Senior Cinematographer

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Communications Division is seeking a highly skilled and creatively driven Senior Cinematographer to join the agency's in-house Creative Services team to produce broadcast quality video both in studio and in the field for TxDOT audiences. Beyond execution, the role is central to elevating the quality, tone, and impact of TxDOT's video work across campaigns, storytelling initiatives, and public-facing communications.

The ideal candidate should have the ability to operate independently in lean, fast-paced production environments and be capable of leading more complex shoots involving external crews or partners. While technical proficiency is essential, success in this role is defined by creative judgement, adaptability, and the ability to enhance creative deliverables and operational workflows at every stage of production. It requires strong visual authorship, translating ideas into visually compelling, culturally relevant content that aligns with brand standards. This role will help elevate the Media Production team's overall standard by maintaining a high bar for quality, storytelling and execution, and by staying informed on evolving visual trends, formats, and audience behaviors. Experience working with C-level executives is preferred. 

*Applicants are required to submit a link to a demo reel that demonstrates their video production and editing skills.*
 

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package
To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)
 

Essential Duties:

• Operate and direct camera operation, lighting, and audio setups to support creative intent across a range of environments.
• Contribute to visual script component development and create shot lists, production schedules, call sheets, and other standard production documents that clarify the story, define the visual approach, and support efficient production planning.
• Independently direct both small, self-managed shoots and larger production environments involving talent, crew, vendors, or subcontractors, helping shape production approach in real time, making decisions that improve both efficiency and creative outcome.
• Partner with internal teams to define the most efficient production strategy and effective visual direction, and storytelling approach, balancing scope, resources, and creative goals. 
• Attends public hearings, meetings and events of statewide significance.
• Coordinate with clients to assess project requirements, define project goals, audiences and production needs. 
• Coordinate with clients, administrative or technical staff and conduct or direct research to create the most compelling visual story
• Contribute to scriptwriting and editing of audiovisual communications media as needed. 
• Manage and maintain production equipment with a focus on readiness and reliability.
• Work efficiently in dynamic conditions, solving problems without compromising quality.
• Provide excellent customer service when collaborating with clients, staff, the public, agency executive leadership and elected officials.
• Travel as required to support production assignments (including overnight travel).
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
   

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in n Communications, Public Relations, Business or related disciplines. Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience:  5 years writing, editing, journalism or communications related activities. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong portfolio demonstrating strong visual storytelling, aesthetic judgment and creative storytelling. 
• Experience working across both small, agile productions and larger, crew-based shoots.
• Experience coordinating and managing external production partners, vendors, or subcontractors.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere Pro, After Effects). Competency in DaVinci Resolve.
• 5 years of progressive experience in videography or media production, with leadership experience in production environments
      

Competencies:

• Professional video camera operation methods and techniques
• Planning, directing, coordinating, scheduling and leading on-set productions with confidence and professionalism 
• Adaptability across production scales and environments
• Providing prompt and courteous customer service; advising customers when delays are necessary and following up on identified problems until resolved 
• Collaboration, communication, and problem-solving
• Ability to work independently and deliver under deadlines
• Evaluating audio/visual products and equipment 
• Leading, assigning, reviewing, and monitoring the work of others
   

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs
• Standing-prolonged periods of time
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Frequent lifting and carrying of production equipment (up to approximately 50 pounds)
• Standing, bending, and working in varied environments

• Combination of studio and outdoor field conditions 

   

• Up to 35% travel (including overnight)

   

Conditions of Employment:
Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)
 

TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category. 

To view the MOS codes please click on link below and click on the appropriate occupational category.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions
 

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.

Please click this link to read the information for applicants: Additional Applicant Information