Senior Cinematographer

Senior Cinematographer (2601461)

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Communications Division seeks a highly skilled and creatively driven Senior Cinematographer to join the agency's in‑house Creative Services team. You will produce broadcast‑quality video both in studio and in the field for TxDOT audiences, elevating the quality, tone, and impact of TxDOT's video work across campaigns, storytelling initiatives, and public‑facing communications.
Applicants are required to submit a link to a demo reel that demonstrates their video production and editing skills.
Minimum Salary: $78,000.00
Maximum Salary: $93,000.00
Pay Basis: Yearly
FLSA Status: Exempt
Work Locations & Travel

Stassney HQ - Main, 6230 East Stassney Lane, Austin, 78744
Travel: Yes, 25% of the time
Shift: Day job; 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday 8-5 p.m. core business hours
Location Flexibility: Onsite, up to 1 day telework after initial onboarding
Benefits and Perks

Retirement Plans
Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
Paid Leave and Holidays
Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full‑Time Employees
On‑the‑Job Training
Tuition Assistance Program
Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
Family‑Friendly Policies and Programs
In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother‑Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work‑life balance.
For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package. To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov).
Responsibilities

Works in the Media Production branch to produce broadcast‑quality video content for internal and external audiences. Performs in‑studio, field, and live‑streaming production work, including storyboarding, videography, lighting, and audio capture. Translates complex information into visually compelling content that effectively tells TxDOT's story and resonates with diverse audiences. Coordinates with Media Production staff, clients, and cross‑functional teams to oversee production processes and workflows, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with TxDOT's goals. Collaborates professionally with administrative and executive‑level clients while providing excellent customer service. Performs other duties as assigned.
Operate and direct camera operation, lighting, and audio setups to support creative intent across a range of environments.
Contribute to visual script component development and create shot lists, production schedules, call sheets, and other standard production documents that clarify the story, define the visual approach, and support efficient production planning.
Independently direct both small, self‑managed shoots and larger production environments involving talent, crew, vendors, or subcontractors, shaping the production approach in real time and making decisions that improve both efficiency and creative outcome.
Partner with internal teams to define the most efficient production strategy and effective visual direction, balancing scope, resources, and creative goals.
Attend public hearings, meetings and events of statewide significance.
Coordinate with clients to assess project requirements, define project goals, audiences, and production needs.
Coordinate with clients, administrative or technical staff and conduct or direct research to create the most compelling visual story.
Contribute to scriptwriting and editing of audiovisual communications media as needed.
Manage and maintain production equipment with a focus on readiness and reliability.
Work efficiently in dynamic conditions, solving problems without compromising quality.
Provide excellent customer service when collaborating with clients, staff, the public, agency executive leadership and elected officials.
Travel as required to support production assignments (including overnight travel).
Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Business or related disciplines.

Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis.
Experience: 5 years writing, editing, journalism or communications related activities. (Experience can be satisfied by full‑time or prorated part‑time equivalent).

Related graduate‑level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.
Preferred Qualifications

Strong portfolio demonstrating strong visual storytelling, aesthetic judgment and creative storytelling.
Experience working across both small, agile productions and larger, crew‑based shoots.
Experience coordinating and managing external production partners, vendors, or subcontractors.
Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere Pro, After Effects). Competency in DaVinci Resolve.
5 years of progressive experience in videography or media production, with leadership experience in production environments.
Professional video camera operation methods and techniques.
Planning, directing, coordinating, scheduling and leading on‑set productions with confidence and professionalism.
Adaptability across production scales and environments.
Providing prompt and courteous customer service; advising customers when delays are necessary and following up on identified problems until resolved.
Collaboration, communication, and problem‑solving.
Ability to work independently and deliver under deadlines.
Evaluating audio/visual products and equipment.
Leading, assigning, reviewing, and monitoring the work of others.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Light work: lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs.
Standing: prolonged periods of time.
Repetitive motion: substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
Frequent lifting and carrying of production equipment (up to approximately 50 pounds).
Standing, bending, and working in varied environments.
Combination of studio and outdoor field conditions.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)

TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category.
To view the MOS codes please click on the link below and click on the appropriate occupational category.
https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions
Equal Opportunity Employer

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Reasonable Accommodations

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.

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