Visual/ Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Visual/Graphic Designer Company: Civil Science Location: Dickinson, North Dakota, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Marketing & Design Operations Date Posted: January 23, 2026 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for visual brand management and the creation of compelling marketing collateral within the A/E/C industry.
• The Visual/Graphic Designer will be responsible for translating complex engineering concepts into easily understandable and aesthetically pleasing visuals.
• This position requires a strong command of graphic design principles, typography, and layout to produce high-quality proposals, digital campaigns, and corporate materials.
• The role involves close cross-functional collaboration with senior leadership, project managers, and marketing teams to ensure design aligns with business objectives and enhances the company's visual identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the job description and the company's industry (A/E/C - Architecture, Engineering, Construction), this role is positioned within Marketing & Design Operations, focusing on the visual communication aspects that support sales, marketing, and overall brand presence. The emphasis on proposals and technical content translation suggests a need for operational efficiency in design processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and evolve the company's visual brand identity across all platforms, including proposals, digital campaigns, social media, conference materials, and internal communications.
• Translate intricate engineering and technical information into clear, concise, and visually engaging graphics, infographics, and illustrations.
• Design and produce modern, professional proposals that effectively communicate Civil Science's value proposition, utilizing strong layout, typography, imagery, and graphic elements.
• Develop and maintain a consistent set of marketing materials tailored for diverse audiences, offices, and project types, ensuring brand uniformity.
• Actively participate in the marketing process, collaborating with teams to understand campaign objectives and contribute design strategies that drive engagement and business goals.
• Create and manage a library of graphic assets that reinforce and strengthen Civil Science's brand recognition and market presence.
• Design versatile assets for both print and digital applications, including but not limited to infographics, advertisements, flyers, banners, presentation slides, and event collateral.
• Support digital marketing initiatives by designing web content, social media visuals, animations, GIFs, and other online assets that enhance digital engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for process-oriented thinking, especially in proposal development and marketing material consistency across multiple offices. The emphasis on translating complex technical data suggests a requirement for efficient workflow and clear communication protocols between design and technical teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is preferred.
• Equivalent professional experience demonstrating mastery of graphic design principles will also be considered.

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of professional graphic design experience is required.
• Direct experience within the Architecture, Engineering, or Construction (A/E/C) industry is a mandatory requirement. This ensures an understanding of industry-specific visual communication needs and technical content.

Required Skills:

• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level skills in InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat are essential for all design tasks.
• Portfolio: A strong, diverse portfolio showcasing original work, versatility in design style, and foundational design skills is crucial.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities are necessary for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, including senior leadership and technical experts.
• Technical Translation: Demonstrated ability to interpret and visually represent complex technical or engineering concepts in an accessible manner.
• Brand Stewardship: Proven experience in developing and maintaining brand identity and consistency across various marketing channels.
• Print & Digital Design: Competency in designing for both print mediums (proposals, brochures) and digital platforms (social media, web assets).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics or animation software (e.g., After Effects) for digital assets.
• Familiarity with web design principles and content management systems (CMS).
• Knowledge of proposal best practices and experience in proposal design within the A/E/C sector.
• Understanding of UX/UI principles for digital design applications.
• Experience with project management tools to manage design timelines and deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for A/E/C industry experience is a critical filter. Candidates should highlight this on their resume and in their portfolio. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite suggests a need for operational efficiency in design production workflows.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of A/E/C Industry Expertise: Showcase specific projects that highlight your experience designing for engineering firms, proposals, technical reports, or construction-related marketing materials.
• Proposal Design Excellence: Include examples of well-designed proposals that effectively integrate text, graphics, and data to convey complex technical information persuasively. Highlight your role and the impact of your design.
• Brand Consistency Examples: Present case studies or project examples where you successfully maintained and evolved a brand identity across multiple touchpoints and deliverables.
• Visual Problem-Solving: Showcase projects where you took complex or abstract concepts and transformed them into clear, engaging visual narratives or infographics.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss your process for managing design projects from brief to final delivery, including client/stakeholder communication, revision cycles, and quality assurance.
• Tool Proficiency & Integration: Detail how you leverage tools like Adobe Creative Suite for efficient workflow, including template creation, asset management, and collaboration features.
• Performance Measurement: Be ready to articulate how design contributes to business objectives, such as proposal win rates, marketing campaign engagement, or brand recognition, and how you might measure this impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, particularly in a technical industry, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond aesthetics to demonstrate problem-solving capabilities, understanding of client needs, and ability to work within specific industry constraints. Explicitly showing A/E/C experience is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Visual/Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in North Dakota, and considering the A/E/C industry specialization, the estimated salary range is $55,000 - $75,000 per year. This estimate considers the company's employee-ownership model, which can influence compensation structures.

