Graphic Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II

Company: FRESNOS CHAFFEE ZOO CORPORATION

Location: Fresno, California, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: September 22, 2025

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is central to advancing the Zoo's marketing strategy through the creation of compelling visual assets, encompassing graphics, signage, video, and photography.

• The Graphic Designer II will be responsible for visual storytelling to drive revenue, enhance brand recognition, and support the Zoo's mission of inspiring wildlife care and conservation.

• Key responsibilities include collaborating with the marketing team on creative concepts and assisting the Senior Designer with special projects.

• This position requires maintaining and organizing digital asset libraries (photo, video, graphics) for efficient access and reuse.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer II," the responsibilities clearly indicate a need for visual content creation that directly supports marketing and revenue generation efforts, placing it within the broader scope of marketing operations or creative services that drive business objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce visually engaging graphics, signage, and digital assets that strictly adhere to the Zoo’s established brand standards.

• Capture and edit high-quality photo and video content to effectively support marketing, communications, and social media campaigns, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.

• Collaborate with the Communications Coordinator to develop innovative visual storytelling approaches for media kits, the FCZ blog, and the FCZ podcast, enhancing content engagement.

• Partner with the broader Marketing team to conceptualize creative ideas and translate them into impactful visual materials that resonate with target audiences.

• Provide support to the Senior Designer in developing the visual aesthetic for special projects, contributing to overarching campaign look-and-feel.

• Maintain and meticulously organize the Zoo’s comprehensive photo, video, and graphics libraries, ensuring easy retrieval and efficient reuse of assets.

• Set up, operate, and maintain design, photography, and video equipment, ensuring optimal performance and quality output.

• Ensure all visual materials meet precise technical specifications and stringent quality standards for both print and digital platforms.

• Contribute actively to brainstorming sessions and campaign planning, offering creative ideas that elevate the Zoo’s visual storytelling capabilities.

• Stay informed on current design trends, tools, and technologies to ensure the Zoo’s visual communications remain fresh, engaging, and competitive.

• Foster and maintain a positive, supportive, and respectful team culture through collaborative communication, mutual respect, and proactive teamwork, contributing to a productive work environment.

• Safely operate a vehicle for business purposes, including travel between Zoo facilities and offsite locations, adhering to all traffic laws and company policies.

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support team and organizational goals, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to overall success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution, technical proficiency in media capture and editing, and collaborative contribution to marketing initiatives, all geared towards supporting the organization's mission and revenue goals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or a closely related field is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of six months to two years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong emphasis on utilizing the Adobe Creative Suite. A minimum of six months of dedicated photo/video work experience is also required.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in graphic design principles and visual communication strategies.

• Expertise in utilizing the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for design and production.

• Demonstrated ability in photo and video capture and editing techniques.

• Strong visual storytelling skills to create engaging narratives.

• Ability to adapt quickly to changing needs and tight timelines in a fast-paced creative environment.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills for effective teamwork.

• Understanding of brand standards and ability to maintain visual consistency.

Preferred Skills:

• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish or Hmong is a significant plus, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

• Experience with video editing software beyond basic capture (e.g., Premiere Pro, After Effects).

• Knowledge of animation or motion graphics.

• Experience in creating signage and large-format printing.

• Familiarity with social media content creation and optimization.

• Basic understanding of marketing principles and campaign development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is set at an entry-to-mid-level (0-2 years), suggesting the role is suitable for individuals transitioning from internships or early-career positions, with a focus on foundational design and media skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, demonstrating proficiency in layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Examples of digital assets created for web, social media, and other online platforms, highlighting adaptability to different media requirements.

• A selection of physical design work, such as signage, brochures, or print collateral, to illustrate understanding of print production processes.

• Case studies or project examples that detail the design process from concept to final execution, including problem-solving and creative rationale.

Process Documentation:

• The ability to articulate the workflow and processes used in developing design projects, from brief to final delivery.

• Documentation or examples of how design projects were managed, including client feedback integration and revision processes.

