Communication Specialist II

Job Title

Communication Specialist II

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

International Ocean Discovery Program

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & identities.  Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who we are

The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP)  is an international research collaboration that coordinates seagoing expeditions  to study the history of the Earth recorded in sediments and rocks beneath the ocean floor. The JOIDES Resolution Science Operator (JRSO) operates the scientific drillship JOIDES Resolution  on behalf of the National Science Foundation. We are committed to exceeding the expectations of the scientific ocean drilling community by maximizing the science the JOIDES Resolution delivers.

What we want

The Graphics Specialist II ( TAMU Communication Specialist II) works with other Graphics Specialists to produce graphic and prime data materials for expedition publications and other program materials. Coordinates with members of the editorial and production sections to maintain style and consistency. Applies standard formats, style guidelines, and workflow procedures. Coordinates at least one area for the Graphics section. If the description sounds interesting to you, we invite you to apply to be considered for this opportunity.

What you need to know

Cover Letter & Resume: A cover letter and resume are required. You may upload them on the application under the CV/Resume section.

COVID-19 information:  Texas A&M University monitors local, state and federally mandated health guidelines to keep students, employees, prospective employees, and visitors as safe as possible. For the latest information regarding Texas A&M’s COVID-19 response, please visit the University’s COVID-19 website. For COVID-19 employment-related information, please visit the Division of Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness’ COVID-19 website.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Two years of graphics, communication and/or production experience

Required Licenses and Certifications:

• Ability to obtain and hold a passport and appropriate visas on a continuing basis.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others

• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment in a service-oriented position

• Strong communication and problem-solving skills

• Working knowledge of graphics software, Adobe Illustrator, MS Word, and Excel.

Other Requirements or Other Factors:

This position is required to sail on a research ship/vessel, typically on two-month expeditions. Seagoing employees must pass a new employee physical and regular annual physical exams. While at sea, the position requires physical tolerance to maintain balance on a moving ship, working under confined conditions, in an environment with exposure to low-to mid-level noise and vibration, and exposure to dust, potential allergens, and occasional odors. It is a physically demanding position that requires moving cores and other heavy items (up to 60 lb).  Employee shifts at sea are on a 12-hour a day, 7-days a week basis for approximately two months for an expedition.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Coursework in graphic arts, geology, oceanography, or related scientific/technical field.

• Two years of experience in graphic arts or print production

• Experience working with graphics for scholarly or scientific publications

• Previous experience sailing on the JOIDES Resolution

• Experience creating technical graphics for scholarly or scientific publications

• Experience organizing/coordinating large publications or books

• Professional experience using Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Acrobat

• Experience using graphic software CorelDraw

• Experience writing and using Excel macros and/or other scripting programs

• Experience plotting technical data

• Excellent proofreading skills

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to successfully implement and train others in standard IODP graphics formatting guidelines.

• Ability to review tracking sheets and status reports to prioritize work in the production schedule.

Responsibilities:

• Production - Format volume graphic content for IODP expedition volumes, reports, and expedition research manuscripts. Provide postcruise meeting support. Produce graphic visual core descriptions from expeditiondata. Assist with HTML translations and web content. Prepare figure zip files to be included with the electronic volume.

• Seagoing - Provide administrative support during port calls and expeditions. Provide graphic software support to shipboard science participants. Coordinate expedition reports, serving as a liaison among staff scientists, authors, review boards, and seagoing/shore-based publications staff. Provide recommendations to scientists to improve graphics content. Prepare core/section graphics reports from LIMS data using Strater. Provide assistance in shipboard laboratories.

• Quality Control - Carry out standards and style guidelines for quality control. Understand and implement IODP publications style. Ensure quality, consistency, and completeness in all publications. Proof prime data content and structure. Proof HTML and PDF online publications, links, and other web content. Work with production and editorial sections to promote consistency throughout each volume. Proof volume front matter to ensure prime data contents are complete and correct. Organize and maintain publications files to preserve version control.

• Development/Training - Understand the publication workflow from submission to publication. Assist with research into software, hardware, and other technologies or techniques to streamline workflow and keep IODP publications technically current. Learn graphics techniques and software beyond the basics. Attend software training as needed. Assist with development of written procedures as assigned.

• Coordination: Coordinate one or more graphics section tasks such as: Producing volume site maps. Updating the cumulative drill site maps. Updating web content as assigned by web master. Performs other duties as assigned.

​Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.