Individual Placement - Digital Media

Position Summary

The Multimedia Designer serves as a creative lead and project manager within the National Wildlife Refuge System’s Division of Visitor Services & Interpretation (DVSI). This role oversees the development, production, and implementation of diverse visual media products that support national level interpretation, public engagement, and branding efforts for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The Designer conceptualizes, plans, and executes high impact visual products—including graphic design, illustration, mapping, signage, web content, photo/video, and interactive media, and coordinates across cross disciplinary teams through iterative design and review processes.

Location

Falls Church, VA

Schedule

April 6, 2026 - October 9, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Creative Direction & Production 
  • Design and production of visual interpretation products such as infographics, maps, posters, reports, web graphics, story maps, signage, and templates using Adobe Creative Cloud and ArcGIS tools.
  • Produce high-quality vector and raster illustrations for national campaigns, signage, publications, and digital use.
  • Oversee product development from concept through prototyping, feedback cycles, and final delivery
  • Coordinate visual development for national projects, including the Blue Goose Passport and Wildlife Friendly Actions Card Game.
• Project Leadership & Team Coordination
  • Facilitate iterative design processes, manage documentation of feedback, and ensure alignment with national standards and interpretive strategies.
  • Lead teambuilding efforts for the Visual Identity Community of Practice.
• Digital Accessibility & Compliance
  • Ensure Section 508 compliance across digital products through remediation, alt text development, formatting revision, and accessibility quality assurance checks.
• Support accessibility efforts to ensure equitable interpretive media. Web, Content, and Interactive Media Development
  • Create and maintain interpretive content on fws.gov and internal SharePoint sites using HTML-based content management systems.
  • Integrate ArcGIS Online products and interactive elements into web content.
  • Draft and design interactive learning tools, prototypes, and user experience layouts to support Refuge System interpretation and outreach.
• Production Coordination & Vendor Support
  • Navigate the GPO and approved printing processes to procure physical products, ensuring adherence to federal standards and agency brand identity.
  • Provide production files and specifications for printing, fabrication, or sign manufacturing.

Marginal Duties

• Media Creation & Storytelling (As Needed / Developmental)
  • Capture and edit photos and video for Refuge System storytelling, training, and outreach.
  • Produce short-form videos and motion graphics for interpretive and public-facing content.
  • Conduct interviews, gather field-based material, and prepare narrative content for digital storytelling.
• Professional Development (10% Minimum)
  • Participate in formal training—including NCTC courses, Adobe/ArcGIS/508 certifications, human-centered design programs, and interpretive skill development.
  • Engage in field shadowing opportunities with Refuge staff to build a real-world understanding of conservation, interpretation, and visitor engagement.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced graphic design, illustration, cartography
• 508 accessibility
• Interactive content development
• Photo/video production

Preferred Qualifications

• Applying interpretive techniques to visual media
• Translating complex science for public audiences
• Audience-centered messaging and storytelling

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Remote

Compensation

• Living allowance - $1,000/week

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

• Not needed

Additional Benefits

• AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.