• Evidence of how design assets were optimized for specific platforms (print vs. digital) and technical specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, a strong visual portfolio is paramount. Expectations would include demonstrating a clear process for concept development, execution, and final output, showcasing an understanding of how design aligns with marketing objectives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $25.00 - $29.99 per hour.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive compensation package for full-time employees.

• 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.

• 401k retirement savings plan.

• 10 Paid Holidays annually.

• Paid Sick Leave accrued based on hours worked.

• Paid Vacation Time accrued based on hours worked.

Working Hours: Full Time position, with the potential for flexible scheduling depending on operational needs, including overtime, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays as required by the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly pay range is competitive for a Graphic Designer II role in the Fresno, CA area, especially considering the comprehensive benefits package, which is a significant draw for full-time employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Zoos & Aquariums / Non-profit / Wildlife Conservation. The Fresno Chaffee Zoo operates within a unique sector focused on education, conservation, and public engagement.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of departments like Marketing, Communications, and Animal Care, along with a Senior Designer, suggests a medium-sized organization with established operational structures.

Founded: Information on the founding date is not provided, but the organization's long-standing presence implies a stable and experienced team.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer II will likely work within a Marketing or Communications department, reporting to a Marketing Manager or a Senior Designer.

• Collaboration is expected with various internal teams, including marketing, communications, animal care, and event planning.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on visual storytelling to support the Zoo's mission and drive engagement.

• Data-informed decision-making potentially influencing design choices based on campaign performance and audience response.

• Collaborative approach to creative development, involving input from various stakeholders to ensure alignment and impact.

• Commitment to maintaining brand consistency across all visual communications to strengthen organizational identity.

Company Website: https://www.fresnochaffeezoo.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The non-profit zoo environment suggests a mission-driven culture where creative work directly contributes to public awareness, education, and conservation efforts, potentially offering a strong sense of purpose.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an "Experienced" level, specifically classified as a "Graphic Designer II," indicating it's an intermediate step beyond an entry-level or internship position. It requires foundational skills with room for growth through practical application and mentorship.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer II will report to a higher-level designer or a marketing manager, receiving direction and feedback. They may also collaborate closely with a Communications Coordinator and assist a Senior Designer, providing exposure to different leadership styles and creative processes.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is measured by its contribution to marketing campaign effectiveness, brand recognition, visitor engagement, and ultimately, revenue generation for the Zoo through enhanced visual appeal and communication. Creative assets directly influence public perception and visitor experience.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design software, video editing, photography, or digital media creation.

• Creative Leadership: Potential to grow into a Senior Designer role, taking on more complex projects and providing creative direction.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Experience working with various departments can lead to broader understanding of organizational operations and potential career shifts within marketing or communications.

• Portfolio Development: The role provides ample opportunity to build a robust portfolio with diverse projects relevant to the non-profit and entertainment industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" in the title suggests a progression path from a junior role, and the mention of assisting a Senior Designer points towards a clear internal growth trajectory within the creative team.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position operates within an administrative office setting, but also requires working in various Zoo environments, including outdoor locations which may be exposed to weather conditions.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the Administrative Office in Fresno, CA. However, the role involves regular local travel within the Zoo premises and occasional travel to offsite locations.

Workspace Context:

• The role involves significant time spent working at a desk, utilizing computer equipment for design and editing tasks.

• Collaboration will occur both within the design/marketing team and with other Zoo staff, requiring effective interpersonal communication skills.

• Exposure to Zoo environments means potential interaction with animals and the general public, requiring adaptability.

• Access to design, photography, and video equipment is a key aspect of the workspace.

Work Schedule: The position is full-time, with the flexibility to work overtime, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays as needed to meet project deadlines and organizational events. This flexibility is crucial for supporting various Zoo activities and campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of office work and on-site, potentially outdoor, activities requires adaptability. The need for flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, is common in organizations like zoos that operate seven days a week and host special events.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and portfolio through the provided link.

• Initial Screening: HR or hiring manager reviews applications and portfolios for qualifications and creative fit.

• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, rationale, and project outcomes. A practical design test or case study might be included.

• Interviews: Behavioral and situational interviews to assess collaboration, problem-solving, and cultural fit, potentially with the Senior Designer and Marketing Manager.