Benefits:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): A significant benefit offering ownership stake and retirement savings growth.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Three weeks of PTO offered annually.
• Paid Holidays: Eight recognized holidays.
• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life Insurance: Provided to support employees and their families.
• Disability Coverage: Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continued education and professional development.
• 401K Plan: Available for additional retirement savings.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours, estimated at 40 hours per week. The company culture emphasizes "Work-Life Harmony," suggesting a commitment to reasonable hours and flexibility where possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on standard U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for graphic designers in North Dakota, adjusted for the A/E/C industry and the company's unique ESOP structure. The benefits package is comprehensive and includes a notable employee ownership component.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C). Civil Science specializes in providing engineering, surveying, and planning solutions. Company Size: Over 40 years in operation, with a growing team. The exact number of employees is not specified but implied to be substantial enough to warrant multiple offices and a dedicated marketing/design function. Founded: Over 40 years ago, indicating a stable and experienced organization with a long-standing reputation.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of a collaborative environment, likely working within a marketing or business development department.
• They will report to a Marketing Manager or senior leadership, depending on the departmental structure.
• Close collaboration is expected with senior leadership, HR, project managers, and various project teams across different disciplines.

Methodology:

• Civil Science likely employs a project-based methodology common in the A/E/C sector, focusing on client-centric solutions.
• The design function will support this by translating project scope and value into compelling visual narratives for proposals and marketing efforts.
• Emphasis is placed on an "agile structure" that empowers individuals to take ownership, suggesting a culture that values initiative and efficient workflow.

Company Website: civilscience.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and employee-ownership model suggest a culture that values stability, long-term commitment, and employee well-being. The focus on "agile structure" and "ownership" points towards a dynamic environment where individuals can influence processes and outcomes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an individual contributor position, likely considered a mid-level designer, given the 2+ years of experience requirement and the expectation to "own" the visual brand. It offers a significant opportunity to shape the company's visual identity.

Reporting Structure: The Visual/Graphic Designer will report to senior management or a marketing lead. They will collaborate extensively with project managers and technical teams, providing them with design support for proposals and marketing initiatives.

Operations Impact: The Visual/Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the company's ability to win new business through compelling proposals and enhances brand perception in the market. Effective design can differentiate Civil Science from competitors and communicate the value of their engineering services more effectively.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in A/E/C Design: Deepen expertise in designing for the specific needs of the engineering and construction sector, becoming a go-to resource for technical visualization.
• Leadership in Visual Branding: As the company grows, there may be opportunities to lead design initiatives, manage junior designers, or develop more comprehensive brand guidelines.
• Broader Marketing Involvement: Gain exposure to marketing strategy, campaign development, and digital marketing, potentially transitioning into a broader marketing role.
• Employee Ownership Benefits: Leverage the ESOP to build long-term wealth and career security within a stable, employee-owned firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for specialization within a niche industry. The employee ownership model provides a unique long-term growth incentive beyond traditional career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site," implying a traditional office environment. The company emphasizes "Work-Life Harmony," suggesting a balanced approach to work hours and personal life within the office setting.

Office Location(s): Dickinson, North Dakota. This location is the primary focus for this role.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close partnership with various internal teams, suggesting an office layout that facilitates communication and teamwork.
• Technical Resources: Employees will have access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and computer hardware to perform their duties effectively.
• Cross-Functional Interaction: Opportunities to interact with engineers, project managers, and leadership will be frequent, fostering a dynamic work environment.

