Photography Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established March 17, 1971

Scope

This series specification describes the Photography classes in State service.

Photographers perform a variety of photographic duties involving still and motion picture photography and photographic processing. In some departments, photographers may be required to perform legal photographic work and provide testimony as an expert witness on behalf of the State in civil or criminal litigation cases. Entry into this series is typically at the Photographer level.

Definition of Levels

Photographer

The Photographer class is the entry and journeyperson working level in the series. Photographers do still and motion picture photography and photographic processing. A Photographer works either under the direction of a higher level photographer or without technical supervision performing work of average difficulty where the photographic requirements of a department are not extensive.

Senior Photographer

The Senior Photographer class is the working-leadperson level performing assignments requiring independent interpretation of objectives and application of methods. Where the photographic requirements of the department are more extensive, complex, and varied, a Senior Photographer may be in charge. Considerable aerial photography is normally performed by this class.

Minimum Qualifications

Photographer

Two years of experience in still and motion picture photography, including both laboratory and field work. (Photofinishing is not qualifying.) (Completion of twelve semester hours of college-level courses in photography may be substituted for one year of the required experience.)

Senior Photographer

Either I

One year of experience performing the duties of Photographer in the California state service.

Or II

Three years of experience in still and motion picture photography, including both laboratory and field work, one year of which must have been in commercial or industrial photography. (Photofinishing is not qualifying.) (Completion of twelve semester hours of college-level courses in photography may be substituted for one year of the required general experience.)

Knowledge and Abilities

Photographer

Knowledge: Material Safety Data Sheets; and modern photographic methods, techniques, supplies, and equipment used in photographic processes.

Ability to: Operate all types of photographic equipment, including motion picture equipment; perform aerial photography; read and write English at a level required for successful job performance; perform photographic laboratory work including color processing and printing; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; establish and maintain cooperative relations with those contacted in the work; and communicate effectively.

Senior Photographer

Knowledge of: All of the above.

Ability to: All of the above, and lead the work of others.

Special Personal Characteristics

All levels require the following special personal characteristics: Creative ability; aesthetic judgment; and normal color vision. Color vision adequate to successfully perform the job as measured by the Ishihara Pseudo-Chromatic Plate Test or for persons failing the Ishihara, the Farnsworth D-15 Arrangement Test. Willingness to travel throughout the State.

Additional Desirable Qualification

Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

Class History