Uncle Sam Wants You: Homeland Security Photographer, Salary? $100K

If you’re a photographer, Uncle Sam wants you! Seriously: The United States Government is looking for an official photographer to work for the Department of Homeland Security, office of Public Affairs, and is willing to pay between $79,720 and $103,639 for a qualified candidate.

Government photography jobs for different agencies are posted from time to time. Recently, the Supreme Court hired a photographer (knowledge of Hasselblad and Nikon digital cameras was a requirement), for about $75,000 a year. Two years ago, the National Park Service famously offered a $100k-per-year job, the same one that was once held by Ansel Adams. Nearly 5,000 people applied, and Jarob Ortiz was hired in July 2016.

The Homeland Security Photographer job is opened to the public, will be based in Washington, DC, and may require some travel. According to the job listing, “The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a skilled Photographer responsible for capturing dynamic still and DSLR video imagery for standalone and social media usage, and for use with articles. Perform the full-range of photographic reproduction duties.”

What are the responsibilities? Here’s what the site says:

• Providing photographic services as required to accurately document the activities of the Department of Homeland Security, its people, and its mission.
• Using highly specialized photographic equipment to perform a variety of specialized still photography requirements
• Keeping up to date with the latest trends and development in the field of photography and DSLR videography through the professional society
• Performing precise photographic operations with electronically timed high speed cameras and exposures
• Working with principles and subjects to position scenes to maximize photographic impact.
• Managing and cares for photographic equipment, supplies, and materials
• Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources

Here’s the official listing. 

A quick look at the DHS web site shows almost no original photos; apparently, they do — indeed — need a photographer.

Adorama

Adorama's 42West is the content destination for photographers, filmmakers, audio creatives and all things electronic. Check out our up-to-date editorial features on all the latest gear, how-to's and interviews with today's most relevant industry insiders.