Generic Job Description Photographer III Grade D

Representative Duties:

Photographs objects, materials, and human subjects to produce black and white and color prints. Photographs deteriorating material, remote or unusually placed objects and light sensitive material.

Coordinates photographic assignments and darkroom activities. Serves as a principle source of information on equipment and techniques.

Plans the composition of the photograph. Analyzes subject material, selects equipment, lighting, angle, and background.

Modifies existing and develops new photographic techniques and procedures.

Plans and schedules photographic facilities and services.

Prepares or oversees the preparation of photographic material used in exhibits, publications, and slide presentations.

Performs additional functions incidental to photographic activities.

Family: Technical Support
Job Code: 736 Date: 2/89

The job duties listed above are representative and characteristic of the duties required and the level of the work performed in the job title. The duties will vary from incumbent to incumbent in the job title.

Yale University Clerical and Technical Job Description
Job: 736 Photographer III Grade D

Required Knowledge:

Specialized college-level coursework; detailed but narrow knowledge in one or several work-related areas; substantial knowledge of broader field of learning.

Extensive knowledge of craft or trade.

Limited acquaintance with business, accounting or commercial procedures.

Limited knowledge of University organizational policies and procedures generally; detailed knowledge of a narrow area of University rules and procedures.

Required Skills

Copies data from standard or easily understandable formats.

Uses a dictionary.

Classifies material for filing; use of straightforward or complex filing systems.

Screens complex, technical or specialized literature for referral.

Writes simple internal memoranda, fills out complex forms.

Regular skilled use of complex machines; responsibility for troubleshooting and maintenance necessary to ensure consistent operation at a high quality level; and/or sophisticated manipulation of a database.

Performs one or several simple laboratory or scientific procedures that require some training, but that can be reversed or duplicated inexpensively; records results as necessary.

Office and Administrative Skills

Keyboards forms, labels, and other simple material.
Formats, stores, and files data on a personal computer to generate basic, pre-established reports.

Arranges for and coordinates schedules, appointments, projects, conferences, and major events.

Screens, and refers callers and visitors to the appropriate individual.

Experience, Education, and Formal Training

Six years of related work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and a high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Complexity and Organization

Wide variety of complicated job tasks requiring coordinating numerous processes/methods.

Often coordinates and organize the work of others.

Interpersonal Relations

Ongoing involvement outside immediate work unit.

Offers or obtains specialized information and provides assistance on general matters.

Officially represents someone, whether a supervisor, faculty member, or the University.

Supervisory Guidelines

Work is subject to general review on an occasional basis.

Incumbent plans and schedules own work and/or work of others based on the understanding of broadly defined objectives and priorities, supervisor reviews work after completion.

Instruction provided only in very rare instances.

Independent Judgment

Established procedures/policies govern some work situations.

Regular exercise of independent judgment or initiative.

Problems solved by choosing solutions from among several alternatives that are not necessarily governed by established procedures.

Leadership Responsibility

Often provides work guidance, instruction or orientation of others.

Distribution and monitoring of work is a primary responsibility.

Impact and Consequence of Error

Work affects both outside the work unit and outside the University.

Errors are difficult to recognize and correct and can cause harm or financial loss to individuals, departments, and the

University, or to other individuals and groups.

Working Conditions

Ongoing possibility of safety risks.

Regular multiple or conflicting demands, time pressures, deadlines, or emergencies.

Regular sustained concentration.

Considerable physical effort or a high degree of fine finger or hand dexterity.

Example 1

Photographer III (736)
Salary: D

General Purpose:
Photograph two-dimensional and three-dimensional art objects.

