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 & Design Date Posted: 2026-01-16T18:38:39
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the visual branding and creative direction for a 100% employee-owned engineering firm, enhancing its market presence.
• Transform complex technical engineering content into clear, compelling, and aesthetically pleasing visual narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Design modern, impactful proposals and marketing collateral that differentiate Civil Science in the A/E/C sector.
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership, project managers, and cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive and effective visual communication strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a key individual contributor responsible for elevating the company's visual identity. It requires a blend of creative design expertise and a strategic understanding of how design contributes to business objectives, particularly within the A/E/C industry. The emphasis on "owning the visual brand" suggests a high degree of autonomy and impact.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Brand Ownership: Lead the development and consistent application of Civil Science's visual brand identity across all internal and external communications, including proposals, digital campaigns, public-facing materials, and conference collateral.
• Concept Visualization: Translate intricate engineering concepts and technical data into easily digestible and engaging visual formats such as infographics, charts, and diagrams.
• Proposal Design Excellence: Craft visually stunning and strategically organized proposals that clearly articulate Civil Science's value proposition, utilizing sophisticated layout, typography, imagery, and graphic elements to capture client attention.
• Marketing Collateral Development: Design and produce a wide range of marketing materials for various offices, disciplines, and project types, ensuring brand consistency and professional polish.
• Marketing Strategy Partnership: Actively participate in the marketing process by understanding campaign objectives and contributing design-led insights to shape overall strategy and enhance campaign effectiveness.
• Graphic Asset Creation: Develop and maintain a library of graphic assets that reinforce and evolve Civil Science's brand identity and expand its market presence.
• Print & Digital Design: Create compelling designs for both print and digital mediums, including advertisements, brochures, flyers, banners, presentations, and event materials.
• Digital Initiative Support: Contribute to digital marketing efforts by designing web content, social media visuals, animated GIFs, and other online assets that drive engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for a designer who can manage multiple project types and stakeholders, from high-level strategic input to detailed execution of design assets. The emphasis on translating "complex engineering concepts" highlights the unique challenge of this role within the A/E/C sector, requiring an understanding of technical subject matter to inform design choices.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of dedicated graphic design experience in a professional setting is required.
• Crucially, experience within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) industry is a mandatory requirement for this role.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level command of InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat is essential for all design tasks.
• Visual Branding Expertise: Demonstrated ability to develop, maintain, and apply a consistent visual brand identity across diverse platforms.
• Proposal Design: Proven experience in designing modern, persuasive, and technically accurate proposals for professional services.
• Marketing Collateral Creation: Skill in designing a wide array of marketing materials, including digital ads, brochures, flyers, and event collateral.
• Strong Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and articulate design rationale.

Preferred Skills:

• Infographic Design: Ability to create clear and visually appealing infographics to represent data and complex information.
• Digital Asset Design: Experience designing assets for web, social media, and digital campaigns, including animations or GIFs.
• Typography and Layout: Advanced understanding of typography, layout principles, and composition to create visually appealing and effective designs.
• Creative Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying creative solutions to design challenges and translating abstract ideas into tangible visuals.
• Understanding of A/E/C Content: Familiarity with the types of content and messaging common in the engineering and construction industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for A/E/C industry experience is a critical filter. Candidates must be able to demonstrate not just design skills but also an understanding of the nuances of communicating technical services and project outcomes within this specific sector. The portfolio must clearly showcase this experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate A/E/C Industry Experience: Your portfolio must prominently feature projects executed within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) sector, showcasing your understanding of industry-specific design needs.
• Brand Consistency Examples: Include case studies or examples that illustrate your ability to develop and maintain a cohesive brand identity across various marketing channels and materials.
• Proposal Design Showcase: Present a minimum of two well-designed proposals, highlighting your skills in layout, typography, data visualization, and storytelling to effectively communicate complex information.
• Versatility in Design: Include a diverse range of projects demonstrating your capability in both print and digital design, such as infographics, social media graphics, web banners, and event materials.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Showcase examples of how you've managed design projects from brief to final delivery, including client communication, revision processes, and project management.
• Tool Utilization: Detail your proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite, explaining how you leverage specific tools (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat) to achieve optimal results in your design process.
• Collaboration and Feedback Integration: Provide instances where you've effectively collaborated with non-design stakeholders, incorporated feedback, and iterated on designs to meet project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role, the portfolio is paramount. The emphasis here is on tailoring the portfolio to demonstrate direct relevance to Civil Science's industry and needs, particularly in proposal development and brand consistency. Applicants should curate their best work that aligns with the described responsibilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated annual salary range for this Visual/Graphic Designer role in Idaho Falls, Idaho, is between $55,000 and $75,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for designers with 2-5 years of experience, a required A/E/C industry background, and the specific location. Factors such as the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, and negotiation will influence the final offer.

