San Mateo County Transit District is hiring: Graphic Designer in San Carlos

Salary : $72,296.00 - $101,215.00 Annually
Location : San Carlos, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00038
Division: Communications
Department: Web and Creative Services
Opening Date: 03/13/2026
Closing Date: 4/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

General

The Graphics Specialist (Graphic Designer) reports to the Manager, Creative Services, and is responsible for design layout, production of collaterals for publications on print and digital communications, and creating multimedia content such as visual assets, video and graphics for San Mateo County Transit (SamTrans), Peninsula Joint Powers Board (Caltrain), and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA).
Essential Functions & Duties

Examples of Essential Functions:

• Ensure consistency of brand and visual identity across all materials.
• Prepare and finalize artwork for print, digital, and multimedia production across various formats.
• Collaborate with internal teams to understand project goals and deliver visually engaging solutions.
• Effectively prioritize tasks and consistently meet deadlines.
• Make production-ready edits to photographic images assets including enhancing, resizing, and making layout or storyboard adjustments.
• Perform quality control checks to ensure accurate, press-ready files.
• Scan, manipulate, and correct photographic images used in presentations, publications, multimedia, and public information releases.
• Operate single-lens reflex (SLR) camera at various locations capturing traffic, vehicles, and public events.
• Oversee the print production process with contracted vendors from upload to delivery.

Examples of Essential Duties:

• Prepare electronic and printed timetables for SamTrans, including schedule brochures and Guide-A-Ride materials, as well as Caltrain timetables for onboard and station displays.
• Prepare layout brochures, newsletters, reports, flyers, forms and other printed materials with text provided by the editor.
• Create sketches, maps, graphs, charts, posters, diagrams, final drawings, and photographs.
• Image correction and manipulation, including retouching, color adjustments, and preparing high-resolution imagery for both print and digital formats.
• Produce multimedia content such as video, motion graphics, and social media content.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect yourself, your fellow employees and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Three (3) years of progressive experience in graphics art.
• Must have experience with HTML and print production processes, from concept to delivery.
• Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator in a Windows/PC environment preferred.
• Experience working in the public sector, transit preferred.
• Professional work experience creating visual assets related to wayfinding.
• Professional work experience creating assets for the general public.

The selection process may include a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions. Only those candidates who are the most qualified will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.
How to Apply

• Complete an online employment application by 11:59 p.m. of the listed closing date. Resumes and cover letters will not be accepted in lieu of fully completed applications. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that applications are completed with all relevant information (experience, education, certifications, licenses, references and/or other information).
• The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request. If you have a need for an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.
• We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities and Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Below is a summary of the comprehensive benefits provided to District full-time employees:

Health and Welfare Benefits:

• Healthcare Benefits -District employees are offered a choice of healthcare providers under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program. The District will contribute ninety (90) percent towards monthly premiums for full-time employees. Fifty (50) percent for part-time employees.
  
• Free Dental and Vision Benefits provided - Employer Covers Premiums
  
• Free Employee Assistance Benefit - Employees are entitled to 5 face-to-face sessions or telephonic or web-video consultations for problem-solving support per incident, per calendar year.

• Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified Health or Dependent Care expenses.

Retirement Medical Benefits:

• Long Term Disability Insurance - After 90 days of total disability, Administrative full-time employees are eligible for 60% of monthly income covered by the District.
  
• Health and Wellness - Gyms located at most work locations and discounted Weight Watcher Membership Option.

Holidays and Paid Time Off:

• Paid Time Off - Newly hired employees accrue 6.5 hours bi-weekly when hired (if Exempt 8.25 hours). As you move up in years of service credit, the rate of the amount of PTO accrued will also increase.
  
• Paid Holidays - The District provides seven paid holidays throughout the year - New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
  
• Floating Holidays - District employees can earn up to five (5) floating holidays.

Financial Planning Benefits:

• Pension Benefits through CalPERS -You must have a minimum of 5 years of service to be eligible for this pension.

• CalPERS PEPRA vs. Classic - All employees hired on, or after January 1, 2013, are considered PEPRA members and will contribute 8% of their salary up to the maximum IRS cut-off. All Classic members will contribute 6%
  
• Deferred Compensation Options - Select to contribute to one or both of our Tax Deferred Compensation Options
  
• Reliance Standard Life Insurance with 100% premium paid by the District - 1 times annual salary of employee - max $200,000
  
• Optional Life Insurance - Employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible family members.

Growth and Education Benefits:

• Professional Development - Access to LinkedIn Learning and San Mateo County's professional training. District Tuition Reimbursement Program - A maximum of $5,250 per year for courses related to your job or career goals with the District.
  
• Computer Loan Program - Interest-free two-year loan with a maximum amount of $2,000.

Other Amazing Benefits:

• Credit Union - Employees and family members are eligible to join the San Mateo Credit Union and Patelco Credit Union.
  
• Employee Clean Commute (ECC) - Car/Van poolers and Public Transit riders receive a monthly reimbursement.
  
• Commuter Benefits - Free Employee Parking; Free Bus Pass for employee as well as children/spouse; Clipper Card/Go Pass Program for Central employees.

For union employees, all of the above benefits are subject to the employee's Collective Bargaining Agreement. Benefits listed are also subject to change with or without notice and are subject to contract/provider terms and conditions.
01

How many years of professional experience do you have in graphic or visual design.

• No experience
• 1 year of experience
• 2 years of experience
• 3 years of experience
• 4 years of experience
• 5 years of experience or more

02

Do you have experience with HTML and print production processes from concept to delivery?

• Yes
• No

03

What is your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctoral Degree

04

Do you have experience with InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator in a Windows/PC environment?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have experience creating visual assets for the general public?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have graphic design experience related to public transit?

• Yes
• No

Required Question