Audio and Video Technicians

Also called: Audio Technician, Audio Video Technician, Audio Visual Communications Systems Technician, Audio Visual Production Specialist, Audio Visual Specialist (AV Specialist)

Audio and Video Technicians

Varies

estimated salary

Audio and video technicians 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.

  • Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.
  • Diagnose and resolve media system problems.
  • Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.
  • Compress, digitize, duplicate, and store audio and video data.
  • Install, adjust, and operate electronic equipment to record, edit, and transmit radio and television programs, motion pictures, video conferencing, or multimedia presentations.
  • Control the lights and sound of events, such as live concerts, before and after performances, and during intermissions.
  • Switch sources of video input from one camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to local programming.
  • Record and edit audio material, such as movie soundtracks, using audio recording and editing equipment.
  • Perform minor repairs and routine cleaning of audio and video equipment.
  • 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.
  • Monitor incoming and outgoing pictures and sound feeds to ensure quality and notify directors of any possible problems.
  • Mix and regulate sound inputs and feeds or coordinate audio feeds with television pictures.
  • Construct and position properties, sets, lighting equipment, and other equipment.
  • Reserve audio-visual equipment and facilities, such as meeting rooms.
  • Determine formats, approaches, content, levels, and mediums to effectively meet objectives within budgetary constraints, using research, knowledge, and training.
  • Edit videotapes by erasing and removing portions of programs and adding video or sound as required.
  • Obtain, set up, and load videotapes for scheduled productions or broadcasts.
  • Produce rough and finished graphics and graphic designs.
  • Locate and secure settings, properties, effects, and other production necessities.
  • Meet with directors and senior members of camera crews to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, camera movements, and picture composition.
  • Maintain inventories of audio and videotapes and related supplies.
  • Obtain and preview musical performance programs prior to events to become familiar with the order and approximate times of pieces.
  • Perform narration of productions or present announcements.
  • Plan and develop pre-production ideas into outlines, scripts, story boards, and graphics, using own ideas or specifications of assignments.
  • Organize and maintain compliance, license, and warranty information related to audio and video facilities.
  • Inform users of audio and videotaping service policies and procedures.
  • Analyze and maintain data logs for audio-visual activities.
  • Develop manuals, texts, workbooks, or related materials for use in conjunction with production materials or for training.
Work Context
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 89% responded "Every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 90% responded "Every day".
  • Coordinate or Lead Others — 74% responded "Extremely important".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 76% responded "Extremely important".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 65% responded "Extremely important".
  • Electronic Mail — 56% responded "Every day".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 57% responded "A lot of freedom".
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Work 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.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.
  • Maintain recording or broadcasting equipment.
  • Coordinate logistics for productions or events.
  • Maintain logs of production activities.
  • Notify others of equipment problems.
  • Monitor broadcasting operations to ensure proper functioning.
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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.
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Skills

Monitoring
  • Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
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Abilities

Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Information Ordering
  • The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Video creation and editing software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe AfterEffects Hot Technology
  • YouTube Hot Technology
  • Apple iMovie
  • Corel Ulead DVD Workshop
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
Operating system software
  • Linux Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Windows Hot Technology
  • Cisco IOS
Data base user interface and query software
  • Microsoft Access Hot Technology
  • Blackboard software
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