Benefits: Civil Science offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including:

• Ownership: Participation in a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), providing long-term financial growth and a stake in the company's success.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Three weeks of paid time off per year.
• Holidays: Eight paid holidays.
• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Life Insurance: Provided life insurance policy.
• Disability Coverage: Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement program to support continuous learning.
• Retirement Savings: 401K plan for additional retirement savings.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week.
• The company offers flexibility to ensure career complements personal life, suggesting potential for adjusted schedules or work arrangements where feasible, though the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The ESOP is a significant differentiator and a key benefit that should be highlighted. The salary range is an estimation based on general market data for similar roles and locations. The "flexibility" mentioned in relation to "Work-Life Harmony" should be clarified with the employer regarding its practical application for an on-site role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Civil Engineering and Construction (A/E/C). Civil Science provides engineering, surveying, and planning services to both public and private sector clients, focusing on delivering innovative and impactful solutions. Company Size: Civil Science is a growing firm with over 40 years of expertise, described as having an "agile structure" and being 100% employee-owned. This suggests a medium-sized enterprise that values employee engagement and empowerment. Founded: Over 40 years ago, indicating a stable and established company with a long-standing reputation in the industry.

Team Structure:

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role emphasizes close collaboration with senior leadership, HR, project managers, and various project teams, indicating a highly integrated and team-oriented work environment.
• Reporting: While not explicitly stated, the graphic designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or a Director of Marketing/Communications, with direct interaction and guidance from senior leadership on brand strategy.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: As an employee-owned firm with an agile structure, the culture likely fosters an entrepreneurial spirit where employees are encouraged to take initiative and contribute to the company's growth.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: While primarily a design role, the emphasis on translating "complex engineering concepts" suggests a need to understand and leverage data and technical information to inform design decisions.
• Process Optimization: The company's agile structure and focus on innovation imply a commitment to optimizing processes, including marketing and design workflows, to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Client-Centric Approach: The focus on client partnerships and delivering "impactful solutions" indicates a strong client-centric ethos that should be reflected in all external-facing materials.

Company Website: civilscience.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The employee-owned structure is a significant cultural driver, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and long-term commitment. The "agile structure" suggests a dynamic environment where adaptability and proactive contribution are valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced individual contributor, likely falling into the mid-level career bracket for graphic designers. It requires a solid foundation of technical design skills, coupled with industry-specific knowledge and the ability to work autonomously and collaboratively. The emphasis on "owning the visual brand" suggests a path towards becoming a subject matter expert within the company's creative function.

