Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: Hazen and Sawyer

Location: Multiple Locations (Remote OK - CO, AZ, CA, UT)

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Creative & Media / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-03-23T19:28:00

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (3-5 Years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual communication strategies through the creation of compelling graphic assets for complex environmental data.

• Develop and maintain brand integrity across a wide range of print and digital design projects, ensuring consistency and impact.

• Collaborate with project teams to translate technical information and project objectives into clear, visually engaging designs.

• Leverage advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite to produce high-quality maps, diagrams, charts, and infographics.

• Contribute to a creative and innovative work environment within an employee-owned company focused on water infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges creative design with technical communication, requiring a strong understanding of how to visualize complex data for an engineering and environmental consulting firm. The emphasis on "all things water" and environmental infrastructure suggests a need for designers who can grasp technical concepts and represent them accurately and effectively.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a variety of visual content, including maps, diagrams, charts, graphs, and infographics, that effectively communicate technical and environmental information.

• Create professional document layouts, PowerPoint templates, presentations, sponsorship advertisements, displays, and banners that adhere to brand standards.

• Conduct necessary research to gather accurate data and context for the development of informative and visually appealing graphics.

• Collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, and subject matter experts to understand project requirements and deliver design solutions that meet specific objectives.

• Ensure all design outputs maintain brand consistency, visual integrity, and high-quality standards across all materials.

• Support marketing and business development efforts through the creation of compelling visual assets for proposals and outreach materials.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, remote environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of "research" as a responsibility highlights that this is not purely a creative role but one that requires an ability to understand and synthesize information before designing. This is critical for roles supporting technical fields like environmental engineering.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a proven track record of creating impactful visual content.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and layout for both print and digital media.

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Advanced skills in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are essential for creating complex graphics and layouts.

• Data Visualization: Demonstrated ability to translate complex data, technical information, and concepts into clear, compelling charts, graphs, maps, and infographics.

• Layout and Document Design: Experience in creating professional document layouts, presentation templates (e.g., PowerPoint), and marketing collateral.

• Brand Management: Ability to understand and consistently apply brand guidelines to ensure visual coherence across all projects.

• Research Skills: Capacity to conduct research and gather information to inform design decisions and ensure accuracy.

• Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams in a remote setting.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design, ensuring accuracy, quality, and error-free deliverables.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other design software or tools relevant to technical illustration or data visualization.

• Familiarity with environmental engineering, water infrastructure, or related technical fields.

• Basic understanding of UX/UI principles for digital assets.

• Experience in managing design assets and digital workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "minimum of 3 years" experience and "Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience" align with a mid-to-senior level designer role, indicating expectations for autonomy and a strong portfolio. The emphasis on specific Adobe Suite tools is critical for ATS screening and candidate assessment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of design projects showcasing a range of capabilities, including data visualization (maps, charts, graphs), infographics, and professional document layouts.

• Demonstrations of successful brand application and consistency across various media.

• Case studies or project examples that illustrate the process from understanding project requirements to final design delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Projects should ideally showcase the ability to work with technical data and translate it into understandable visual formats.

• Evidence of collaboration with subject matter experts or project teams to refine design concepts and ensure accuracy.

• Examples illustrating how research was incorporated into the design process.

• Clear presentation of before-and-after scenarios or problem/solution narratives within design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Graphic Designer role, especially one supporting technical fields, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond aesthetic appeal to demonstrate problem-solving capabilities, technical data interpretation, and effective communication through design. Specific examples of visualizing complex data are crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $66,600 - $76,600 USD per year.

• Methodology: This range is based on the provided salary data and standard industry benchmarks for a Senior Graphic Designer with 3+ years of experience in remote US positions. Factors such as cost of living in specific remote locations (CO, AZ, CA, UT) and the specialized nature of the design work (environmental/engineering focus) have been considered.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Financial Well-being: Employer-contributed 401(k) plan (after 1 year of service), with additional financial planning support.

• Performance Incentives: Potential for performance bonuses.

• Time Off: Generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and floating holidays.

• Income Protection: Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance, and employer-paid life insurance.

• Family Support: Paid parental leave (after 1 year of service).

• Development & Support: Employee assistance programs, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.

• Professional Development: Incentives for professional registration and memberships in professional organizations.

