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Pay Grade/Pay Range: The rate of pay is to be determined by the employer.

Department/Organization: This position reports to an off-campus employer.

Normal Work Schedule: Flexible/Varies; Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Note to Applicants: To apply, email the following to dbussan@usgs.gov with the subject line: “Student Assistant - Marketing Communications Designer”

• Résumé
• Class schedule for the current semester
• Portfolio samples (PDF or link required)
• A brief statement (3–5 sentences) describing your interest in design and visual communications

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, and interviews will be scheduled immediately upon receipt of qualified applications.

Applications submitted through the UA Student Jobsite will not be reviewed.

Job Summary: The Marketing Communications Designer supports graphic design, marketing, and visual communication needs for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF). Designs posters, flyers, banners, newsletters, and event materials. Creates the official HIF events calendar (digital and/or print formats). Produces graphics for tours, presentations, training courses, and scientific demonstrations. Develops social-media-ready graphics and promotional content. Maintains consistent branding aligned with USGS visual guidelines. Translate technical or scientific concepts into clear, visually engaging designs. Organizes digital design assets, templates, and shared resources. Assists with occasional photography or short video clips for events (training provided).

Additional Department Summary: This position is located at the U.S. Geological Survey – Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF), 27 Kirkbride Lane Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.

The Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) is a national center within the U.S. Geological Survey dedicated to hydrologic instrumentation, water science innovation, and training. The facility develops, tests, calibrates, and supplies hydrologic equipment nationwide and provides technical training to water-science professionals. Students working at the HIF gain real-world exposure to national water science operations and federal communications.

While this position does not include formal design training, the HIF provides a highly supportive environment where staff will offer guidance, feedback, project expectations, and assistance as needed. Students will have the opportunity to apply and grow their existing design skills while contributing meaningful work to a national scientific organization.

Continued employment may be available in future semesters based on performance and business needs.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Current UA student in good academic standing (any major welcome). Foundational skills in graphic design and layout (coursework or portfolio examples acceptable). Openness to learn federal branding and adapt designs to established guidelines. Ability to design using Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) or Canva. Strong attention to visual detail, consistency, and accuracy. Ability to work independently and meet deadlines. Strong communication and willingness to collaborate with HIF leadership and staff.

Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Ability to sit at a desk and use a computer for extended periods. Light walking around the facility for photos or content collection. Ability to lift light materials (under 20–25 lbs), such as posters or printed items.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience designing posters, newsletters, calendars, or marketing materials. Experience preparing print-ready files or working with commercial printers. Experience simplifying technical information into clean visual formats. Familiarity with branding systems or template development. Photography, videography, or digital content creation experience.

Off-Campus Position Disclaimers: This position is an off-campus employment opportunity. The HR Office of Student Employment makes no particular recommendations regarding off-campus employers and makes no representations or guarantees about positions posted. The HR Office of Student Employment is not responsible for the safety, wages, working conditions, or other aspects of off-campus employment. Applicants are urged to perform due diligence in researching employers when applying for or accepting private, off-campus employment. This position reports to an off-campus employer – U.S. Geological Survey’s Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility. Final candidates may be subject to a thorough background check by employer prior to employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases.  More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.