Visual Media Production Specialist (Open and Promotional)

Visual Media Production Specialist (Open and Promotional)

Salary

$9,769.07 - $12,213.07 Monthly

Location

County of San Mateo, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

N043A

Department

County Executives/Clerk of the Board

Opening Date

06/22/2026

Closing Date

7/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

38

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

The Communications Division of the County Executive's Office seeks well qualified candidates for the position of Visual Media Production Specialist.

The Visual Media Production Specialist (VMP Specialist) will join a dynamic and committed team of communication professionals including the Chief Communications Officer, Communications Officer, Social Media Specialist, and Civic Engagement and Public Outreach Specialist.

The VMP Specialist will be responsible for conceptualizing, producing, editing, and distributing comprehensive multimedia and visual communications content in support of County programs, services, initiatives, and community engagement efforts. This position requires regular fieldwork and travel throughout San Mateo County to capture video, audio, and photographic content at County facilities, community events, program sites, and other locations.

The VMP Specialist will independently manage multimedia production operations, including video, photography, digital and print design, podcast production, and related visual storytelling mediums. The VMP Specialist will also produce highly complex, high-visibility projects, manage the video/production room and related equipment in the County Executive's Office, and establish production standards. Responsibilities will span the full production lifecycle, from strategic planning and creative development through post-production, publication, and archival management. In addition, the VPM Specialist may lead cross-departmental initiatives.

The VPM Specialist will exercise substantial independent judgment in creative interpretation, technical production decisions, and brand alignment. The primary focus will be on producing engaging multimedia content that effectively represents the County's mission across multiple media formats.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conceptualize, script, storyboard, and produce multimedia content including promotional and informational videos, documentary-style program features, public service announcements, podcast and audio productions, digital graphics and print publications, and professional photography.
• Provide video and photography services including official County events and public meetings, executive leadership portraits, community engagement activities, program documentation and field operations, creation and maintenance of digital photo archives.
• Collaborate with internal County departments to assess production needs and develop appropriate multimedia solutions.
• Perform advanced video production including filming, lighting, sound design, color correction, and post-production editing.
• Manage and maintain production room facilities, studio equipment, cameras, lighting kits, audio systems, and editing workstations and manage scheduling, logistics, and maintenance of the Countys video and production room to ensure efficient operation.
• Develop shot lists, visual concepts, and brand-consistent visual assets.
• Ensure ADA accessibility compliance in digital media (captioning, formatting standards).
• Coordinate with staff to distribute multimedia across platforms (web, social media, internal communications channels, public broadcasts).
• Maintain digital asset management systems and archive materials for institutional continuity.
• Advise departments on visual communication strategies and production feasibility.
• Research and integrate emerging multimedia technologies and industry best practices.
• Ensure all multimedia content aligns with the County's branding, mission, and communication standards.
• Oversee the production process from concept inception, through editing and post-production, to final launch and publication.
• Monitor quality control standards and implement revisions to improve content effectiveness and engagement.
• Stay current with emerging multimedia technologies and recommend integration to enhance content quality and reach.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying.

• A typical way to qualify is training in multimedia production, communications, or a related field, plus five years of experience in multimedia content creation including print and video production.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and techniques of multimedia production including cinematography, photography composition and lighting, audio recording and sound design, digital editing and post-production workflows.
• Visual storytelling techniques and narrative structure.
• Scriptwriting, storyboarding, and content development for various media formats.
• Graphic design theory, layout principles, and typography.
• Digital asset management and archival standards.
• Social media and digital distribution strategies.
• Branding standards and public-sector communication ethics.
• Copyright, licensing, and media usage regulations.
• Accessibility standards for digital content (e.g., ADA compliance).
• The Countys programs, mission, and community communication goals.
• Relevant computer software and equipment used in multimedia content creation and editing.
• Production room operations, scheduling, and equipment maintenance.

Skill/Ability to:

• Operate video, audio, graphic design, and drone systems proficiently to capture and produce multimedia content.
• Create, edit, and produce engaging multimedia content across multiple formats.
• Travel throughout San Mateo County and perform fieldwork to capture video, audio, and photographic content in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.
• Manage complex multimedia projects from concept through final publication.
• Collaborate effectively with multiple departments and stakeholders to meet production goals.
• Apply creativity and visual storytelling techniques to communicate key messages.
• Maintain adherence to branding guidelines and the Countys mission in all content.
• Manage production resources, equipment, and schedules efficiently.
• Adapt to evolving multimedia technologies and production methods.
• Manage multiple concurrent production timelines.
• Translate complex governmental information into visually engaging content.
• Exercise independent creative judgment within brand standards.
• Troubleshoot technical production challenges.
• Maintain composure and professionalism in live-event environments.

Application/Examination

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in classified regular, probationary, extra-help, or limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (pass/fail) based on the candidates application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%), which may include a short-written exam administered immediately preceding the interview.

Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification.

All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the Countys website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the Countys website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org to apply.

Thorough and detailed responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

Tentative Recruitment Schedule

Open Recruitment: June 22, 2026

Final Filing Date for Applications: July 13, 2026, by 11:59 PM

Application Screening: July 16-21, 2026

Civil Service Interviews: August 4 and/ or 5, 2026

About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

Analyst: Chet Overstreet (06222026) (Visual Media Production Specialist - N043)

We invite you to explore our Benefits-at-a-Glance page for a snapshot of the comprehensive and competitive benefits available to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. From health and wellness to financial security, our benefits are designed to support you at every stage of your career. (Please note that benefits are subject to change.)

In addition to core benefits, the County is proud to offer a variety of wellness and professional development programs to help you grow both personally and professionally. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you.

As a County employee, you'll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service.

01

IMPORTANT: Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the following supplemental questions. Your responses will give us additional information about your background and experience related to this position and will be used in the selection process. Be concise and specific. Clarity of expression, grammar, spelling, and ability to follow instructions will be considered in the evaluation process. While we understand AI can be a useful too, please craft your responses to these questions yourself. We are interested in your description of your qualification. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses. I have read and understand these instructions.

• Yes
• No

02

Describe how your education and experience have prepared you for success in this position.

03

Please provide a link to your visual media portfolio or attach examples of your work to your application. In this text box, please note the extent of your role in the work you provide.

04

Describe a complex media campaign you designed and executed. What challenges or obstacles did you face? How did you overcome them.

05

If applicable, describe your experience managing a video/production room and related equipment and establishing production standards. If you have not had this exact experience, describe any transferable skills or provide a description of how you would manage these responsibilities.

Required Question

Employer County of San Mateo

Address County of San Mateo Human Resources Department

500 County Center, 4th Floor

Redwood City, California, 94063-1663

Phone (650) 363-4343

Website https://jobs.smcgov.org