• Employee Ownership: As an employee-owned company, there's an inherent benefit in shared success.

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week, typical for full-time employment. Flexibility may be available due to the remote nature of the role, but core business hours and team collaboration needs will apply.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly stated, and the benefits package is extensive, particularly the inclusion of employee ownership, paid parental leave, and robust professional development opportunities, which are attractive to mid-to-senior level professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Environmental Consulting & Engineering. Hazen and Sawyer specializes in "all things water," focusing on water, wastewater, and stormwater management infrastructure. This provides a niche but critical market context.

Company Size: Over 2,000 employees across 80+ offices in the US, Latin America, Canada, and the UK. This indicates a large, established organization with significant resources and a wide reach, yet it maintains a culture of low bureaucracy.

Founded: 1951. The company has a long history, founded by a notable figure in water engineering, suggesting stability and deep expertise in its domain.

Team Structure:

• The design team is likely embedded within project groups or a central technical services department, collaborating directly with engineers and project managers.

• As a remote position, there will be a strong emphasis on digital collaboration tools and asynchronous communication.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on accurately representing complex environmental and engineering data through visual means.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Working closely with technical experts to ensure design solutions are both aesthetically pleasing and technically sound.

• Process Optimization: While not explicitly stated for design, the company's focus on environmental infrastructure implies a commitment to efficiency and effectiveness in its operations, which likely extends to its design processes.

Company Website: https://www.hazenandsawyer.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's specialization in "all things water" is a key differentiator. Candidates should research the company's projects and values to align their portfolio and interview responses. The employee-owned structure is also a significant cultural point that suggests a different dynamic than traditional corporate environments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Graphic Designer indicates a professional who is expected to work independently, mentor junior designers (if applicable), and handle complex projects with minimal supervision. This role is a key contributor to project success and client communication.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director, Design Manager, or a senior member of a technical services or marketing department. Collaboration will be extensive with project managers and technical staff across various disciplines.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the clarity and effectiveness of project communications, proposals, and marketing materials. High-quality visuals can significantly influence client perception, proposal win rates, and overall brand reputation for Hazen and Sawyer. The ability to simplify complex data through design is crucial for project understanding and client relations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like data visualization, cartography for environmental projects, or advanced infographic design.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into Lead Designer, Art Director, or Managerial roles within the design or technical services teams.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gain in-depth knowledge of environmental engineering and water infrastructure projects, which can enhance design relevance and strategic impact.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to guide and mentor junior designers, contributing to team development.

• Employee Ownership: Participate in the growth and success of an employee-owned company, potentially leading to long-term career stability and financial rewards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a path for growth, either through specialized technical design expertise or into leadership. The company's focus on professional development and employee ownership suggests a supportive environment for long-term career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This position operates entirely outside of a traditional office setting, requiring self-discipline and strong remote work habits.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, Hazen and Sawyer has numerous offices across the United States (including CO, AZ, CA, UT, NV, NM). This suggests that while the employee is remote, they might have the option to connect with a local office for occasional meetings or networking if desired, though it's not a requirement.

Workspace Context:

• Digital Collaboration: Reliance on virtual communication tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, email, video conferencing) for team interaction and project management.

• Technology Access: Expected to have a reliable home office setup conducive to design work, including high-speed internet and potentially specialized monitors.

• Team Interaction: Regular virtual meetings and check-ins with project teams and design colleagues to ensure alignment and foster a sense of community despite the physical distance.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week. While remote, adherence to project deadlines and availability for team collaboration during core business hours will be essential. Flexibility may exist in managing personal schedules, provided work responsibilities are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "remote position with local office connectivity" nuance is important. It implies that while remote work is the primary mode, there might be an option or benefit to engage with physical offices for specific events or team gatherings, though this is not explicitly stated as a requirement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and design capabilities.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focusing on design skills, software proficiency, and experience with data visualization and technical graphics. May include a review of specific portfolio pieces.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical exercise to evaluate design problem-solving skills, creativity, and ability to work within specified constraints. This could involve creating a sample graphic from provided data.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Behavioral and situational questions to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and alignment with company values. Discussion on career aspirations and understanding of the company's mission.

• Final Interview (if applicable): May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Relevant Projects: Prioritize examples that showcase map creation, data visualization (charts, graphs), infographics, and professional document layouts, especially those related to technical or scientific subjects.

