Photographer #321 Job at United States Senate Employment Office in Washington

Job Title

Photographer #321

Department

Support Operations

Target Hiring Range

$87,000 – $102,000

Posting Date Range

12/17/2025 – 12/31/2025

Pay Grade Range

$72,032 – $126,056

Work Hours

8:30 am – 5:30 pm

FLSA Status

Non‑Exempt

Remote Work Status

Onsite

Relocation

The Senate Sergeant at Arms does not pay for relocation expenses.

Important Notice

This vacancy announcement closes at 7 pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted.

Job Overview

The U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms is seeking an experienced, mission‑driven photographer to join its Photographic Services team. The role supports the Senate’s work by producing executive‑level still and short‑form video imagery for Senators and the broader Senate community. The Photographer works in fast‑paced, high‑visibility environments, capturing imagery at official ceremonies, committee hearings, press conferences, presidential inaugurations, State of the Union addresses, foreign heads‑of‑state visits, private meetings, constituent events, award presentations, passport photography, and landscape and architectural shots.

Key Accountabilities & Essential Job Duties

• Plan, shoot, and edit photographs for a variety of projects.
• Create retouched images and intricate composites in Photoshop suitable for official portraits.
• Conceptualize and develop visual assets that align with SAA standards.
• Assess color, density, and contrast, applying color theory to enhance visual appeal.
• Employ batch imagery processing and metadata ingesting techniques.
• Maintain and clean equipment, ensuring optimal functionality.
• Record and edit video to produce short‑form video products.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co‑workers, supervisors, and customers.
• Communicate effectively with a diverse group of subjects and give clear, respectful direction.

Job Specifications

Required Education

High School Diploma or GED.

Required Work Experience

• 5 to 7 years of professional photography experience.

Required Special Skills / Knowledge

• Skills assessment may be conducted during hiring.
• Knowledge of photographic principles, framing, and shoot practices.
• Ability to assess color, density, and contrast with acute attention to detail.
• Knowledge of AP style caption writing.
• Proficiency with batch imagery processing and metadata ingesting.
• Demonstrated skill with Adobe Suite, Photoshop, Photo Mechanic, and Microsoft Office on PC and Apple platforms.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Critical evaluation.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with mirrorless cameras, video and audio equipment, and editing software.
• Problem‑solving in real‑time, diplomatic handling of challenging situations.
• Self‑motivated with high attention to detail.
• Familiarity with digital photo printing process.
• Preference given to candidates with short‑form video experience.

Working Conditions

• Onsite presence required during Senate session; must be available during shutdowns, inclement weather, holidays, late nights, overnight and weekend sessions.
• Requires moderate physical effort, including carrying items less than 50 lb, walking, bending, crawling, standing for long periods, and working on ladders, scaffolding, or stages.
• Work schedule may fluctuate, requiring early mornings, late evenings, and weekends with little notice.
• Some travel may be required.

Conditions of Employment

Employment is contingent on background/security investigation results. Candidates must meet U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency requirements as specified by federal law.

Benefits

Highly competitive benefits package includes health care, student loan reimbursement, professional development, transportation subsidy, TSP retirement savings, and Employee Assistance Program. More information.

Accommodations

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the SAA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Submit requests to employment@saa.senate.gov with "Accommodation" in the subject line.

Veterans' Preference

Veterans may apply for preference after submitting the job application using the provided link. Late applications for veterans’ preference will not be considered.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology

Location

District of Columbia, United States – Washington, DC