Visual/ Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Visual / Graphic Designer

Company: Civil Science

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: February 05, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the visual branding and identity of Civil Science across all platforms, including proposals, digital campaigns, and internal communications.

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

• Design modern, polished proposals and marketing materials that enhance Civil Science's competitive edge and brand presence.

• Collaborate closely with senior leadership, project managers, and cross-functional teams to support campaign goals and shape overall strategy through design.

• Develop and maintain a consistent visual language for a growing, employee-owned engineering firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a designer with a strong understanding of the A/E/C (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry to effectively communicate technical information. The emphasis on "ownership" and "playground" suggests a high degree of autonomy and creative freedom.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and evolve the company's visual brand identity across proposals, digital marketing, public-facing materials, conference collateral, and internal communications.

• Conceptualize and design high-impact proposals, integrating layout, typography, imagery, and graphics to create compelling narratives.

• Develop a diverse range of marketing materials, ensuring consistency in branding across multiple offices and project types.

• Support digital initiatives by creating assets for web content, social media campaigns, and online advertisements.

• Design engaging infographics, banners, slide decks, and event materials that clearly convey complex information.

• Create and animate graphic assets, including GIFs and short animations, to enhance digital content and engagement.

• Partner with marketing and leadership teams to understand campaign objectives and contribute design-driven strategies.

• Translate technical engineering concepts into visually appealing and understandable graphics for various audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic marketing involvement and hands-on design execution, requiring the candidate to be both a creative force and a strategic partner.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Minimum of 2+ years of professional graphic design experience, with a mandatory requirement for experience within the A/E/C industry.

Required Skills:

• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat.

• Proven ability to translate complex engineering concepts into clear, engaging visuals.

• Strong portfolio demonstrating versatility, originality, and foundational design skills within the A/E/C sector.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective cross-functional collaboration.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, technical environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with animation and motion graphics software (e.g., After Effects).

• Familiarity with web design principles or content management systems.

• Experience designing for both print and digital media with a focus on user experience.

• Ability to develop and adhere to brand guidelines consistently.

• Proactive problem-solving skills and a keen eye for detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for A/E/C industry experience is critical. Candidates without this will likely not be considered, regardless of other design skills. The emphasis on "asking 'How can this look—and work—better?'" points to a need for proactive, improvement-oriented thinking.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, with a significant emphasis on A/E/C industry applications (e.g., proposals, technical infographics, company branding).

• Demonstrations of ability to translate complex technical information into clear, visually appealing graphics.

• Examples of brand identity development and application across various media (print, digital, events).

• Case studies highlighting the design process, creative problem-solving, and the impact of design on project goals or client perception.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process from brief to final delivery, including client/stakeholder communication and feedback integration.

• Examples of workflow management for multiple concurrent projects, demonstrating organizational skills and efficiency.

• Documentation of how design strategies were developed to meet specific campaign or proposal objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. It must clearly demonstrate not only design talent but also specific experience and understanding of the A/E/C industry's visual communication needs, particularly for proposals and technical content.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for experienced Graphic Designers in Salt Lake City, Utah, with specialized A/E/C experience, a competitive salary range is estimated between $70,000 - $95,000 annually. This range accounts for the required experience level, specific industry expertise, and the company's employee-ownership model which often correlates with higher compensation and benefits.

Benefits:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): Full-time employees gain ownership in the company, fostering long-term financial growth.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Three weeks of PTO.

• Holidays: Eight paid holidays.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage options.

• Life Insurance: Provided coverage for employees.

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance: Protection against income loss due to illness or injury.

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

• 401K Plan: Retirement savings plan with company contributions.

• Work-Life Harmony: Flexible work arrangements to support personal life.

Working Hours: Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week. The description implies flexibility within this structure to support work-life harmony.

📝 Enhancement Note: The ESOP is a significant benefit, offering potential long-term financial upside beyond salary. The salary range is an estimate; candidates should be prepared to discuss their expectations based on their experience and the value they bring to an employee-owned firm.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Construction (A/E/C) services. Civil Science operates within a sector that values precision, reliability, and technical expertise.

