Visual/ Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Visual/Graphic Designer

Company: Civil Science

Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing & Creative Operations

Date Posted: January 08, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the company's visual brand identity across all platforms, including proposals, digital campaigns, and internal communications.

• Translate complex engineering concepts into clear, compelling, and easily digestible visual content.

• Design modern, polished proposals that leverage layout, typography, imagery, and graphics to tell a compelling story and differentiate Civil Science.

• Develop and maintain consistent marketing collateral for diverse offices, disciplines, and project types, ensuring brand cohesion.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as the primary visual brand steward for Civil Science, requiring a proactive approach to design strategy and execution. The emphasis on translating complex engineering into visuals, coupled with proposal design expertise, indicates a critical function within the organization's Go-To-Market (GTM) and client engagement efforts.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and evolve the company's visual brand identity across all internal and external-facing materials, ensuring consistency and impact.

• Create visually engaging and informative designs for proposals, presentations, marketing collateral, conference booths, and public-facing materials.

• Develop compelling visual narratives for complex engineering projects, making technical information accessible and appealing to diverse audiences.

• Design and produce a wide range of print and digital assets, including infographics, advertisements, flyers, banners, slide decks, event materials, social media graphics, and web content.

• Collaborate closely with senior leadership, HR, project managers, and technical teams to understand project goals and translate them into effective visual solutions.

• Support digital marketing initiatives by creating assets for social media, email campaigns, and website content, potentially including animations and GIFs.

• Partner in the broader marketing process, contributing design expertise to shape campaign strategies and enhance overall marketing effectiveness.

• Manage graphic asset libraries and ensure adherence to brand guidelines across all organizational outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic brand management and tactical execution. The role requires not just design proficiency but also an understanding of marketing goals and the ability to collaborate effectively across technical and leadership teams. The expectation to "own the visual brand" suggests significant autonomy and responsibility.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design preferred, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of professional graphic design experience, with a mandatory requirement for experience within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) industry.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in graphic design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and composition.

• High proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat.

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical information into clear, compelling visual content.

• Strong portfolio showcasing versatility, originality, and a solid foundation in design skills, particularly within the A/E/C sector.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with proposal design and production within the A/E/C industry.

• Familiarity with digital design tools and platforms for web and social media content creation.

• Basic understanding of animation or motion graphics (e.g., After Effects) for digital assets.

• Experience with project management tools or workflows for managing design requests.

• Knowledge of printing processes and specifications for print collateral.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory A/E/C industry experience is a critical differentiator, implying that candidates must understand the specific visual language, proposal structures, and client expectations prevalent in this sector. The portfolio is explicitly mentioned as a key evaluation criterion.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio that clearly demonstrates a minimum of 2 years of professional graphic design work, with a significant emphasis on A/E/C industry projects.

• Showcase a variety of design outputs, including proposals, marketing collateral, digital assets, and infographics, illustrating versatility and originality.

• Include case studies or detailed descriptions of projects that highlight the design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of the design on project goals or brand perception.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process from brief to final delivery, including client/stakeholder consultation, concept development, revisions, and final asset handoff.

• Demonstrate experience in managing design workflows, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines, especially within the context of proposal deadlines and marketing campaign schedules.

• Showcase an understanding of brand guideline implementation and consistency management across diverse project types and platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role, especially one involving proposals and marketing, the portfolio is paramount. The emphasis here is on demonstrating not just aesthetic skill but also the ability to apply design strategically within a technical industry and manage the design process effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Visual/Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Idaho Falls, Idaho, a competitive salary range is estimated between $60,000 - $80,000 annually. This estimate considers the required A/E/C industry experience and the emphasis on proposal design, which can command higher compensation within specialized fields.

Benefits:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): As a 100% employee-owned firm, all full-time employees have the opportunity to gain ownership in the company, contributing to long-term financial growth and retirement savings.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Three weeks of PTO annually, providing ample opportunity for rest and personal pursuits.

• Holidays: Eight paid holidays per year.

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to cover healthcare needs.

• Life Insurance: Coverage to provide financial security for beneficiaries.

• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage to support employees during periods of extended absence due to illness or injury.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continuing education and professional development.

• 401K Plan: A retirement savings plan to supplement ESOP benefits.

• Work-Life Harmony: Offered flexibility to ensure a healthy balance between career and personal life.

