Geospatial Design and Visualisation Officer | Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Geospatial Design and Visualisation Officer | Graphic Designer

Company: Transport for NSW

Location: Milsons Point, NSW, Australia

Job Type: Temporary

Category: Graphic Design & Visualisation / Operations Support

Date Posted: 2026-09-29

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Deliver high-quality creative and technical graphics services, including mapping, publication layouts, data visualisation, and infographics, to support the development of transport planning strategies, studies, and strategic business cases.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to interpret project objectives and deliver compelling visual communication products from brief to final delivery.

• Translate complex information and insights into creative, accessible, and engaging design solutions that adhere to Transport's accessibility requirements (WCAG 2.0 AA) and copyright permissions.

• Contribute to the development of work briefs for external creative expertise to support specialised programs of work.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is primarily a graphic design position, its focus on data visualization, mapping, and supporting strategic business cases positions it within the broader operational support functions of Transport for NSW. Candidates with a strong understanding of how visual communication supports operational decision-making and strategic planning will be highly valued. The role requires a blend of creative execution and understanding the strategic intent behind the visual assets.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Produce a range of visual communication products, including but not limited to:

  • Mapping and cartographic outputs for transport planning initiatives.
  • Publication layouts for reports, strategies, and business cases.
  • Data visualisations and infographics to simplify complex datasets.
  • Other creative graphics as required to support departmental objectives.

• Engage proactively with internal stakeholders across various transport planning teams to:

  • Gather project requirements and understand specific visual communication needs.
  • Provide expert advice on design best practices and optimal visualisation techniques.
  • Manage feedback loops and iterate on designs to achieve desired outcomes.

• Ensure all visual outputs comply with Transport for NSW brand guidelines, accessibility standards (WCAG 2.0 AA), and relevant copyright legislation.

• Assist in the creation and refinement of project briefs for external agencies, including graphic designers, copywriters, and illustrators, ensuring clear objectives and deliverables are defined.

• Maintain a high standard of technical proficiency in design software, keeping abreast of industry trends and advancements in visual communication and data visualisation.

• Support the development and maintenance of design templates and style guides to ensure consistency across transport planning documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for proactive stakeholder management and a deep understanding of the 'why' behind the visualisations. This goes beyond just design execution; it involves strategic input and ensuring the visuals effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences, a key aspect of operational communication.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating proficiency in graphic design, visual communication, or a related field is essential. Relevant tertiary qualifications in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Communications, or a related discipline would be advantageous.

Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of professional experience in graphic design, visual communication, publication design, or a closely related field. Demonstrated experience in translating complex information into accessible and engaging visual content.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, specifically:

  • Adobe InDesign (for publication layouts and print design).
  • Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics, icons, and complex illustrations).
  • Adobe Photoshop (for image manipulation and raster graphics).

• Data Visualisation & Infographics: Proven ability to design clear, compelling, and accurate data visualisations and infographics that communicate complex information effectively.

• Publication Design: Expertise in creating professional and accessible publication layouts for reports, proposals, and strategic documents.

• Microsoft Office Suite: High proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, particularly in a Mac environment, for integrating graphics into documents and presentations.

• Visual Communication Strategy: Ability to understand project objectives and translate them into effective visual communication strategies.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, gather requirements, and manage feedback.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail in design execution, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to standards.

• Accessibility Standards: Understanding and application of accessibility requirements, specifically WCAG 2.0 AA, in design outputs.

Preferred Skills:

• Geospatial Design & Mapping: Experience with mapping software and techniques, particularly MAPublisher for Adobe Illustrator.

• Technical Illustration: Ability to create or interpret technical illustrations for transport-related projects.

• Geospatial Integration: Understanding of how visual elements integrate with geospatial data and systems.

• Mac Environment Proficiency: Experience working within a Mac operating system environment.

• Content Interpretation: Ability to quickly grasp and interpret complex technical or strategic information for visual representation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific Adobe Creative Cloud applications and the preferred skills in MAPublisher and geospatial integration indicate a need for candidates who can handle specialized technical and data-driven design tasks, which are critical for operational support in a transport agency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Design Process: Showcase a clear design process from brief interpretation, concept development, stakeholder feedback integration, to final output delivery.

