Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Blue Water Thinking

Location: Fully Remote - Based in USA

Job Type: Part-Time Contractor

Category: Graphic Design / User Interface Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-10

Experience Level: Mid-Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and implement accessible, visually appealing, and user-friendly interfaces for government applications, focusing on user-centered design principles and Section 508 compliance.

• Develop and integrate user interfaces using modern front-end technologies such as Bootstrap, jQuery, and centralized CSS files within a .NET Core C# and Power Platform development environment.

• Collaborate closely with front-end and back-end developers to ensure seamless integration of designs and maintain visual and functional consistency across all applications and reports.

• Support usability testing activities to gather feedback and iterate on designs, ensuring optimal user experience and adherence to accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the core responsibilities and technical requirements (Bootstrap, jQuery, .NET Core, C#, Power Platform, Section 508 compliance) strongly indicate a focus on UI/UX design and front-end development integration rather than purely visual graphic creation. This role sits at the intersection of design and development, requiring a strong understanding of user interface principles and web technologies within a federal government context. The role is part-time, specifically capped at 250 hours per year, and compensated on an hourly basis as an independent contractor.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and implement accessible, visually appealing, and user-friendly interfaces for VA OAA Data Management Center (DMC) applications and platforms, adhering to user-centered design methodologies.

• Create visually compelling, user-centered designs utilizing Bootstrap, jQuery, and centralized CSS files, ensuring a consistent and intuitive user experience.

• Collaborate effectively with front-end and back-end developers to integrate designed interfaces into the .NET Core C# and Power Platform development environment.

• Ensure all new and modified designs rigorously comply with Section 508 accessibility standards, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive design.

• Maintain visual and functional consistency across various applications and reports, upholding brand and design guidelines.

• Support formal usability testing activities as directed, contributing to the refinement of user interfaces based on feedback and testing outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a practical, hands-on approach to UI implementation, integrating design elements directly into a specific technology stack (.NET Core, C#, Power Platform). This is more than just creating mockups; it involves working with code frameworks and ensuring accessibility compliance within a government IT environment. The limited hours suggest a project-based or support role rather than a full-time operational capacity.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field is strictly required. Equivalencies for the degree will not be accepted. Experience:

• A minimum of 4 years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong emphasis on user-centered design and accessibility principles.

• Proven experience collaborating with development teams to successfully integrate designs into technical environments. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in front-end design technologies: Bootstrap, jQuery, and centralized CSS files.

• Expertise in graphic design software: Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.

• Deep understanding and practical application of Section 508 accessibility compliance standards.

• Strong user-centered design (UCD) principles and methodologies.

• Experience in user interface (UI) design for web applications and platforms.

• Familiarity with collaboration within a .NET Core C# and Power Platform development ecosystem.

• Ability to maintain visual and functional consistency across digital assets. Preferred Skills:

• Formal Section 508 compliance certification or specialized training in accessibility standards.

• Experience with usability testing methodologies and reporting.

• Familiarity with federal government IT environments and requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Bachelor's degree with no equivalencies, coupled with 4+ years of specific experience, positions this as a mid-level role for a specialized designer. The emphasis on both design tools (Adobe Suite) and front-end frameworks (Bootstrap, jQuery, CSS) indicates a need for a hybrid skill set, bridging creative design with technical implementation feasibility. The preference for Section 508 certification highlights the critical nature of accessibility in this government-focused role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing user-centered design projects with a clear focus on accessibility and Section 508 compliance.

• Include case studies that highlight the design process from conception to implementation, detailing how Bootstrap, jQuery, and CSS were utilized.

• Provide examples of designs integrated within a development environment, ideally referencing .NET Core C# or similar platforms, illustrating collaboration with developers.

• Showcase projects that maintain visual and functional consistency across multiple applications or reports, demonstrating an understanding of system-wide design standards. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your process for translating user needs and accessibility requirements into functional UI designs, detailing your workflow from initial concept to final deliverable.