Working Hours: The role is anticipated to be a standard 40-hour work week, typical for full-time positions. While specific flexibility is mentioned under "Work-Life Harmony," the core hours will likely align with standard business operations to facilitate collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on prevailing wages for graphic designers with specialized industry experience in a mid-sized market. The unique ESOP benefit is a significant differentiator and should be highlighted to candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C). Civil Science operates within a dynamic and technically driven sector focused on infrastructure development, land development, and related civil engineering services. This industry requires precision, reliability, and a strong understanding of regulatory environments.

Company Size: Over 40 years of experience, with a growing team that values collaboration and agility. The company structure empowers individuals, suggesting a medium-sized firm that can offer both stability and opportunities for direct impact.

Founded: Over 40 years ago, Civil Science has established a strong foundation and expertise in the civil engineering field, evolving with industry advancements while maintaining its core values.

Team Structure:

• The Visual/Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Marketing or Business Development team, working closely with marketing professionals, project managers, and senior leadership.

• Collaboration is emphasized across multiple offices and disciplines, indicating a decentralized yet interconnected team structure.

Methodology:

• A data-driven approach is implied, with the designer needing to understand campaign goals and client needs to inform visual strategy.

• Workflow planning and optimization are essential for managing design requests efficiently and ensuring timely delivery of collateral, especially for proposals.

• Automation may be leveraged for asset management or repetitive design tasks, though the focus is on creative output and strategic brand application.

Company Website: civilscience.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The A/E/C industry context is crucial. Designers must appreciate the technical nature of the work and the importance of clear, professional communication in proposals and client-facing materials. The employee-owned structure is a significant cultural driver.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level specialization within the Marketing and Creative function. It demands significant autonomy and ownership over the visual brand, moving beyond junior design tasks to strategic brand stewardship.

Reporting Structure: The Visual/Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager, Director of Marketing, or a senior leader responsible for business development. Direct collaboration with senior leadership is expected due to the brand oversight responsibilities.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly influences Civil Science's external perception, proposal win rates, and brand recognition. High-quality, compelling visuals are critical for securing new business and fostering client trust in a competitive A/E/C market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in proposal design for the A/E/C industry, becoming a go-to resource for complex bids.

• Brand Strategy: Expand responsibilities to include broader brand strategy development, brand guideline refinement, and overseeing visual identity across all touchpoints.

• Team Leadership: Potential to mentor junior designers or manage external design resources as the company grows.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Gain deeper understanding of marketing strategy, business development processes, and engineering project lifecycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "owning the visual brand" suggests a trajectory toward a senior or lead designer role, with potential for strategic input into the company's overall visual identity and marketing direction.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Civil Science operates with a physical office presence in Idaho Falls, Idaho, indicating a traditional office-based work environment. The description implies collaboration within this setting.

Office Location(s): Idaho Falls, Idaho. This location suggests a community-focused environment with potential for close-knit team interactions.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as "fast-paced" and "technical," requiring designers to be adaptable and efficient.

• Collaboration is a key aspect, suggesting an open or semi-open office layout that facilitates interaction with colleagues across different departments.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology is expected, supporting the execution of complex visual projects.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is anticipated. While "work-life harmony" is mentioned, the on-site nature and collaborative requirements mean consistent presence during core business hours is likely expected to facilitate immediate feedback and teamwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Idaho Falls suggests a company culture that values in-person collaboration and team cohesion, which can be beneficial for creative brainstorming and rapid iteration on design projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume and portfolio alignment with A/E/C industry experience and required skills.

• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: A dedicated session to review the candidate's portfolio in detail, discussing specific projects, design choices, and problem-solving approaches. This may include technical questions about Adobe Creative Suite proficiency.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders (e.g., marketing colleagues, project managers, senior leadership) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and understanding of the A/E/C business context.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Discussion of how the candidate would approach specific design challenges relevant to Civil Science's business, such as designing a complex proposal or a digital campaign for a new service.

• Final Interview: Meeting with hiring manager or senior leadership to discuss fit with company culture, career aspirations, and final offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Prioritize A/E/C industry projects, especially proposals and marketing materials. Clearly label each piece with its context.

• Showcase Process: Include brief explanations of your design thinking, problem-solving, and how you translated client needs into visual solutions.

• Highlight Impact: If possible, quantify the impact of your designs (e.g., improved proposal clarity, increased engagement on social media graphics).