Company Size: 100% Employee-Owned Firm with over 40 years of expertise. Company size information is not explicit, but the description implies a growing firm with multiple offices, suggesting a medium to large size where individual contributions are significant.

Founded: Over 40 years ago, indicating a stable, experienced, and established organization with a long-standing reputation.

Team Structure:

• The Visual/Graphic Designer will report to and collaborate closely with senior leadership, HR, and project managers.

• The role is highly collaborative, working cross-functionally with project teams and marketing personnel.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, particularly in translating complex engineering data into visuals.

• Agile structure empowering individuals to take ownership and explore new roles.

• Emphasis on collaboration, excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit.

• Focus on client partnerships across public and private sectors.

Company Website: civilscience.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The "100% employee-owned" aspect is a major cultural differentiator, likely fostering a strong sense of commitment, shared purpose, and direct impact on company success. The mention of "entrepreneurial spirit" suggests an environment where initiative is rewarded.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level specialist position, focusing on a core creative function within a professional services environment. It offers significant ownership and impact, moving beyond purely task execution to strategic creative direction.

Reporting Structure: The designer will work closely with senior leadership and project managers, providing visibility into high-level company strategy and project execution. This provides a unique opportunity to understand the business drivers behind design needs.

Operations Impact: The Visual/Graphic Designer's work directly influences Civil Science's market perception, proposal win rates, and internal communication effectiveness. By translating complex technical information into accessible visuals, they play a crucial role in client acquisition and brand building.

Growth Opportunities:

• Creative Leadership: Potential to become the go-to expert for all visual matters, shaping the company's aesthetic and brand evolution.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise within the A/E/C design niche, becoming highly sought-after in this specialized field.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain deeper understanding of project management, marketing strategy, and business development through close collaboration.

• ESOP Growth: Benefit directly from the company's financial success through employee ownership.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers or interns as the team grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers substantial growth potential beyond traditional graphic design, particularly in strategic brand management and A/E/C industry specialization, amplified by the employee ownership model.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site" in Salt Lake City, Utah. This suggests a traditional office environment that facilitates in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): Salt Lake City, Utah. Specific details about office amenities or accessibility are not provided but can be assumed to be standard professional office settings.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative environment where the designer will partner directly with senior leadership, HR, and project teams.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, with a strong emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with various departments, fostering a holistic understanding of the business.

• The culture values great design and provides "room to shape the creative direction," indicating a supportive workspace for creative endeavors.

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week. While on-site, the company emphasizes "Work-Life Harmony," suggesting a balance between dedicated work time and personal life, potentially allowing for some flexibility within the standard work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is key, underscoring the value placed on in-person collaboration and integration within the team and company culture, especially for a role involving direct partnership with leadership.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess relevant experience, design skills, and A/E/C industry fit.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: In-depth discussion of design philosophy, process, and specific project examples from the portfolio. This will likely involve technical questions about Adobe Creative Suite and design principles.

• Cross-functional/Leadership Interviews: Meetings with senior leadership, project managers, and potentially HR to assess cultural fit, communication skills, and understanding of business objectives.

• Design Challenge (Potential): A small, practical design task may be assigned to evaluate problem-solving abilities and execution under time constraints.

• Final Decision: Evaluation based on design proficiency, A/E/C industry understanding, collaborative potential, and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Wisely: Select projects that best showcase your A/E/C experience, proposal design skills, and ability to simplify complex technical information.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the design process, and the outcome/impact (e.g., improved proposal clarity, enhanced brand perception).

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and any other relevant software.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples of different types of collateral (print, digital, proposals, branding) to demonstrate breadth.

• A/E/C Focus: Ensure a significant portion of your portfolio directly relates to the engineering or construction industry.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.

• Prioritize clarity, brand consistency, and effective communication of technical concepts.

• Manage your time effectively, aiming for a polished, well-thought-out solution rather than over-executing on minor details.

