Seattle Department of Transportation is hiring: Senior Urban Design Visualizatio

Senior Urban Design Visualization Specialist (Senior Public Relations Specialist)

Join the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) to shape Seattle’s streets by creating high‑quality, accessible visuals that effectively communicate complex transportation projects to the public. The role focuses on producing photo‑realistic and conceptual 2D and 3D renderings for streetscapes, roadways, bike lanes, and public space projects, while supporting public engagement and storytelling.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop detailed, accurate 2D and 3D renderings that clearly visualize urban design and transportation projects.
• Collaborate with SDOT’s Graphic Designer to produce clear, engaging graphics and infographics that support public outreach, including flyers, reports, display boards, maps, diagrams, postcards, translated language layouts, brochures, and signs.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams (Communications, Public Engagement, Project Management, IT) to create and refine visualization workflows.
• Convert technical files (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino) into visually compelling materials.
• Institute new ideas, industry knowledge, and continuous improvement, following accessibility standards and SDOT guidelines.
• Support the department’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 2 years of professional experience in public relations, marketing, journalism, or a related field involving the preparation and distribution of public information materials.
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.

Additional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Design, Architecture, Industrial Design, or Multimedia/Graphic Design encouraged.
• Proven ability to create urban design visualizations and renderings.
• Proficiency with visualization tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, InfraWorks, SketchUp, Twinmotion, Tableau, Power BI, GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar software.
• Exceptional initiative, self‑direction, and ability to manage priorities independently.
• Effective communication, problem‑solving, positivity, and teamwork skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Passion for urban design and knowledge of Seattle’s transportation landscape.
• Familiarity with transportation planning and community engagement.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and staying current with design and visualization trends.
• Knowledge of graphic accessibility standards for public-facing documents.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural workplace with a diverse customer base.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

• Mostly performed in a standard City office setting with hybrid work options.

Additional Information

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Portfolio showcasing transportation-related visualizations (e.g., streetscape renderings, public space designs) produced entirely by the applicant.
• Portfolio showcasing graphic design work produced entirely by the applicant.
• Candidate will be required to complete a brief skills demonstration during the interview process.
• Offers contingent on verification of information and background check.

The full salary range for this position is $45.74 – $53.27 per hour. SDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation, holiday, sick leave, medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance.

Who May Apply

This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences and encourages people of all backgrounds—including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences—to apply.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request. The City is a Drug Free Workplace.