Graphic Design Intern

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in visual communications, graphic design, or web design from an accredited college or university; OR at least 45 college credits toward visual communications, graphic design, or web design with at least 15 credits of those credits in graphic design; OR an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university AND at least 1 year of full-time work experience in graphic design; OR a high school diploma or GED AND at least 3 years of full-time work experience AND at least 1 year in graphic design.

Preferred Qualifications

Possess work experience in media and communications activities; OR ability to communicate in Spanish, Polish, or sign language.

REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS

Submit an online application;

Upload a Word document containing a brief explanation of your interest in the position and your current area of focus in design (250 words or less); and

Upload a website or pdf with samples of your work. Submissions may have been created for class assignments, blank pieces, or professional purposes.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

Ability to work up to 20 hours per week, typically a set schedule with some flexibility requested.

High level of attention to detail and organizational skills.

Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop)

Ability to communicate professionally with stakeholders in the design process.

Capacity to work at times under a deadline structure and prioritize assignments effectively.

Eagerness to learn.

Ability to maintain confidentiality of District information.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work.  They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

Veteran’s Preference

When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time.  To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:

Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Identify him/herself as a Veteran on his/her employment application by answering “Yes” to the question “Are you a military veteran?”

Attach a copy of his/her DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of your application.  If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, the one with the most recent date should be submitted.  Coast Guard members must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).

Provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.

General District Employment Requirements

PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED.

Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. We value our employees and the different talents, expertise, and viewpoints that each brings to the table. We believe a robust exchange of ideas results in better decision-making and we commit to providing a constructive, safe, and positive work atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs.

 Forest Preserve District of Cook County

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Communications Director and Graphic Designer, the Graphic Design Intern will work on various communications and marketing projects for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (“District”), with a focus on print/digital asset organization. These include but may not be limited to help establish how creative content is stored, organized and accessed by the Communications team, with a focus on sign types, photography and identifying accessibility support for people with disabilities. This role will also include using existing templates to create events signs and assisting in organizing internal documents and files. This is a seasonal position and the duration of this position is up to 6 months.

Typical Duties

Provides support to the Graphic Designer in the Communications division of the Office of the General Superintendent.

Uses InDesign to package and organize an inventory of sign files within the division’s filing system, using Photoshop and Illustrator as necessary.

Assists with organizing seasonal photography within the current system, file organization and scanning.

Creates new versions of signs and marketing materials from existing design templates.

Supports staff in researching, designing and maintaining accessible digital content—such as documents, booklets, flyers and other media—in compliance with WCAG standards.

May be asked to occasionally take photos.

Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.