Graphic Designer II (Temporary - Wake County)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II (Temporary - Wake County)

Company: State of North Carolina - Office of State Human Resources

Location: 217 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC (Wake County)

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: October 2, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Implied by education/experience equivalency)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This temporary role focuses on providing essential graphic design services to support the NC Department of Environmental Quality's (NCDEQ) Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service.

• The position requires the creation and updating of key communication materials, including a biennial report and informational one-pagers, to enhance outreach and service clarity.

• Successful candidates will leverage their visual design and commercial art skills to produce professional and impactful collateral for a state government agency.

• This is an on-site position, operating up to 40 hours per week, offering valuable experience within a state government HR and environmental services context.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is Graphic Designer II, the description outlines specific project-based responsibilities rather than a broad operational support role typical of Revenue or Sales Operations. The "II" designation, combined with the education/experience equivalency, suggests a mid-level individual contributor role. The temporary nature and focus on specific deliverables (reports, one-pagers) distinguish it from ongoing operational design needs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce the Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service's comprehensive biennial report, ensuring clarity, visual appeal, and adherence to state branding guidelines.

• Update and redesign a series of one-page informational documents that effectively describe the division's services, target audiences, and value propositions.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders within NCDEQ to gather requirements, review design concepts, and incorporate feedback for all assigned projects.

• Ensure all design outputs are professional, accurate, and aligned with the agency's mission and communication objectives.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, adhering to deadlines and maintaining a high standard of quality for all deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are clearly defined project deliverables. For an operations-focused role, these would typically involve more systemic responsibilities like CRM optimization, process automation, or sales enablement collateral development. This role is project-driven graphic design execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in visual/graphic design, commercial art, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.

• OR Associate’s degree in visual/graphic design, commercial art, or related area from an accredited institution plus two years of relevant visual/graphic design or commercial art experience.

• OR High school diploma or GED plus four years of experience in visual/graphic design, commercial art, or a field related to the area of assignment.

• OR An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in graphic design, visual design, and commercial art is essential.

• Proven ability to design reports and informational collateral.

• Experience working within a professional or government agency setting is preferred. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in industry-standard graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Strong understanding of visual design principles, typography, color theory, and layout design.

• Ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging visual communications.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for collaborating with stakeholders.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage project timelines effectively. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with print production processes and preparing files for commercial printing.

• Familiarity with state government branding guidelines or public sector communication standards.

• Experience designing for digital platforms (web graphics, social media assets) is a plus.

• Knowledge of environmental science or public policy communication is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are standard for a Graphic Designer II role. For operations roles, emphasis would be on CRM proficiency, data analysis tools, process mapping, and sales enablement platforms. The "management preferences" section in the original posting is a key indicator that these are desirable, not strictly mandatory, beyond the core education/experience equivalency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, with a strong emphasis on print collateral and report design.

• Demonstrations of ability to create visually appealing and informative one-page documents (e.g., brochures, fact sheets, service outlines).

• Examples of successful project completion, highlighting problem-solving and design execution.

• Visual evidence of proficiency with industry-standard design software.

• Case studies or project descriptions that detail the design process, challenges, and outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process from concept to final delivery, including client consultation, sketching, digital execution, and revisions.

• Understanding of workflow management for design projects, including project briefs, timelines, and feedback loops.

• Familiarity with file management best practices for design assets and final output.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role, the portfolio is paramount. For operations roles, the emphasis shifts to process documentation, system implementation, data analysis reports, and ROI analyses, demonstrating quantifiable impact. This section is tailored to the graphic design function.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The hourly rate is set at $25.50 USD. This rate is based on the education and/or years of relevant work experience reflected on the applicant's application. Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Temporary employees who work an annual average of 30 or more hours per week may be eligible for health insurance coverage under the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). More information is available at www.shpnc.org.

• Other Benefits: As a temporary position, this role typically does not include paid time off (PTO), retirement benefits, or other standard state employee benefits.

Working Hours:

• Up to 40 hours per week. The specific schedule will be determined based on project needs and agency requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is explicitly stated as $25.50/hour. Benefits are limited due to the temporary nature of the position, with health insurance eligibility being a key potential benefit for those averaging 30+ hours/week. This is a crucial distinction from permanent roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector (State of North Carolina), Environmental & Sustainability (NCDEQ)

Company Size: The State of North Carolina is a very large employer, with hundreds of thousands of employees across various agencies. The Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) are significant state entities.

Founded: The State of North Carolina has a long history, with its modern governmental structure evolving over centuries. Agencies like OSHR and DEQ were established to manage public services and environmental stewardship.