• Explain how you ensure design elements are integrated seamlessly with back-end development, including communication strategies with developers and understanding of technical constraints.

• Detail your approach to ensuring and verifying Section 508 compliance throughout the design and implementation phases, including any testing or validation methods used.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio is paramount. It should not just be a collection of pretty pictures but a testament to the candidate's ability to solve user problems within technical and regulatory constraints. The emphasis on Section 508 and integration with .NET Core/Power Platform means portfolios should ideally include examples that address these specific requirements, or at least demonstrate the adaptability to learn them quickly.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50 per hour as an independent contractor. This role is part-time, with a maximum of 250 hours per year.

Benefits:

• As an independent contractor, standard employee benefits (health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off) are not typically provided.

• Flexibility in work schedule, allowing for management of personal time and other commitments, as the role is part-time and remote.

• Opportunity to work on impactful projects for federal clients, contributing to critical government applications and platforms.

• Potential for professional development through exposure to .NET Core, C#, and Power Platform environments, and advanced accessibility compliance work. Working Hours:

• Part-time, up to 250 hours per year. This equates to approximately 5 hours per week on average, assuming year-round engagement, or potentially more intensive bursts of work based on project needs. The exact schedule is flexible and will be managed collaboratively to meet project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate of $50 for an independent contractor in the US, for a specialized UI/UX designer with Section 508 expertise, is within a reasonable range, particularly for part-time, remote work. However, candidates should be aware that this classification means they are responsible for their own taxes, benefits, and retirement planning. The annual hour cap is a significant factor to consider for income stability and workload planning.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / IT Consulting

Company Size: Blue Water Thinking operates as a small to medium-sized business (SMB) within the federal contracting space. This size often allows for more direct impact and closer collaboration with leadership.

Founded: Founded by a veteran, Blue Water Thinking emphasizes military values and a "one-team" approach, fostering a culture of integrity, respect, professionalism, stewardship, and customer service.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be a part of a project team supporting the VA OAA Data Management Center (DMC). This team may include project managers, developers (.NET Core C#, Power Platform), business analysts, and other subject matter experts.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Project Manager or Task Lead, with direct collaboration with front-end and back-end developers.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring close interaction with developers to ensure design integration and with stakeholders or COR (Contracting Officer's Representative) for usability testing support. Methodology:

• The company's methodology centers on value generation, continuous innovation, customer-centricity, and vested collaboration, aiming to deliver best-fit solutions for federal clients.

• Emphasis is placed on leveraging executive team experience and a "one-team" integrated approach to meet client needs.

• Processes are driven by core values like integrity, respect, professionalism, stewardship, and customer service, fostering a strong work ethic and reputation.

Company Website: bw-thinking.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's military roots and values suggest a disciplined, mission-oriented, and collaborative work environment. For a contractor, understanding this ethos is crucial for effective integration and communication, especially when working with federal clients and their specific requirements (like Section 508). The "one-team" approach implies a need for proactive communication and a willingness to support broader project goals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is for a specialized Graphic Designer with a focus on UI/UX and accessibility, operating at a mid-level due to the 4+ years of experience requirement. As a part-time contractor, it offers focused project work rather than a traditional full-time career path within the company's direct employment structure.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a Project Manager or Task Lead, working closely with a development team. This structure is typical for project-based contracting roles, emphasizing task completion and specific deliverables.

Operations Impact: The designer's impact is critical for the usability and accessibility of VA OAA DMC applications. By ensuring user-friendly and Section 508 compliant interfaces, the designer directly contributes to the effectiveness of data management systems used by federal agencies, which ultimately supports the mission of serving veterans and warfighters.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in Section 508 compliance and UI/UX design within the federal sector, becoming a sought-after specialist.

• Technical Exposure: Gain hands-on experience integrating designs into .NET Core C# and Power Platform environments, enhancing front-end development understanding.

• Federal Project Experience: Build a strong portfolio of work with federal clients, opening doors to future government contracting opportunities.