• Be prepared to present your process and rationale clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical element. Candidates should prepare to deeply discuss their A/E/C-specific work and demonstrate how their design skills directly support business objectives like winning proposals.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential. High proficiency required in:

  • InDesign: For layout, document design, and proposal creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Acrobat: For PDF creation, editing, and pre-press preparation.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word and PowerPoint is crucial for proposal integration and slide deck creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design functions, but understanding how marketing materials are distributed or tracked within a CRM or marketing automation platform could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is heavily on the Adobe Creative Suite. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate mastery of these tools, particularly InDesign for proposal work, which is a core responsibility.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to high-quality design and execution in all visual outputs.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared goals.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Taking initiative, driving creative solutions, and contributing to the company's growth and success.

• Ownership: A sense of responsibility and pride in one's work and its impact on the employee-owned firm.

• Innovation: Seeking new and better ways to communicate complex ideas visually.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working directly with senior leadership, project managers, and project teams.

• Open communication and feedback integration are expected to refine designs and meet project objectives.

• Cross-functional teamwork is essential to ensure visual assets align with overall company and project strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The employee ownership model likely instills a strong sense of shared purpose and mutual respect, fostering a culture where contributions are valued and collective success is paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Complexity: Effectively simplifying and visualizing intricate engineering concepts for diverse audiences is a primary challenge.

• Balancing Brand Consistency and Project Needs: Maintaining a cohesive brand identity across various projects, offices, and campaign objectives.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Juggling multiple design requests with varying deadlines from different departments.

• A/E/C Industry Nuances: Adapting design approaches to the specific visual language and expectations of the engineering and construction sectors.

• Driving Design Value: Continuously demonstrating the impact of design on proposal success and brand perception.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen A/E/C Expertise: Become a recognized specialist in design for the engineering and construction industry.

• Expand Skillset: Potentially explore motion graphics, web design, or advanced digital marketing visualization.

• Strategic Input: Grow from a design executor to a strategic partner in marketing and business development initiatives.

• ESOP Benefits: Benefit from the growth and success of an employee-owned company.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from and contribute to the development of other team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities to become a domain expert in a niche but vital area of design, with the added benefit of career progression within an employee-owned structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a complex engineering concept and translating it into a clear, compelling visual." (Focus on methodology, audience analysis, and tool selection.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a wide range of marketing materials and proposals for a company like Civil Science?" (Highlight your approach to brand guidelines, asset management, and stakeholder alignment.)

• "Walk me through a proposal design project from your portfolio. What were the key challenges, and how did your design contribute to its success?" (Prepare a specific case study focusing on A/E/C proposals.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for an employee-owned firm like Civil Science?" (Show understanding of ESOP benefits and a desire for shared success.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, particularly within the A/E/C industry?" (Emphasize continuous learning and industry awareness.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type (proposals, branding, digital) or by showcasing your strongest A/E/C work first.

• Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the problem you solved, your design process, the tools used, and the quantifiable or qualitative results.

• Visuals: Ensure your presentation is visually clean, professional, and aligns with strong design principles.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key projects efficiently, focusing on the most impactful aspects.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical skills, and industry experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to deeply discuss your A/E/C experience and how your design work directly supports business objectives like proposal win rates and brand differentiation. Your portfolio is your primary tool for demonstrating this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Visual / Graphic Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features A/E/C industry work, especially proposal designs and examples of translating technical information visually. Tailor any accompanying case studies to highlight your understanding of the industry's needs.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight keywords such as "Graphic Design," "Visual Branding," "Adobe Creative Suite," "InDesign," "Illustrator," "Photoshop," "A/E/C Industry," "Proposal Design," and "Communication Skills." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed proposals that contributed to X% increase in client engagement").

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, problem-solving abilities, and the impact of your work, particularly within the A/E/C context. Prepare to articulate why you are a good fit for an employee-owned company.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Civil Science's projects, values, and mission. Understand their position in the A/E/C market and how their visual identity supports their business goals.

⚠️ 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.