Graphic Designer Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $61,588.80 Annually
Location : Irvine, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 04138
Department: Communications & Engagement
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 9/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Current Employees:
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External Applicants:
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One Irvine Workforce Presents: Graphic Designer - Community Engagement Specialist II Apprenticeship (Limited Term*)
*This position is full-time, at-will, and budgeted for 14 months with the approximate program period of late October 2026 through December 2027.
Post-program employment opportunities may be available but are not guaranteed.
The Graphic Designer - Community Engagement Specialist II Apprentice plays a pivotal role in creating professional designs, and a variety of illustrative and graphics materials, while delivering quality administrative and customer support to the City's Communication & Engagement Department.
If you are passionate about serving your community and possess strong graphic design skills, a Graphic Designer - Community Engagement Specialist II Apprenticeship could be an excellent opportunity for you!
The One Irvine Workforce Apprenticeship Program is funded through the California Volunteers Youth Service Corps grant. In addition to employment, apprentices receive specialized professional development and mentorship, and participate in innovative trainings, all while supporting some of Irvine's most important initiatives. An apprenticeship is a great way to gain on-the-job training, experience the benefits of public service, and invest in your future.
Apprenticeship Eligibility Requirements
This program is grant-funded and has specific eligibility requirements, including:

• Participants must be between 18-30 years old on their first day of service, estimated to be late October 2026.
• Priority will be given to Irvine residents who meet at least two of the following:
  1. Are unemployed or out of school
  2. Are low-income
  3. May have difficulty finding employment
  4. Are first generation college students
  5. Were in, or are transitioning from, foster care
  6. Are or were engaged with the mental health or substance abuse program
  7. Are or were justice-involved
  8. Have not participated in an AmeriCorps program

Your Impact

• Conceptualize and design professional layouts and artwork for fliers, brochures, booklets, social media graphics, signage, awards, reports, publications, posters, maps, and digital newsletters for internal and external communications.
• Coordinate printing and quoting of brochures, fliers, posters, and other publications, as well as prepare print-ready art files.
• Design and prepare graphs, charts, diagrams, and maps to illustrate statistical and technical data.
• Assist in coordinating activities with central reprographic unit, commercial printers, photographers, writers, editors, and suppliers of various publication services.
• Perform a variety of administrative duties and maintain records of work requests and completed projects.
• May photograph events, programs, and activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree with major coursework in commercial arts, fine arts, graphic arts, or closely related field.
• This role requires the ability to create original designs using Adobe Creative Suite. While Canva is a helpful tool, candidates must be able to design independently using Adobe software, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Three years of graphics production experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• May require a valid California driver's license.

Best Fit

• Works well under pressure with a proven track record of administrative support, outstanding customer service skills, and a positive, can-do attitude.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and skilled in writing and editing, along with the ability to adapt to changing technology.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and maintain a high-level of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and situational awareness to communicate with precision.
• Ability to work independently while multi-tasking and contributing to an overall team environment.
• Ability to take direction with humility and a desire to invest in professional growth.
• Willingness to learn computer programs and departmental systems, and participate in mentorship opportunities.
• Willingness to think innovatively to develop new ways to perform tasks and engage with your team.

Your Team
The Mission of the Employees of the City of Irvine is to create and maintain a community where people can live, work, and play in an environment that is safe, vibrant, and aesthetically pleasing. We are one team that exists to serve our community in the continual pursuit of a City that offers an exceptional quality of life.
The City of Irvine's five values of Humility, Innovation, Empathy, Passion, and Integrity reflect the interests and needs of the community, and the level of service they expect and desire. We are One Irvine through embrace of a team-oriented approach by living our values every day.
The Communications & Engagement Department plays a crucial role in maintaining an effective flow of information between the City government and its residents, businesses, and visitors. Made up of four divisions: Marketing & Communications, Irvine Community Television, Engagement, and the Hotel Improvement District, the department is responsible for ensuring that the public is well-informed about City policies, initiatives, events, programs, and services. It manages various channels of communication, including the City website; its award-winning quarterly magazine, Inside Irvine; social media platforms; press releases; digital media; video; and more, to disseminate important information to the community. The department fosters international relationships by welcoming visiting delegations and strengthening Irvine's global ties through its Sister City and Friendship City programs.
The Process
The selection process will include an interview and a background investigation prior to appointment. This recruitment may establish an eligibility list to fill future positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the organization.