PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Code: 44943 State Competitive Range: R14 (FY 2027)

Salary: $48,807.15 - $70,640.55/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Experience

Two (2) years of professional experience in work involving the taking, developing and printing of photographs

<b>LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATION:</b>

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

<b>SUBSTITUTION</b>

Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute one (1) year of additional nonsupervisory experience.

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING JOB CATEGORIES, please refer to the Job Specification Information Sheet available at the New Jersey Department of Personnel or your agency's personnel office.

Occupational Group: Art Occupations

Occupational Family: Photography

CODE: 15/R14 MER 3/01/08

Note

The above Job Category Summary and following examples of work are for illustrative purposes only. Any one position may not include all of the tasks listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties which may be performed.

Makes black-and-white or color prints from negatives

Develops color or black-and-white film

Operates film processing equipment

Arranges slides for presentations

Selects tint or shade from color matching chart, such as Pantone Color Matching System (PMS)

Mixes developing and fixing solutions for film processing

Makes transparencies, slides and internegatives

Set-ups photographic equipment or apparatus

Operates still picture and graphic reproduction cameras

Selects camera lenses and film type

Determines techniques for photography

Copies negatives from flat art or photographs

Corrects flaws in prints or negatives

Reviews photographic and printer's proofs

Summarizes information from files, reports, documents, research, notes or meetings

Provides technical advice to staff, peers or management

Interviews individuals for needed information

Answers questions about application of regulations or policies

Consults with outside agencies or individuals about information necessary for job assignments

Informs individuals of procedures necessary for completion of forms or applications

Explains agency programs and services

Arrange slides for presentations

<b>CHARACTERISTIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES</b>

Knowledge of techniques for film processing

Knowledge of the types of camera lenses and their use

Knowledge of the procedures for operating enlarging equipment

Knowledge of polycontrast and other filters

Knowledge of the principles and techniques of photographic lighting and photography

Knowledge of procedures for stripping negatives

Knowledge of the characteristics and uses of various types of film

Knowledge of chemicals used in film processing

Knowledge of the various grades and characteristics of photographic papers

Knowledge of procedures for printing photographs

Knowledge of the principles and techniques of forensic photography

Knowledge of basic interviewing techniques

Knowledge of techniques of interpersonal relations

Ability to follow oral orders, directions or plans

Ability to correct flaws in prints and negatives using air-brushing, retouching, or dodging techniques

Ability to summarize information in written form

Ability to communicate orally

Ability to convey information in a written format

Ability to write information in an organized format

Ability to match tints or shades through color matching chart, such as Pantone Color Matching System (PMS)

Ability to read and interpret laws, rules and regulations

Ability to compare numerical material for accuracy

Ability to follow written orders, directions or plans

Ability to collect data through questioning

<b>MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:</b>

Completion of a vocational, technical or specialized training program in photography or photographic technology.