• Demonstrate Technical Skill: Ensure high-quality execution and a strong understanding of typography, layout, and visual hierarchy.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to talk through any project in your portfolio, including challenges, solutions, and your role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Civil Science's current branding and marketing materials.

• Research common visual trends and best practices in the A/E/C industry.

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach designing a proposal for a hypothetical engineering project, considering target audience and key messaging.

• Think about how you would create visual assets for a digital campaign promoting Civil Science's services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the candidate's ability to demonstrate practical design skills within the specific context of the A/E/C industry, with the portfolio serving as the primary evidence.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: High proficiency required in:

  • InDesign: For layout design, particularly in proposals and marketing collateral.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Acrobat: For PDF creation, editing, and optimization, crucial for proposal finalization.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Particularly PowerPoint for slide decks and Word for integration within proposals.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how marketing and sales collateral integrates with CRM systems might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is deep proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, with a specific emphasis on InDesign for proposal work. Familiarity with Microsoft Office, especially PowerPoint, is also essential for creating presentations and integrating design elements into documents.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ownership: As an employee-owner, taking initiative and responsibility for one's work and contributions to the company's success.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality outcomes in all design work, ensuring professional and impactful visual communication.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams, sharing ideas, and contributing to a supportive and productive work environment.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Proactively identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation in design and brand representation.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all professional interactions and design practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Interactive and communicative, with a focus on understanding stakeholder needs and providing design solutions that meet business objectives.

• Open to feedback and iterative design processes to achieve optimal results.

• Team members are encouraged to share knowledge and best practices, fostering a learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is heavily influenced by its employee-ownership model, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective success. The designer is expected to be a proactive, collaborative member of the team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Complexity: The primary challenge will be to effectively visualize intricate engineering concepts in a way that is accessible and engaging to non-technical audiences, including potential clients.

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Diverse Needs: Maintaining a cohesive brand identity across multiple offices, disciplines, and project types while catering to specific marketing campaign goals.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: The fast-paced nature of the A/E/C industry, particularly around proposal deadlines, will require efficient workflow management and the ability to produce high-quality work under pressure.

• Adapting to Evolving Design Trends: Staying current with design best practices, software updates, and visual communication trends while remaining true to Civil Science's established brand.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• A/E/C Industry Specialization: Deepen understanding of engineering services, project lifecycles, and client relationship management within the industry.

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to explore new software features, animation, or advanced graphic design techniques relevant to marketing and proposals.

• Brand Strategy Involvement: Potential to contribute to higher-level brand strategy discussions and decision-making.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced professionals within the company for guidance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the unique demands of the A/E/C industry and the role's strategic importance in brand representation. Growth opportunities focus on specialized industry knowledge and expanding design influence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating complex technical information into a clear visual narrative. Can you provide an example from your portfolio?" (Focus on your problem-solving approach and ability to simplify.)

• "How would you approach designing a high-stakes proposal for a major infrastructure project, ensuring it stands out from competitors?" (Assess your understanding of proposal design strategy and client persuasion.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Civil Science, particularly our employee-owned structure and our work in the A/E/C industry?" (Demonstrate you've researched the company and understand its unique aspects.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Assess your openness to feedback and professional maturity.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (e.g., Proposals, Digital, Branding) or by impact.

• Tell the Story: For each project, explain the brief, your design process, the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the outcome. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.

• Highlight A/E/C Relevance: Explicitly point out how your skills and experience align with the requirements of this role and the A/E/C industry.

• Be Technical: Be prepared to discuss your software proficiency and any technical considerations in your design work.

• Engage and Discuss: Treat the portfolio review as a conversation, inviting questions and elaborating on your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also an understanding of the A/E/C industry's specific needs and Civil Science's unique culture and business model.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Visual/Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application, resume, and a link to your professional portfolio through the Civil Science careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your strongest A/E/C industry projects, especially proposal design and marketing collateral. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite.

• Resume Optimization: Emphasize your 2+ years of professional graphic design experience, specifically mentioning your A/E/C industry background and key software skills (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, problem-solving abilities, and how you translate complex information into compelling visuals. Be ready to articulate your understanding of brand stewardship.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review the Civil Science website (civilscience.com) to understand their services, project types, company culture, and employee-ownership model. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team.

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

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