Audio Visual (AV) Technician Job Description
An Audio Visual (AV) Technician job function is to set up and operate audio and video equipment.
Primary objectives of a Audio Visual Technician:
- The AV Technician objective is to properly operate microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment for concerts, sports events, meetings and conventions, presentations, and news conferences.
- The AV Technician may also set up and operate associated spotlights and other custom lighting systems.
The AV Technician performs minor repairs and routine cleaning of audio and video equipment. They diagnose and resolve media system problems in classrooms. The AV Technician switches sources of video input from one camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to local programming. The AV Tech meets with directors and senior members of camera crews to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, camera movements, and picture composition. They construct and position properties, sets, lighting equipment, and other equipment.
The AV Technician compress, digitizes, duplicate, and stores audio and video data. The AV Technician obtains, set up, and loads videotapes for scheduled productions or broadcasts. The AV Technician edits videotapes by erasing and removing scheduled productions or broadcasts. The AV Technician directs and coordinates activities of assistants and other personnel during production. They also plan and develop pre-production ideas into outlines, scripts, story boards, and graphics, using own ideas or specifications of assignments. They also maintain inventories of audio and video tapes and related supplies.
The AV Technician determines formats, approaches, content, levels, and mediums to effectively meet objectives within budgetary constraints, utilizing research, knowledge, and training. He also notifies the supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed. The AV Technician monitors incoming and outgoing pictures and sound feeds to ensure quality, and notify directors of any possible problems. The AV Technician mixes and regulates sound inputs and feeds, or coordinates audio feeds with television pictures. The AV Technician installs, adjust, and operates electronic equipment used to record, edit, and transmit radio and television programs, cable programs, and motion pictures. The AV Technician designs layouts of audio and video equipment, and perform upgrades and maintenance. The AV Technician records and edits audio material such as movie soundtracks, using audio recording and editing equipment. They also inform users of audio and videotaping service policies and procedures.
The AV Technician obtains and preview musical performance programs prior to events in order to become familiar with the order and approximate times of pieces. They also produce rough and finished graphics and graphic designs. It is their job to locate and secure settings, properties, effects, and other production necessities. The AV Technician controls the lights and sounds of events, such as live concerts, before and after performances, and during intermissions. The AV Technician conduct training sessions on selection, use, and design of audiovisual materials and on operation of presentation equipment. The AV Technician organizes and maintains compliance, licenses, and warranty information related to audio and video facilities. They develop manuals, texts, workbooks, or related materials for use in conjunction with production materials or for training. They perform narration of productions, or present announcements.
The AV Tech must give 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. The AV Technician uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. They must determine causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it. The AV Technician must understand written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. They control operations of equipment or systems. Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed is all part of the AV Technicians job performance.
The AV Technician must have inductive reasoning skills. That is they should have the ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
