Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Department Chair and in consultation with the Graphic Design faculty, the Graphic Design Technician is responsible for the independent execution of a variety of complex work tasks providing support services associated with the operation, coordination, and instructional support services of the Art and Design labs and printing spaces (these include the Art and Design Resource Center (ADRC & VRC), instructional spaces, and Design CoLab). This position will coordinate activity and access, provide specialized technical and instructional support for classes and individual student projects, and will make recommendations regarding equipment and supply purchase and replacement. The Graphic Design Technician will also analyze, troubleshoot, and perform skilled repair and maintenance of equipment; provide comprehensive technical assistance and instructions on safe equipment operation to faculty, staff, and department; order, issue, and maintain inventories of lab equipment and supplies, and independently plan and supervise the work of student assistants, being directly responsible for their hiring, scheduling, training, and evaluation. Effective collaboration with faculty and staff is a requirement of the position. The Graphic Design Technician also supports the entire department with printing and graphic design services pertaining to both academics and extracurricular, department-related activities.

Department Summary

Key Qualifications

• Ability to effectively communicate and foster a productive and positive work environment for a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff.
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting computer peripheral equipment (Mac/PC workstations, high-end color printers, plotters, digital scanners, color calibration tools, and mobile test devices).
• Experience using and troubleshooting design software applications including Adobe Creative Suite programs as well as standard word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and calendaring/email programs on both Mac and PC.
• Basic proficiency in and understanding of workflows in industry-standard software for graphic, interaction, and web design.
• Ability to systemically troubleshoot issues related to image reproduction and a wide range of print projects; ability to isolate and resolve assessed problems or suggest alternatives; ability to coordinate with outside vendors to resolve maintenance and repair issues.
• Demonstrated ability to assist undergraduate students and faculty with a wide range of technical issues, including lab and individual workstation maintenance, file preparation for print and interactive media, and proper operation of standard design lab equipment and tools.

Education and Experience

• Equivalent to three years of experience providing instructional support services for a related unit or discipline, or in producing materials or supplies or repairing equipment in a discipline related to the area to which assigned. OR
• Equivalent to two years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in a discipline related to the area may be substituted for one year of the required experience OR
• Equivalent to four years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in a discipline related to the area to which assigned may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

Licenses, Certificates, Credentials

• Possession of a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain by date of hire.

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $67,212 - $80,328 per year

Classification Range: $55,140 - $80,328 per year

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information. 

About Cal Poly

Known for its Learn by Doing philosophy, Cal Poly is ranked among the top 10 public universities in the nation. Each year, more than 23,000 top-tier students come to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly Maritime Academy in Solano County to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities, maritime and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit www.calpoly.edu.

Working Within the California State University System

As part of the California State University, the nation's largest public four-year university system, Cal Poly employees contribute to a broader mission of advancing knowledge, creating opportunity and serving the people of California.

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Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Cal Poly is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.  Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.