Team Structure:

• This role is within the Office of State Human Resources' Temporary Solutions division, but the work will be performed for the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), specifically the Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service.

• The designer will likely report to a supervisor or manager within the DEQ division responsible for communications or program management, who will assign and oversee project work.

• Collaboration will occur with program staff, communications specialists, and potentially other internal stakeholders who require design support. Methodology:

• The agency operates with a focus on public service, efficiency, and compliance with state regulations and standards.

• Design work will adhere to established branding guidelines and communication strategies for state agencies.

• Emphasis is placed on providing clear, accessible information to citizens and stakeholders regarding environmental services and programs. Company Website:

• State of North Carolina Careers: https://www.nc.gov/

• Office of State Human Resources: https://oshr.nc.gov/

• NC Department of Environmental Quality: https://deq.nc.gov/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context is a large, bureaucratic state government entity. Operations within such an environment are typically process-driven, compliance-focused, and prioritized by public need and legislative mandates. Design work must align with these overarching principles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a temporary, individual contributor role focused on specific design tasks. It is not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of revenue or sales operations. However, it offers exposure to state government operations and project management.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a supervisor within the Department of Environmental Quality, who will assign and manage specific design projects. This is a direct reporting line for task management.

Operations Impact: The impact is primarily through enhancing the clarity and effectiveness of NCDEQ's communication materials. Well-designed reports and informational documents can improve public understanding of environmental programs, potentially leading to better engagement and compliance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to gain experience designing for a government agency, working on significant reports (biennial report), and refining skills in print design and stakeholder communication.

• Portfolio Enhancement: This role can add valuable government sector experience and specific project types to a designer's portfolio.

• Networking: Potential to build professional connections within the NC State Government system, which could lead to future opportunities.

• Potential for Permanent Roles: While temporary, excellent performance can provide insights into agency operations and potentially open doors for future permanent positions within the state.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth for this role is primarily in skill acquisition and portfolio building rather than a defined career ladder within operations. The experience is valuable for designers looking to enter or expand their presence in the public sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is located at 217 West Jones Street in Raleigh, NC, which is a state government office building. This implies a traditional office environment.

Office Location(s): Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina. This is the state capital, offering access to various state agencies and resources.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be a standard office setting within the Department of Environmental Quality.

• Access to necessary design software and hardware will be provided by the agency.

• Collaboration will likely involve in-person meetings, phone calls, and email communication with team members and stakeholders within the department.

• The environment is professional and geared towards public service and administrative functions. Work Schedule:

• The schedule is up to 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, during standard state business hours.

• While not explicitly stated as flexible, temporary roles within government often have a structured schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: This describes a typical government office environment. For operations roles, the "workspace context" might detail collaborative spaces, access to specific analytics tools, or shared project management platforms.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Candidates will submit applications through the Workday portal.

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed based on the stated minimum education and experience requirements.

• Portfolio Review: A critical step will involve reviewing the candidate's portfolio to assess design skills, relevant project experience (especially report design and informational collateral), and overall aesthetic.

• Interview: Selected candidates will likely undergo an interview (potentially virtual or in-person) to discuss their experience, design approach, and suitability for the role. This may include discussing specific portfolio pieces.

• Reference Checks: Standard background and reference checks are typical for state government positions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work, focusing on projects similar to designing biennial reports or informational documents.

• Highlight Process: For each piece, briefly explain the objective, your role, the design process, and the outcome.

• Quality over Quantity: Ensure all presented work is high-resolution, well-organized, and easy to navigate.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include a variety of projects if possible, but prioritize those aligning with the job description's needs.

• Tailor to Government: If you have experience with government or non-profit clients, highlight these projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design philosophy, how you approach client briefs, and how you handle feedback.

• Familiarize yourself with the NCDEQ's mission and current communication efforts if possible.

• Understand the importance of clear, accessible design in public sector communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis here is on the portfolio as the primary assessment tool for design skills, which is standard for such roles. Operations roles would have interviews focused on problem-solving, process improvement scenarios, and system implementation discussions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• Adobe Creative Suite: This is the industry standard and is expected to be the primary toolset. Specific applications likely include:

  • Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout design, particularly for reports and multi-page documents.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For creating vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, retouching, and creating raster-based graphics.

• Other Design Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with other graphic design or prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Canva) could be a plus for broader digital design needs.

Productivity & Collaboration Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Likely used for document creation, collaboration, and communication (Word for text, PowerPoint for presentations, Outlook for email).

• Email & Calendar: Standard communication tools (likely Outlook) for coordinating with team members and stakeholders.

