 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 projects
• Scout photo shoot locations and determine efficient use of lighting
• Utilize natural light or apply artificial lighting systems and appropriately position models
• Spot photo related defects and perform complex retouching and color model conversions
• Complete project goals and execute on department goals
• Manage databases
• Read, write, speak, and understand English

Special Conditions

• This job specification is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements
• The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job
• Metro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• This 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 Directors
• Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried out

Working Conditions

• Typical office situation
• Close exposure to computer monitors and video screen

Physical Effort Required

• Sitting at a desk or table
• Operate a telephone or other telecommunications device and communicate through the medium (Occasionally)
• Type and use a keyboard and mouse to perform necessary computer-based functions
• Standing
• Walking (distance 5' to 100')
• Communicating through speech in the English language required
• Good distance vision and/or depth perception to judge distances
• Color recognition (e.g., distinguishing wires, resistors, containers, light signals, etc.)