• Visualisation Case Studies: Include specific examples of data visualisations and infographics, detailing the complexity of the data, the design challenges, and the impact of the visual communication.

• Publication Layout Examples: Present examples of multi-page documents (e.g., reports, strategic plans) that demonstrate strong layout, typography, and information hierarchy.

• Mapping Outputs: If available, include examples of maps or cartographic work that illustrate an understanding of spatial data representation.

• Accessibility Considerations: Highlight instances where accessibility standards were a key consideration in the design process and final output.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing design projects, including brief intake, concept generation, revision cycles, and final asset delivery.

• Tool Integration: Demonstrate understanding of how different design tools (Adobe CC, Microsoft Office) are integrated to produce comprehensive visual packages.

• Performance Measurement: While direct measurement may not be a primary responsibility, be ready to discuss how you ensure your designs effectively meet communication objectives and stakeholder needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should not just be a collection of pretty pictures, but a testament to a structured approach to design that supports operational and strategic communication goals within a complex organization like Transport for NSW. Highlighting the ability to work with data and adhere to strict standards is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a temporary role with Transport for NSW, the salary would typically be aligned with government pay scales for similar positions in New South Wales, Australia. Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer/Visualisation Officer with 2-5 years of experience in a government context in Sydney, a preliminary estimated range would be AUD $70,000 - $90,000 per annum, pro-rated for the contract duration. This estimate considers the required skills, responsibilities, and the public sector environment.

Benefits:

• Flexible Hybrid Working Arrangements: The role offers a blend of office-based work at Milsons Point and Macquarie Park, with the flexibility to work remotely.

• Professional Development: Opportunity to work on high-profile transport planning projects and gain experience in a government sector environment.

• Temporary Contract: Provides focused project experience within a defined period (12 October 2026 to 31 August 2027).

• Access to Government Resources: Potential access to government-specific training and resources.

• Exposure to Large-Scale Projects: Work on significant transport infrastructure and planning initiatives that impact the community.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are likely to be around 35-40 hours per week, typical for a full-time role in Australia. The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility in how these hours are structured between office and remote locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on common public sector pay bands in New South Wales for roles requiring specialized design skills and experience. Official salary will be determined by Transport for NSW based on the candidate's qualifications and the specific pay grade for this temporary position.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government / Public Sector (Transport and Infrastructure)

Company Size: Transport for NSW is a very large government department, employing thousands of individuals across various divisions. This scale means opportunities for diverse project exposure and interaction with numerous teams.

Founded: Transport for NSW was established in 2011, consolidating various transport agencies to create a unified network. This history suggests a culture that values integration, efficiency, and strategic planning for the state's transport future.

Team Structure:

• The role is likely situated within a broader planning, strategy, or communications division, focusing on providing essential visual support for transport planning initiatives.

• The immediate team might consist of other designers, visualisers, data analysts, and project managers, fostering a collaborative environment for complex projects.

• This role will involve significant cross-functional collaboration with transport planners, engineers, policy advisors, and potentially external consultants. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Transport for NSW relies heavily on data to inform planning and strategy, making accurate and effective data visualisation crucial.

• Strategic Planning: The department focuses on long-term vision and strategic planning for the state's transport network, requiring clear communication of complex strategies.

• Stakeholder Engagement: A core methodology involves engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, from government officials to the public, necessitating clear and accessible communication.

Company Website: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: Transport for NSW operates in a highly regulated and public-facing environment. The culture will likely emphasize professionalism, adherence to standards, collaboration, and a commitment to public service. The scale of the organization means that processes and communication channels can be formal, but also that impactful work reaches a broad audience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level specialist within a support function. It is not a direct "operations" role in the sense of managing daily business processes but provides critical design and visualisation support that enables operational planning and strategic decision-making. It's a key contributor role focused on a specialized skill set.

Reporting Structure: The officer will likely report to a Manager or Team Leader responsible for design, visualisation, or strategic communications within a specific division of Transport for NSW. This manager will oversee project allocation, performance, and professional development.

Operations Impact: The visual assets produced directly influence the clarity and effectiveness of transport planning strategies, studies