• Contracting Network: Expand professional network within the government contracting industry through collaboration with Blue Water Thinking and its partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this specific role is more about expanding a specialized skill set and building a track record within the federal contracting domain rather than climbing a corporate ladder within Blue Water Thinking. The part-time nature means growth is likely self-directed through project contributions and the development of niche expertise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This role is designated as remote-only, requiring candidates to be based in the USA.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the company operates within the federal contracting space, likely interacting with clients based in or around Washington D.C. or other federal hubs. Specific company locations are not detailed, but the remote nature makes this less critical for the candidate.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is virtual, requiring a dedicated home office setup with reliable internet access for seamless communication and collaboration.

• Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially specific collaboration tools used by Blue Water Thinking and its project teams will be essential.

• Opportunities for interaction will be primarily through digital channels (e.g., video conferencing, instant messaging, project management platforms), necessitating strong written and verbal communication skills. Work Schedule:

• Flexible part-time schedule, up to 250 hours per year. This allows for significant autonomy in managing work hours, provided project deadlines and collaboration needs are met. The candidate will need to coordinate with the project team to align on availability for meetings and critical development phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote and part-time nature of this role offers significant flexibility but also demands high levels of self-discipline, proactive communication, and effective time management. Candidates must be comfortable working independently and managing their workload to meet the annual hour cap and project deliverables.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to ensure minimum qualifications (degree, years of experience, required skills) are met. Candidates must submit their resume in Word document format with dates included.

• Portfolio Review: A critical step where your design portfolio will be assessed. Expect to demonstrate projects showcasing user-centered design, accessibility (Section 508), and experience with Bootstrap, jQuery, and CSS. Case studies detailing your process and impact are highly recommended.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potentially a brief technical discussion or a small design exercise to evaluate proficiency in required tools and understanding of concepts like Section 508 compliance.

• Cultural/Fit Interview: An interview with project management or leadership to assess communication style, collaboration capabilities, understanding of the company's values, and suitability for working with federal clients.

• Final Steps: If successful, there will be discussions regarding contractor terms and the process for obtaining the required federal Public Trust clearance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to highlight at least 2-3 strong projects that directly address UI/UX design, user-centered principles, and Section 508 compliance.

• For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, the tools used (Bootstrap, jQuery, CSS), and the outcome, with a focus on accessibility improvements and user satisfaction.

• If possible, include examples of designs that were integrated into a development framework or discuss your collaboration process with developers.

• Be prepared to walk through your portfolio and answer specific questions about your design decisions and how you ensured accessibility. Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your approach to designing for accessibility, including specific techniques and standards related to Section 508.

• Prepare to explain how you collaborate with developers to ensure design fidelity and functionality within technical constraints.

• Consider how you would approach a hypothetical design challenge for a government application, focusing on user needs, accessibility, and integration within a .NET Core C# environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes tangible evidence of skills through the resume format and portfolio. Candidates should tailor their resume to include specific dates and achievements, and their portfolio to showcase relevant government or accessibility-focused projects. Understanding the federal context and Section 508 is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator (required).

• Front-End Frameworks/Libraries: Bootstrap, jQuery, CSS (required).

• Development Environment Integration: Familiarity with integrating designs into .NET Core C# and Power Platform environments (required).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a primary tool for the designer, understanding how analytics and reporting are used within applications (e.g., Power BI dashboards, custom reports) can inform design decisions for data visualization and user flow. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design responsibilities of this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical stack is specific and crucial. Proficiency in Bootstrap, jQuery, and CSS is non-negotiable, as is experience with Adobe Suite. The ability to work within or alongside a .NET Core C# and Power Platform ecosystem is a key differentiator. While the designer might not be coding directly, understanding how their designs translate into these environments is vital.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Value Generation: Focus on creating designs that add tangible value to government applications and user experience.

• Continuous Innovation: Apply creative solutions and modern design techniques while respecting established federal guidelines.

• Customer-Centricity: Prioritize the needs of end-users and stakeholders, ensuring designs are intuitive and effective.

