Photographer Jobs in California

Job Summary

California State University, Long Beach is creating a pool of qualified photographers for temporary, on-call assignments. Photographers in this pool will support a variety of projects, producing high-quality visual content for both digital and print platforms. Assignments will vary in length and scope and may include event coverage, portraits, marketing campaigns, or campus life features. Responsibilities include capturing still or motion imagery, editing and processing photos, and managing photography equipment.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities are centered around photographic production and support, but are not limited to, and may include:
- Capturing high-quality still images for instructional, promotional, or multimedia use.
- Setting up, testing, and operating photography equipment and lighting.
- Assisting with or leading photo shoots, including staging, props, and scene composition.
- Editing and processing digital or film photography using image editing software.
- Maintaining organized archives of visual assets and photo libraries.
- Collaborating with production teams, faculty, or staff to meet visual and content objectives.
- Providing technical guidance or supervision in photography-related tasks and workflows.

Classification:

- Media Production Specialist I
- Media Production Specialist II
- Media Production Specialist III

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Media Production Specialists are placed into one of three skill levels based on the scope, complexity, and responsibility of the work they perform.
- Skill Level I: Assigned to roles performing technical support and routine production work with limited scope and moderate supervision. Requires foundational knowledge and skills, guided by senior staff or clear project objectives. Possesses working knowledge of techniques, materials, and equipment for instructional media production. Skilled in sound recording, graphics, television, photography, video taping, lighting, and editing. Capable of setting up and operating various production equipment, including multi-camera setups and distance learning classrooms. Able to learn techniques for television, film, radio, or multimedia productions. Basic computer skills for digital and analog editing and duplication. Proficient in basic photography and photographic processing. Knowledgeable in studio, camera, and related equipment maintenance. Understands safety requirements for handling hazardous materials. Strong writing, editing, and interpersonal skills for building relationships with staff and students.
- Skill Level II: Assigned to positions with greater responsibility, including leading small to medium projects or serving as associate producer. Work is more autonomous, involving planning, directing, and managing full production cycles. Requires in-depth knowledge and strong creative, technical, and consulting skills. Thorough knowledge of production techniques and equipment, with general knowledge of instructional media principles. Capable of developing, creating, and evaluating professional visuals. Strong writing skills, including narration and script writing. Proficient with interactive multimedia tools and techniques. Excellent research skills and broad multimedia communication knowledge. Able to understand and troubleshoot equipment and systems. Strong organizational skills for managing production, budgets, and projects. Advanced photographic skills. Capable of leading and directing staff and training students in production projects.
- Skill Level III: Reserved for managing complex or high-impact productions and full production units. Involves leadership, collaboration with instructional designers, and strategic solutions to instructional media challenges. Requires expert-level knowledge, independent judgment, and the ability to supervise others and oversee all aspects of production. Possesses comprehensive knowledge of multimedia production theory and techniques, communication theory, and instructional design. Skilled in research, live production, critique, innovative problem-solving, and evaluating production effectiveness. Strong in project and budget management, consulting, and providing technical and aesthetic leadership.

Education and Experience

Media Production Specialist (I): Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and six months of related professional or technical experience required.
Media Production Specialist (II): Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of related professional or technical experience required.
Media Production Specialist (III): Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and four years of related professional or technical experience required.

Compensation

CSU Classification Range:
- Media Production Specialist (I): $21.23 - $37.98 per hour.
- Media Production Specialist (II): $23.92 - $43.27 per hour.
- Media Production Specialist (III): $27.93 - $50.53 per hour.

Time Base

This is an hourly, temporary position with assignments offered as needed. Inclusion in the pool doesn't guarantee employment, but selected candidates may be contacted when opportunities arise. Assignment lengths vary based on operational needs, ranging from a few days to up to one year.

Physical Summary

- Medium work - Job involves lifting heavy-weight objects (20-40 pounds) and/or 20% - 40% of the job involves standing, squatting, kneeling, or walking. May require pushing or pulling objects within the weight limits.

Application Procedures

Click Apply Now to complete the CSULB Online Employment Application.

PLEASE FILL OUT THE APPLICATION COMPLETELY

It is important that all sections of the online application are filled out completely and accurately. Please include all relevant education and experience. Your application will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

Additional Information

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 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU 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. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position. CSULB is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas). California State University Long Beach expects respectful, professional behavior from its employees in all situations. Acts of harassment or abusive conduct are prohibited. Demonstrated appropriate professional behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate abusive conduct is expected of all employees.

Equal Employment Statement

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, CSULB provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected status. CSULB 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.

Accommodations

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact StaffHR-Accommodations@csulb.edu.

Out of State Employment Policy

California State University, Long Beach, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.