Job Opening for Signage and Wayfinding Designer in SAA (Irvine, CA 92612)

We are searching for a detail-oriented, part-time, intermediate-level wayfinding and signage designer to join our growing branding and signage team with the potential to go full-time for the right person. Ideal candidates will come from an environmental graphic design or branding background, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and excel at delivering highly thoughtful work, on time and on budget, from initial concept through detailed execution. You know how to read architectural plans, work to scale, and have solid experience in the technical aspects of the field, including codes and facilitation with local municipalities and fabricators.
As part of SAA’s branding and signage team, you will collaborate with diverse teams, firmwide, in both the ideation and the delivery of projects where you will showcase not only your creative thinking and technical acumen but your ability to articulate ideas and present those in a compellingly manner to both internal and external stakeholders. You’ll be part of a fun and dynamic team with exposure to a very wide spectrum of project types from branding, to marketing materials. to experiential graphics and signage projects.
Due to COVID-19, the position is remote for the time being with occasional in-person meetings as required around the greater Los Angeles and Orange County metropolitan areas. The job location when we return to the office is in our Culver City office but is flexible depending on the candidate.
RESPONSIBILITIES

(Include the following, other duties may be assigned)

Develop user-centric, code compliant wayfinding strategies for a variety of project types.
Create Signage Location Plans, Message Schedules and Design Intent Documentation for various size projects.
Work closely with clients, designers, architects, general contractors and fabricators.
Coordinate the development of documentation for construction and installation for signage systems and environmental graphics.
Create master sign programs, sign criteria packages, and coordinate with necessary city planning departments in the preparation of and execution of submittals.
Utilize your experience with researching and navigating city codes to advise clients regarding the best course of action based on their specific project criteria.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Degree in Applied Science, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Art or equivalent
5+ years of post-graduate experience in environmental graphic design preferred
Mid-level expertise in development of signage systems, delivering graphic and/or planning projects
Knowledge of and experience specifically pertaining to the researching, interpreting and application of city codes from ideation through submittals
Exceptional planning sensibilities and ability to think strategically
Thorough, thoughtful, precise and able to work independently
Strong communication and presentation abilities
Strong work ethic, with demonstrated efficiency, flexibility, and a positive outlook
Background in engineering, architecture, graphic design or industrial design
Experience using Revit, Sketchup, 3D Max and/or Rhino is a plus
Proficient with Adobe Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat) and working to architectural scale
Proficiency in MS Office
Ability to work on a collaborative team
Previous work experience in an architecture or fabrication firm is a plus

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to success fully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is an Non-Exempt Part-Time position. Must be available to work Monday through Friday a minimum of 20 hours per week. Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
TRAVEL

This position requires up to 10% local travel and periodic travel to remote offices as needed. Limited travel may include attending meetings and work sessions in other SAA offices, client offices or job site. Mileage will be reimbursed at predetermined market rate. Individual must possess a valid driver’s license with a good driving record and have reliable transportation.
COVID-19 considerations:

Currently working mostly remote due to COVID-19.

Candidates must be fully vaccinated with an FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine.

AAP/EEO Statement

SAA is an equal opportunity employer; applicants are considered without discrimination with regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or other statuses protected by state, local or other applicable laws.
OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.