• Vested Collaboration: Work as a cohesive part of the project team, actively contributing to shared goals with developers and project managers.

• Integrity & Respect: Uphold professional standards in all interactions and design outputs, particularly concerning accessibility and compliance.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and communicative, especially in a remote, part-time capacity. Regular check-ins with project leads and developers are essential.

• Team-oriented, viewing design as an integral part of the development lifecycle, not an isolated function.

• Open to feedback and iterative design processes, aligning with the "one-team" approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Blue Water Thinking's core values, particularly "vested collaboration" and "customer-centricity," suggest a need for designers who are not only technically skilled but also team players who can actively contribute to project success and understand the end-user's perspective in a government context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design and Technical Constraints: Integrating visually appealing and user-friendly designs within the specific technical framework of .NET Core C# and Power Platform, while adhering to Section 508.

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively communicating design intent, receiving feedback, and collaborating with a distributed team under a limited hour contract.

• Federal Compliance: Navigating and rigorously applying Section 508 accessibility standards, which require a deep understanding and meticulous attention to detail.

• Limited Hours: Managing workload efficiently to deliver high-quality results within the strict 250-hour annual limit.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Accessibility Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in Section 508 and other relevant federal accessibility mandates.

• Cross-Platform Integration: Gain practical experience applying design principles across .NET Core C# and Power Platform, expanding technical versatility.

• Federal Project Lifecycle: Deepen understanding of government IT project processes, compliance requirements, and stakeholder management.

• Contracting Career Development: Build a strong portfolio and professional network within the federal contracting industry, potentially leading to more extensive contract opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is the intersection of creative design, strict technical integration, and stringent federal compliance, all within a part-time contractual framework. Growth will be driven by mastering these specific demands and leveraging them for future opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing accessible user interfaces that meet Section 508 compliance standards. What specific tools or techniques do you use?" (Focus on process, tools, and Section 508 knowledge).

• "How do you collaborate with developers to ensure your designs are accurately implemented within frameworks like .NET Core C# or similar environments?" (Highlight communication, integration, and understanding of technical constraints).

• "Walk me through a project in your portfolio where you applied user-centered design principles. What was the challenge, your approach, and the outcome?" (Prepare to detail a relevant case study from your portfolio). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with federal clients and specifically on projects for the VA OAA Data Management Center?" (Show understanding of the mission and sector).

• "How do you approach working as a part-time independent contractor, and how would you manage your time to meet project deadlines within the 250-hour annual limit?" (Demonstrate self-discipline and time management).

• "Blue Water Thinking values 'vested collaboration.' How do you embody this value in a remote team environment?" (Provide examples of proactive teamwork and communication). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your UI/UX design, Bootstrap/jQuery/CSS skills, and Section 508 compliance experience.

• For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific contribution, the design process, the technologies used, and the measurable outcomes or improvements.

• Be prepared to discuss the accessibility features you implemented and how you verified compliance.

• Practice walking through your portfolio concisely, focusing on the impact of your design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize Section 508 compliance, practical UI implementation skills with Bootstrap/jQuery/CSS, and effective remote collaboration strategies. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their understanding of the federal sector and their ability to manage a part-time contract role effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided job link on Greenhouse.

• Resume Preparation: Ensure your resume is in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) format and includes specific dates for all experience, education, and certifications. Highlight your proficiency in Bootstrap, jQuery, CSS, Adobe Creative Suite, user-centered design, and Section 508 compliance.

• Portfolio Curation: Prepare a digital portfolio (PDF or live link) that prominently features projects demonstrating your UI/UX design skills, with a strong emphasis on accessibility (Section 508). Include case studies that detail your design process and collaboration with development teams.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse your responses to potential interview questions, focusing on your experience with the required technologies, your approach to accessibility, and your ability to work effectively in a remote, part-time contractor role. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss your contributions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Blue Water Thinking's mission, values (integrity, respect, customer-centricity, etc.), and their work within the federal sector. Understand the importance of supporting VA OAA Data Management Center applications.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.