Essential Duties:
1. Evaluate the technical requirements of complex projects. Assignments may require innovation to resolve problems not governed by established procedures.
2. Plan the composition of the photograph; select the appropriate technical approach, equipment and accessories.
3. Consult with gallery staff to gather information about gallery projects and develop an understanding of the technical and artistic objectives of a project. Determine appropriate techniques and methods as well as time needed to complete assignments or projects.
4. Exercise artistic sensitivity and skill to plan the composition, lighting, background and color values of each assignment.
5. Handle and move fragile and irreplaceable objects during the setup, production states and strike.
6. Judge and correct digital prints and proofs for color, contrast and density when compared to original objects or transparencies. Use computer accessories and techniques to modify the color, color balance, contrast and background of photographic images.
7. Keep apprised of advance in the field and advise management of the applications of new technology and how this technology will shape working methods and procedures in the future.

Experience and Training
1. Six years of related work experience (photography), four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and a high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
2. Experience utilizing professional digital camera systems.
3. Experience with Photoshop software.
4. Portfolio of work required of all interviewed applicants.
5. PREFERRED: BA/BFA degree. Art museum/gallery photography experience.

Skills and Abilities:
1. Must have a broad knowledge of photographic processes, methods and new technologies.
2. Command of a variety of cameras and equipment, including large format, medium format and 35mm, copy stand, electronic strobe, continuous lighting and diffusers.
3. Clean, care for and store photographic equipment and lenses in accordance with accepted practices and policies.
4. Ability to perform basis repairs on photographic equipment and perform basic computer repair and maintenance of Macintosh computer image capture system.
5. Ability to complete photographic assignments using digital cameras, Macintosh computers and operating system, and database computer applications to produce digital images of the gallery’s collections.
6. Knowledge of the computerized processes and systems that are used to scan or digitally capture images onto CD’s, DVD’s and other media such as hard drives or Zip drives. Knowledge of methods and issues related to using a variety of digital scanners and printers and other devices such as CD/DVD Burners, Zip drives or external drives.
7. Ability to judge and correct digital prints and proofs for color, contrast and density when compared to original objects or transparencies and to use computer accessories and techniques to modify color, color balance and contrast of photographic images.
8. Knowledge of computerized processes that are used to scan photographic media (slides, transparencies and film) to produce digital images on photo compact discs (CD’s) and the specialized software applications (Photoshop, Toast, Phase One) used to manipulate, save and print images stored on photo CD’s.
9. Ability to use cross platform computers and operating systems and graphic and imaging applications, including extensive knowledge of PhotoShop.
10. Team oriented, flexible and able to work independently and collaboratively
11. Demonstrated ability to organize time and schedules efficiently.

Example 2

Photographer III (736)
Salary: D

General purpose:
Under the general supervision of the manager of Photo Services, provide specialized digital photographic and routine conventional assistance for the Department of Diagnostic Radiology.

Essential duties of position:
1. Photograph 3-D objects, radiographs and reflected materials, specimens, clinical and scientific equipment, human and clinical subjects to produce Black & White and Color transparencies and prints.
2. Using a digital camera; capture radiographs, faculty & resident portraits and public relations images for reproduction and slide presentations.
3. Provide assistance for digital services including slide film recording, image manipulation and scanning, CD burning, and digital printing using a variety of software packages and computer hardware.
4. Plan, schedule and execute all aspects of conventional photography including ‘on-location’ procedures and clinical shoots.
5. Formulate and conduct proper testing protocols and sequencing to determine required results for new products or trouble shooting for existing methods.
6. Monitor and assess color balance and make proper color correction adjustments for slides and various digital output devices.
7. Perform routine file transfer tasks including image transfers from FTP servers and LAN networks. Perform some administrative tasks on departmental computer based imaging systems.
8. Monitor, check and error logs on backup systems and database server when needed.
9. Maintain and perform basic repairs on photographic equipment. Maintain darkroom chemistry, photographic materials and supply inventory.

Education and training:
1. Six years of related work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and a high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills and abilities:
1. Ability to independently prioritize tasks. Demonstrated organizational and interpersonal skills. Candidate must be team-oriented.
2. Demonstrated computer knowledge, technical expertise in hardware systems.
3. Working knowledge of digital graphics and slide presentation software packages for MAC including Adobe PhotoShop, Microsoft PowerPoint and Film Magic Pro.
4. Respect and preserve confidential nature of work handled in the office.