Reporting Structure: The Visual/Graphic Designer will report to a marketing or communications lead, with direct interaction and oversight from senior management on brand strategy and key projects. This provides exposure to leadership and strategic decision-making processes.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, as the Visual/Graphic Designer is directly responsible for shaping Civil Science's external perception and brand identity. Effective design in proposals, marketing materials, and digital campaigns directly influences client acquisition, brand recognition, and overall business development efforts within the competitive A/E/C market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Creative Leadership: Potential to grow into a Senior Graphic Designer or Creative Lead role, managing larger projects or even a small design team as the company expands.
• Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas such as proposal design, digital marketing visuals, or brand strategy within the A/E/C context.
• Cross-Functional Expertise: Developing a deeper understanding of engineering and business operations through close collaboration, potentially leading to roles in marketing management or business development.
• Employee Ownership: Continued growth within the ESOP structure offers long-term financial benefits and increased influence within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path here is less about climbing a rigid corporate ladder and more about deepening expertise, taking on greater responsibility, and leveraging the opportunities that come with being an employee-owner in an agile firm.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site" in Idaho Falls, Idaho. This suggests a traditional office environment common for professional services firms, fostering in-person collaboration and team cohesion. Office Location(s): Civil Science has multiple offices, but this specific role is based in Idaho Falls. The company's presence across various locations implies a need for consistent branding that this role will help maintain.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is likely designed to encourage interaction between teams, providing opportunities for spontaneous discussions and idea sharing crucial for translating complex engineering concepts into visual designs.
• Technology Access: As a design-focused role, expect access to modern design software and hardware necessary for producing high-quality visual assets.
• Team Integration: The designer will be an integral part of the marketing and broader company team, working alongside engineers, project managers, and leadership, facilitating a rich exchange of knowledge and perspectives.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is expected to be approximately 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
• The company emphasizes "Work-Life Harmony" and "flexibility," which may allow for some degree of schedule adaptation, though the on-site nature of the role means consistent in-office presence is required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" requirement is firm, but the mention of "flexibility" suggests that Civil Science may offer some latitude in daily working hours or arrangements, provided business needs and collaboration are met. This is a point worth clarifying during the interview process.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications, A/E/C experience, and design proficiency.
• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your design process, and how you've translated complex information into visuals. This may include technical questions about Adobe Creative Suite.
• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Discussions with hiring managers and potential team members to evaluate your communication skills, collaborative approach, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within an employee-owned firm. Expect questions about handling feedback and working in a fast-paced environment.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, brand vision, and overall fit with the company's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best showcase your A/E/C industry experience, proposal design capabilities, and brand development skills.
• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the process you followed, the tools you used, and the outcomes or impact of your design. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Highlight A/E/C Specifics: Explicitly call out elements in your portfolio that demonstrate your understanding of engineering concepts, technical data visualization, and the specific needs of proposal development in this sector.
• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss how you used specific features within Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) to achieve your design goals.
• Digital vs. Print: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates a balance of both print and digital design work, aligning with the role's responsibilities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a potential design exercise or case study. This could involve creating a visual concept for a hypothetical A/E/C project, redesigning a sample piece of marketing collateral, or developing a graphic representation of a technical process.
• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a given timeframe, simulating interview conditions.
• Presentation Skills: Prepare to present your work and ideas clearly and concisely, articulating your design rationale and responding to feedback effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component for this role. Candidates should dedicate significant time to selecting and preparing their portfolio for presentation, ensuring it directly addresses the A/E/C industry requirement and showcases relevant project types.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Essential): High proficiency is mandatory across the suite, including:
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout, page design, and proposal production.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Acrobat: For PDF creation, editing, and form design, particularly crucial for proposal delivery.

Supporting Tools & Technologies:

