Audio and Video Technicians

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Also known as:
Audio-Visual Production Specialist, Event AV Operator, Event Crew Technician, Multimedia Production Assistant, Video Control Operator, Video Equipment Technician, Video Production Assistant

See all Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications Careers.

ABOUT AUDIO AND VIDEO TECHNICIAN CAREERS

Video transcript

From concerts to sports events to corporate meetings, specialized equipment is needed so the audience can see and hear what's going on. The people who set up and operate this sophisticated electronic gear are audio and video equipment technicians.

Often called AV techs, they need to be familiar with the many components that make up audio and video systems. For example, microphones, speakers, TV monitors, and projection screens. Because these systems often require complex wiring and cabling, AV techs must be able to understand manuals and technical diagrams.

Being able to troubleshoot and repair equipment is also important. Sometimes this has to be done under the pressure of a love audience impatiently waiting for the event to begin. While most jobs are indoors, some projects take place outside on location. It's not unusual for AV techs to work evenings and weekends. They're expected to lift and carry heavy equipment and work in awkward positions.

While a high school degree is usually preferred, this is a career you can learn on the job from an experienced co-worker. Training in broadcast technology or electronics is also available through technical schools and community and four-year colleges. If you have an ear for determining sound quality, consider a career as an audio and video equipment technician.

SNAPSHOT

Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.

Leadership	HIGH
Critical decision making	HIGH
Level of responsibilities	HIGH
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines	HIGH
Dealing and handling conflict	LOW

Competition for this position	MED
Communication with others	HIGH
Work closely with team members, clients etc.	HIGH
Comfort of the work setting	HIGH
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions	LOW
Exposure to job hazards	LOW
Physical demands	LOW

Daily tasks

Design layouts of audio and video equipment and perform upgrades and maintenance.

Conduct training sessions on selection, use, and design of audio-visual materials and on operation of presentation equipment.

Record and edit audio material, such as movie soundtracks, using audio recording and editing equipment.

Compress, digitize, duplicate, and store audio and video data.

Diagnose and resolve media system problems.

Perform minor repairs and routine cleaning of audio and video equipment.

Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.

Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.

Install, adjust, and operate electronic equipment to record, edit, and transmit radio and television programs, motion pictures, video conferencing, or multimedia presentations.

Switch sources of video input from one camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to local programming.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Interacting With Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Thinking Creatively	Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE

Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Communications and Media	Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Telecommunications	Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Fine Arts	Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Engineering and Technology	Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

TOP SKILLS

Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation Monitoring	Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Service Orientation	Actively looking for ways to help people.

Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.