• Demonstrate Process: For each project, briefly explain the problem, your role, the tools used, your design process, and the outcome or impact.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or results related to your designs (e.g., improved clarity, proposal win rates, positive client feedback).

• Brand Consistency: Show examples of how you've applied brand guidelines effectively.

• Technical Acumen: For this role, subtly demonstrate an ability to grasp technical concepts and represent them accurately.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to work with sample data or a design brief. Focus on clarity, accuracy, and efficient execution.

• Practice articulating your design choices and rationale clearly and concisely.

• Ensure you can deliver a polished output within a given timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a design challenge and portfolio review indicates that practical skills and demonstrable experience are key. Candidates should prepare to walk through their portfolio and discuss their design decisions in detail, particularly concerning data interpretation and communication.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign (essential).

• Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint (for templates, presentations).

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or similar for remote team communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not typically used directly by graphic designers, but awareness of how marketing or sales collateral is deployed through CRM or marketing automation platforms could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is deep proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite. Any experience with other visual communication tools or data visualization platforms that complement Adobe's suite would be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Fostering an environment that encourages new ideas and creative solutions within the scope of environmental projects.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork and open communication, especially critical in a remote setting and across technical disciplines.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality work that accurately represents the company's expertise and standards.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in design and communication, particularly when dealing with scientific and environmental data.

• Employee Ownership: A sense of shared responsibility and investment in the company's success and culture.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with engineers, project managers, and potentially marketing/business development teams.

• Remote-First Communication: Reliance on digital tools for seamless interaction, requiring proactive communication and clear articulation of needs and ideas.

• Constructive Feedback: An environment where feedback is shared openly to improve designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "low on bureaucracy and high in creativity" statement, combined with employee ownership, suggests a culture that values autonomy, innovation, and a collegial atmosphere where individuals are empowered to contribute meaningfully.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Data: Effectively visualizing intricate environmental and engineering data for diverse audiences requires strong analytical and design skills.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication in a fully remote environment.

• Balancing Creativity and Technical Accuracy: Ensuring designs are both visually appealing and factually correct, meeting the stringent standards of an engineering firm.

• Managing Diverse Project Needs: Adapting design style and approach to suit a wide range of projects from technical reports to marketing materials.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or courses focused on advanced data visualization, cartography, or infographic design specific to technical fields.

• Industry Knowledge Acquisition: Gaining deeper understanding of water infrastructure, environmental science, and engineering principles to enhance design context and impact.

• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining certifications or registrations relevant to design or the environmental industry.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced professionals for guidance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior role in a specialized industry, requiring continuous learning and adaptation. The growth opportunities focus on both design expertise and industry-specific knowledge.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to visualize complex technical data. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, data interpretation, and impact.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a wide range of design projects, especially when working remotely?" (Assess understanding of brand guidelines and remote workflows.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Hazen and Sawyer's focus on 'all things water' and environmental infrastructure?" (Show research and alignment with company mission.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers, such as engineers or project managers?" (Assess interpersonal skills and ability to work cross-functionally.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing your strongest, most relevant work first.

• Storytelling: For each selected project, present it as a mini case study: problem, your role/approach, solutions, and results.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and visually appealing. High-quality images and clear descriptions are essential.

• Data Visualization Focus: Emphasize projects that demonstrate your ability to interpret and visualize complex data, maps, charts, and graphs accurately and effectively.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your design choices, software usage, and problem-solving strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the translation of technical data into visual formats and the ability to collaborate effectively in a remote, cross-functional environment. Highlighting specific examples from the portfolio that align with Hazen and Sawyer's industry is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP portal link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features relevant work, especially data visualization, infographics, maps, and technical document layouts. Tailor it to highlight your ability to work with complex information.

• Optimize Your Resume: Align your resume with the job description, emphasizing your years of experience, specific Adobe Creative Suite skills, and any experience in technical or environmental fields. Use keywords like "data visualization," "infographics," and "Adobe Creative Suite."

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approaches, and how your skills align with Hazen and Sawyer's mission and the requirements of this role. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Research Hazen and Sawyer: Understand their mission, projects, and company culture, particularly their focus on "all things water" and their employee-owned structure. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.

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