• Project Management Tools: The agency may use internal project management software, but specific tools are not listed. Adaptability to agency-specific systems is key.

Analytics & Reporting (Indirect):

• While the designer is not expected to analyze data, they may need to visualize data provided by others. Familiarity with creating charts and graphs within InDesign or Illustrator would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is specific to graphic design tools. For operations roles, this would include CRM platforms (Salesforce, HubSpot), marketing automation (Marketo, Pardot), BI tools (Tableau, Power BI), and project management software (Asana, Jira).

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Public Service: A strong commitment to serving the citizens of North Carolina and supporting the agency's mission of environmental protection and assistance.

• Integrity & Transparency: Upholding ethical standards and ensuring clear, honest communication in all design outputs.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues across different divisions to achieve common goals.

• Efficiency: Producing high-quality work in a timely manner, especially critical for temporary roles with defined project scopes.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a professional demeanor and delivering work that reflects positively on the agency.

Collaboration Style:

• The collaboration style is likely to be structured, with clear project briefs and feedback loops.

• Designers will need to be receptive to feedback from various stakeholders, including program managers and communications specialists.

• Effective communication through email, meetings, and potentially collaborative design review platforms will be important.

• The environment encourages teamwork to ensure that communication materials accurately and effectively convey agency messages.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines general government agency values. Operations-focused values would include data-driven decision-making, continuous improvement, cross-functional alignment, and ROI optimization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Project Scope & Deadlines: Managing multiple design projects with potentially tight deadlines within a government structure can be challenging.

• Stakeholder Feedback: Navigating diverse feedback from various stakeholders can require strong communication and diplomacy skills to ensure cohesive final designs.

• Adherence to Brand Guidelines: Strictly adhering to state and agency branding, style guides, and accessibility standards requires attention to detail.

• Temporary Nature: As a temporary role, there's an inherent challenge in integrating fully into long-term projects or team dynamics, and the position has limited benefits.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Government Sector Experience: Gaining hands-on experience within a large state government agency provides unique insights into public sector operations and communication.

• Project-Specific Skill Building: Deepening expertise in designing comprehensive reports and concise informational materials.

• Networking: Building professional relationships within the NC State Government, particularly within environmental and HR departments.

• Exposure to Public Policy: Understanding how design supports the communication of environmental policies and services.

📝 Enhancement Note: These challenges are specific to a project-based, temporary role in government. Operations challenges often revolve around data integrity, process bottlenecks, system adoption, and driving revenue growth through operational efficiency.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you had to design a complex report or document. What was your process, and what were the key challenges?" (Focus on methodology, problem-solving, and outcome).

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and meet brand guidelines, especially in a regulated environment like state government?" (Assess attention to detail, process adherence).

• "Describe your experience working with multiple stakeholders who may have different opinions on design. How do you manage that feedback?" (Evaluate collaboration, communication, and diplomacy). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the State of North Carolina and the Department of Environmental Quality specifically?" (Gauge motivation, alignment with public service).

• "How do you stay updated on current design trends, and how do you balance trends with timeless design principles and brand consistency?" (Assess professional development and strategic thinking).

• "Describe your experience with graphic design software like Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Which do you find most essential for this type of work and why?" (Technical proficiency check). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (reports, brochures, etc.) or by complexity.

• Storytelling: For each key project, articulate the client's need, your design approach, the tools used, challenges overcome, and the final impact or result.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually clean and professional, mirroring the quality of your work. Use high-resolution images and clear descriptions.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant pieces for this specific role. Highlight your experience with report design and informational collateral.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions are tailored to a graphic design role, focusing on design process, software proficiency, and stakeholder management. Operations roles would typically involve questions about CRM management, process automation strategies, data analysis techniques, and revenue forecasting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this graphic design position:

• Submit your application through the Workday portal for the State of North Carolina Careers.

• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date and easily accessible. Curate your strongest pieces, emphasizing report design, informational collateral, and any government/public sector projects. Be ready to articulate your design process for these pieces.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant design experience, software proficiency (Adobe Creative Suite), and educational background that meets the minimum requirements. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed a 50-page biennial report").

• Interview Readiness: Prepare to discuss your design process, how you handle feedback, and your experience with relevant software. Research the NCDEQ's mission and current communications to demonstrate your interest and understanding.

• Understand Role Parameters: Be clear on the temporary nature of the position, the on-site work requirement, and the hourly pay rate.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions for a Graphic Designer II role. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization (Tracey Hinnant at TRACEY.HINNANT@NC.GOV) before making application decisions. This role is fundamentally a design execution position, not a Revenue/Sales Operations role.