• Final Interview: May involve a final discussion with senior leadership or department heads.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Tailor the selection to highlight skills in graphic design, photography, and video editing as described in the job posting.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your conceptualization process, design choices, challenges faced, and the final outcome.

• Highlight Impact: If possible, quantify the impact of your work (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign execution).

• Quality over Quantity: Ensure all presented work is high-resolution and professionally presented.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples of both print and digital designs, as well as photo and video edits.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge that might involve creating a graphic or signage concept based on a prompt related to the Zoo.

• Practice articulating your design process and creative thinking clearly and concisely.

• Familiarize yourself with the Fresno Chaffee Zoo's current branding, marketing efforts, and mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong, visually cohesive portfolio is critical for this role. The interview process will likely focus on assessing both technical design skills and the candidate's ability to translate marketing objectives into effective visual content.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential. Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is required for graphic design and production.

• Photography Equipment: Experience with DSLR cameras or similar, including lens selection and basic studio lighting.

• Video Editing Software: Proficiency in video capture and editing, potentially including software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or similar.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but understanding how visual assets are deployed through marketing automation or CRM-related campaigns might be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite, complemented by practical skills in photography and videography. Familiarity with asset organization and delivery for various platforms is also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Alignment: A strong commitment to the Zoo's mission of inspiring people to care for animals and save wildlife.

• Creativity & Innovation: Valuing fresh ideas and the ability to translate them into compelling visual narratives.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together effectively.

• Quality & Professionalism: Maintaining high standards in all creative output and professional conduct.

• Adaptability: The ability to respond effectively to changing priorities and project demands.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication and active listening are encouraged.

• Team members are expected to contribute ideas and provide constructive feedback.

• Cross-functional collaboration with marketing, communications, and other departments is essential for success.

• A proactive approach to problem-solving and project execution is valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on team culture and collaborative communication suggests an environment where mutual respect and shared goals are important. The mission-driven nature of the organization likely fosters a sense of purpose among employees.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Standards: Ensuring all designs are innovative yet strictly adhere to established brand guidelines.

• Managing Multiple Projects and Deadlines: Effectively prioritizing and executing tasks for various campaigns and initiatives simultaneously.

• Adapting to Diverse Content Needs: Creating visual assets for a wide range of purposes, from social media posts to large-scale signage and video content.

• Staying Current with Technology: Continuously learning new design software, editing techniques, and digital media trends.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Learning from the Senior Designer and experienced marketing team members.

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to attend workshops, webinars, or online courses focused on graphic design, photography, and video editing.

• Portfolio Expansion: Gaining diverse project experience that strengthens the professional portfolio and opens future career doors.

• Industry Exposure: Understanding how creative services contribute to non-profit operations and public engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a good opportunity for early-career designers to gain broad experience in a dynamic environment, facing challenges that foster professional growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a creative brief and translating it into a visual design." Focus on your workflow, concept development, and execution strategy.

• "How do you ensure your designs align with brand standards while still being creative and impactful?" Prepare examples of how you balance these two aspects.

• "Tell me about a time you had to work under a tight deadline. How did you manage your time and deliver the project?" Use the STAR method to structure your answer.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the Fresno Chaffee Zoo specifically?" Research the Zoo's mission, recent news, and exhibits.

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to the Zoo's mission of conservation and education?" Connect your abilities to the organization's goals.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Organize your portfolio with a clear introduction, project case studies, and a concluding statement.

• Verbalize Process: For each project, explain the problem, your solution (the design), and the outcome. Discuss your tools and techniques.

• Highlight Key Skills: Specifically point out examples that showcase your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, photography, and video editing.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared to answer questions about your work and demonstrate enthusiasm for design and the Zoo's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their technical design skills but also their ability to think strategically about how visuals support marketing objectives and organizational mission within a non-profit context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer II position:

• Submit your resume and a compelling portfolio through the provided application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant graphic design, photography, and video editing projects that align with the job description's requirements. Include examples of signage or marketing collateral if available.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, photo/video editing, and any relevant marketing support. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, creative rationale, and how your skills can benefit the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research the Fresno Chaffee Zoo's mission, recent campaigns, and overall visual branding to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.