Lead Designer

About the role

Terms: Regular full-time position (40 hrs/week), with benefits. Overtime eligible.

Bargaining Unit: AFSCME Local 3300

Hiring Range: Communications Specialist, Range 6. The full range for this classification is $61,152 – $80,683 (Steps 1–15). The expected hiring range for this position is $61,152 – $73,070 (Steps 1–10), depending on qualifications and experience.

Job Classification and Range: Communications Specialist, Range 6 (working title: Lead Designer)

Reports To: Communications and Development Director

Base Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week (five 8-hour days). Employees work a consistent daily schedule with established start and end times, set in coordination with their supervisor — start times between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. and end times between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Alternate schedules, such as four 10-hour days, may be approved in advance based on operational needs. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Application Instructions

• Cover letter stating why you are interested in this position
• CV or resume detailing your related experience

If you have questions about applying or need accommodation during the application process, contact Sally Cunningham at or.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will be accepted until the position is filled. Priority deadline for applications is Monday, November 16, 2026.

Position Summary

The Lead Designer develops and executes Snohomish Conservation District’s visual communications strategies. This role ensures creative and cohesive branding in print and digital design. The position is part of the Outreach and Communications Team which provides education, outreach, and communications support to all District programs – including Agriculture, Habitat, Forestry, Community Conservation, Youth Education, Outreach and Events, and District Operations. This position reports to the Communications and Development Director.

Essential Tasks

These are illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Design

• Design and produce content for print and electronic communications, including postcards, social media, newsletters, flyers, booklets, brochures, large-scale signage, and websites.
• Successfully manage multiple complex projects from design conception to production readiness.
• Oversee conformity to branding guide in all communications, outreach, and marketing materials to maintain consistent, high-quality design.
• Work with the Communications & Marketing Specialist to design the annual report.

Website & Outreach Support

• Responsible for the overall appearance and function of SCD websites.
• Help maintain shared websites, such as Better Ground.
• Understand and interpret website analytics for future digital marketing campaign development.
• Collaborate across teams to ensure the website remains updated with accurate, timely information.
• Support digital promotion of outreach events and programs through Eventbrite, website calendar, etc.
• Support and collaborate with the Communications and Marketing Specialist to review and proofread designs, revisions, and other documentation for friendly and understandable language.
• Support community outreach events, including staffing, coordinating event details, and capturing photos.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field
• At least three years of professional experience in graphic design, branding, or a related field
• Knowledge of layouts, graphic fundamentals, typography, print, and web design
• Knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO) and answer engine optimization (AEO)
• Knowledge of Adobe PhotoShop, Illustrator, Sketch, InDesign, and other graphic design software
• Demonstrated illustration skills
• Experience supporting outreach events, including photography
• Demonstrated ability to translate purpose and tone into high-quality design within established SCD brand identity
• Strong attention to detail

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

This position requires the ability to

• Operate a computer almost constantly throughout a standard workday.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions and on rough or uneven terrain
• Sit or stand for long periods of time in a standard workday.
• Occasionally lift, pull, carry, push up to 40lbs, and to bend, twist, squat, kneel/crawl, and reach overhead.
• Occasionally work beyond an 8:00 am – 5:00 pm schedule or on the weekend.
• Drive a vehicle when travel is needed. Must hold a valid, unrestricted Washington State driver’s license (or have the ability to acquire upon hire).

Benefits

The District offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• Medical, including vision, insurance coverage through Washington State PEBB. The District covers employee dependent’s medical premiums at 80%.
• Dental insurance coverage through Washington State PEBB for benefits-eligible employees. The District covers employee dependent’s dental premiums at 100%.
• A monthly contribution to a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) plan through Voluntary Employees Beneficiary Association (VEBA) for employees who have non-District medical insurance coverage.
• Life Insurance through Washington State Health Care Authority (WSHCA), with coverage paid for by the District.
• Long Term Care coverage through the WA Cares Fund, with premiums paid by the District.
• Long Term Disability through WSHCA.
• Additional voluntary supplemental insurance opportunities are also available.
• Annual (vacation) leave accrued at a beginning rate of 9.33 hours per month, 8 hours of paid sick leave per month and 12 paid holidays each year plus 1 personal day. All PTO hours are prorated to FTE.
• Auto-enrollment into the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP), option to disenroll after hired
• All employees are covered by standard State and Federal programs, including WA Paid Family Medical Leave, Unemployment Insurance, Workers' Compensation, Social Security, and Medicare.
• Employer-contributed retirement program through the State of Washington Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program
• Terms of compensation and benefits are set by the Board of Supervisors, pro-rated based upon FTE, and may be amended at any time.