• Presentation Software: Proficiency in creating visually appealing slide decks using tools like Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides is expected, as these are often used for proposals and internal communications.
• Digital Asset Management: Familiarity with organizing and managing digital assets for consistent brand application.
• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello) for team communication and workflow.
• Web Content Management Systems (CMS): Basic understanding of how design assets are implemented on websites (e.g., WordPress) could be beneficial for digital initiatives.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary responsibility, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics on digital platforms (e.g., social media, web) would be advantageous. Familiarity with basic web analytics concepts could be helpful.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool proficiency is listed as a requirement, but an awareness of how marketing materials are distributed through CRM or marketing automation platforms could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is deep expertise in the Adobe Creative Suite. Any additional familiarity with digital platforms or project management tools will be considered a bonus, demonstrating a well-rounded understanding of the design workflow in a professional setting.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ownership & Accountability: As an employee-owned firm, Civil Science likely values individuals who take initiative, feel a sense of responsibility for their work, and contribute directly to the company's success. This translates to owning design projects from conception to completion.
• Excellence & Quality: The firm's long-standing expertise and focus on delivering "innovative and impactful solutions" suggest a commitment to high standards of quality in all aspects of work, including design.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: The emphasis on cross-functional partnerships indicates a culture that thrives on shared effort, open communication, and mutual support among diverse teams.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: The agile structure and employee ownership foster an environment where creativity, innovation, and proactive problem-solving are encouraged and rewarded.
• Work-Life Harmony: The company explicitly states a value for employee well-being, aiming to balance professional demands with personal life, suggesting a supportive and sustainable work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative style where the designer works closely with engineers, project managers, and leadership, requiring strong interpersonal skills and the ability to translate technical needs into visual solutions.
• Feedback-Driven Process: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs to ensure alignment with project goals and brand consistency.
• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share design insights and best practices with other teams, contributing to a more visually literate organization.
• Agile & Adaptable: The company's agile structure suggests a flexible approach to collaboration, adapting to project needs and evolving priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The employee-ownership model is central to the culture. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of what it means to be an owner – taking initiative, thinking long-term, and contributing to the collective success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Complexity: The primary challenge will be to effectively interpret and visually communicate complex engineering concepts and technical data in a way that is accessible and engaging to clients and stakeholders.
• Balancing Brand Consistency with Project Needs: Maintaining a cohesive brand identity across a wide range of projects, disciplines, and offices while adapting designs to specific client requirements and campaign goals.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Working within a dynamic A/E/C firm can involve tight deadlines and evolving project scopes, requiring efficient time management and the ability to adapt quickly.
• Stakeholder Management: Effectively managing design expectations and incorporating feedback from diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership and technical teams who may have different perspectives on design.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Immersion: Gaining deep insights into the A/E/C industry, understanding project lifecycles, and learning the language and priorities of engineering clients.
• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to refine skills in proposal design, data visualization, and digital marketing graphics, potentially through workshops or self-directed learning.
• Strategic Brand Development: Contributing to the evolution of Civil Science's brand strategy, gaining experience in high-level marketing and branding initiatives.
• Employee Ownership Development: Participating in programs and discussions related to employee ownership, understanding company financials, and contributing to strategic decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the unique demands of the A/E/C industry and the company's structure. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening industry expertise and contributing strategically, leveraging the benefits of an employee-owned model.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a proposal for a complex infrastructure project, ensuring we highlight our technical expertise while maintaining visual appeal?" (Prepare to discuss your proposal design process, key elements, and how you'd balance technical detail with engaging visuals.)
• "Describe a time you had to translate a highly technical or abstract concept into a clear visual graphic. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Use the STAR method to illustrate your problem-solving and visualization skills.)
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a variety of marketing materials for different audiences and project types within a growing firm?" (Discuss your approach to brand guidelines, asset management, and maintaining visual integrity.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about working for an employee-owned firm, and how do you see yourself contributing to that culture?" (Be prepared to discuss ownership mentality, collaboration, and shared success.)
• "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers, such as engineers or project managers, to ensure their input is incorporated effectively into your designs?" (Highlight your communication, active listening, and stakeholder management skills.)
• "Given our focus on the A/E/C industry, what do you see as the biggest design challenges and opportunities for Civil Science?" (Showcase your understanding of the industry and how design can address its specific needs.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation logically, starting with an overview of your A/E/C experience, then diving into specific case studies.
• Highlight Key Projects: Focus on 2-3 projects that best exemplify your skills in proposal design, brand development, and technical visualization. For each, clearly explain the brief, your process, your design choices, and the results.
• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the specific Adobe Creative Suite tools used for each project and why you chose them.
• Engage and Discuss: Treat the portfolio review as a conversation. Be open to questions, actively listen to feedback, and demonstrate your ability to articulate your design rationale and adapt your thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent but also an understanding of the A/E/C industry, the value of employee ownership, and strong collaborative capabilities. The portfolio is the primary tool for showcasing these attributes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Visual/Graphic Designer position at Civil Science:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Civil Science careers page.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature at least 2-3 strong examples of A/E/C industry design work, with a particular emphasis on proposal design and marketing collateral. Ensure your best work demonstrating brand consistency and technical visualization is included.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 2+ years of professional graphic design experience, specifically mentioning your A/E/C industry background and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat). Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, your experience with complex information translation, and your understanding of brand strategy. Prepare to discuss your contributions within an employee-owned company culture.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Civil Science's projects, values, and mission. Understand their position in the A/E/C market and how design contributes to their overall business objectives.

⚠️ 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.