Work Schedule: Primarily standard business hours, likely Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. The company's emphasis on "Work-Life Harmony" suggests a culture that respects personal time and avoids excessive overtime where possible, though deadlines may require occasional flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and emphasis on collaboration suggest a traditional office setting. Candidates should be prepared for a structured work environment in Dickinson, North Dakota, with opportunities for direct interaction with a diverse team.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience (especially A/E/C), and design skills.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discuss specific projects, and explain their design process, problem-solving approaches, and how they translated complex information.
• Technical/Skills Assessment: A practical design exercise or case study related to A/E/C proposals or marketing materials may be administered to evaluate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and design thinking.
• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Discussions with hiring managers and team members to assess communication skills, ability to collaborate, and alignment with Civil Science's employee-owned culture and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for A/E/C: Prioritize projects that showcase your experience in the architecture, engineering, or construction sector. If direct A/E/C experience is limited, highlight transferable skills from similar technical or complex industries.
• Structure Case Studies: For each significant project, include the brief/problem, your role, the design process, the solution, and the outcome or impact (e.g., how the design improved clarity, engagement, or contributed to winning a proposal).
• Highlight Technical Translation: Specifically point out projects where you successfully simplified complex information (data, technical specs) into digestible visuals.
• Showcase Proposal Design: Dedicate a section to proposal work, demonstrating your ability with layout, typography, and integrating diverse graphic elements to create professional, compelling documents.
• Be Ready to Discuss Tools: Be prepared to talk about your workflow within Adobe Creative Suite and how you use its features for efficiency.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice Proposal Design: Familiarize yourself with the typical components and visual requirements of engineering proposals.
• Prepare for Technical Content: Think about how you would visually represent concepts like structural integrity, environmental impact, project timelines, or complex data sets.
• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to clearly explain your step-by-step approach to any design challenge, from initial concept to final execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Applicants must clearly demonstrate relevant industry experience and the ability to translate technical information. A practical exercise is highly probable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • InDesign: Essential for layout and design of proposals, brochures, and other multi-page documents. Proficiency in master pages, styles, and preflighting is expected.
  • Illustrator: Critical for creating logos, icons, custom graphics, and complex illustrations. Vector graphics expertise is key.
  • Photoshop: Used for image editing, retouching, and creating digital assets. Understanding of resolution, color modes, and file optimization is necessary.
  • Acrobat Pro: For PDF creation, editing, and interactive element design, especially crucial for proposal finalization and distribution.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., on social media, website) would be beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics dashboards could be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding how marketing materials are deployed through CRM or marketing automation platforms might be helpful for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite is the bedrock of this role. Proficiency in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop is non-negotiable. Expertise in handling and preparing files for both print and digital output is essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Employee Ownership: A core value driving a sense of responsibility, shared success, and long-term commitment.
• Excellence: A dedication to high-quality work, particularly in technical accuracy and professional presentation.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnerships to achieve project and company goals.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Encouraging initiative, innovation, and taking ownership of projects and outcomes.
• Client Focus: Dedication to delivering impactful solutions that meet client needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The designer will work closely with engineers, project managers, and leadership, requiring clear communication to understand technical requirements and business objectives.
• Feedback-Driven Process: Expect an iterative design process involving feedback from multiple stakeholders, necessitating adaptability and strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that likely encourages sharing best practices, design trends, and project learnings across teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's ESOP structure deeply influences its culture, fostering a collective sense of purpose and commitment to quality and shared success. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of teamwork and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Jargon: The primary challenge will be transforming highly technical engineering content into visually appealing and easily understandable graphics, requiring significant conceptualization and simplification skills.
• Balancing Brand Consistency with Diverse Needs: Ensuring a unified brand identity while creating tailored materials for various offices, disciplines, and project types can be complex.
• Managing Stakeholder Feedback: Effectively incorporating feedback from technical experts and senior leadership, who may have different aesthetic or communication priorities.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Working within the A/E/C industry often means tight deadlines, especially for proposals, requiring efficient workflow and time management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry-Specific Design Expertise: Becoming a specialist in visual communication for the A/E/C sector offers a unique career path.
• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply new design software features, animation, or digital design trends.
• Broader Marketing Exposure: Gaining insights into marketing strategy, proposal development processes, and digital campaign execution.
• Employee Ownership Development: Understanding the dynamics and benefits of an ESOP, potentially leading to greater involvement in company-wide initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers the chance to develop a highly specialized skill set within a stable, growing industry. The challenges are rooted in the unique demands of translating technical information and managing diverse stakeholder needs.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex technical information into a visual format. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your methodology, tool usage, and ability to simplify.)
• "How do you approach ensuring brand consistency across different marketing materials and for multiple stakeholders?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines, templating, and communication.)
• "Walk us through your process for designing a proposal. What are the key considerations, and how do you ensure it's both visually appealing and informative?" (Demonstrate your workflow, attention to detail, and understanding of proposal objectives.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for an employee-owned company like Civil Science?" (Show your understanding of ESOP benefits and your desire for long-term commitment.)
• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs, especially from individuals without a design background?" (Emphasize your collaborative approach and ability to explain design rationale.)
• "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how do you balance them with maintaining a consistent brand identity?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning while respecting brand integrity.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on A/E/C Relevance: Lead with your strongest projects that are directly related to engineering, proposals, or technical marketing.
• Tell the Story: For each project, explain the challenge, your approach, the tools used, and the impact of your design. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "This proposal design contributed to winning the X project").
• Demonstrate Technical Translation: Have specific examples ready where you simplified complex data or concepts.
• Showcase Proposal Design: Dedicate significant time to explaining your proposal design process and showing examples of effective layouts.
• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your proficiency with specific Adobe Creative Suite features or your workflow for file preparation for print and digital.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will want to see not just aesthetic talent but also practical application within the A/E/C context, strong communication, and an understanding of how design supports business goals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Visual/Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.
• Tailor your resume: Highlight your 2+ years of professional graphic design experience, emphasizing any A/E/C industry background. Use keywords like "Adobe Creative Suite," "InDesign," "Illustrator," "Photoshop," "Proposals," "Marketing Materials," and "Technical Visualization."
• Curate your portfolio: Ensure it prominently features your best work relevant to the A/E/C industry, especially proposal designs and examples of translating complex information visually. Organize it clearly with case studies.
• Prepare for portfolio presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, articulating your design process, challenges, and outcomes for each project. Be ready to discuss your experience with Adobe Creative Suite in detail.
• Research Civil Science: Understand their services, projects, and company culture, particularly their employee-ownership model. Prepare to discuss why you are a good fit for their values and industry.

⚠️ 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.