Senior Audio and Video Systems Technician

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AV Evening Operations

Time Type:

Full time

Job Type:

Regular

FLSA Status:

Non-ExemptFull On Campus Presence

SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division.

Summary:

The Senior Audio and Video Systems Technician is one of the principal Audio-Visual systems diagnostic and repair Technicians for the department. The Technician takes primary responsibility for diagnosis, maintenance, and repairs for complex systems in campus classrooms and event spaces. The Technician is the lead Technician for Hy-Flex systems including audio, video, control, networking, programming, and computer maintenance issues. The Technician is one of three senior technicians responsible for complex maintenance and repair tasks regarding Audio Visual Systems and equipment generally. As such, the Technician runs diagnostics on audio and audio/visual systems, programs systems and components including digital signal processors (DSPs) and directs or performs appropriate mitigating actions when necessary. This position also oversees installations of audio and audio-visual systems, designs and builds audio subsystems, research, and recommends audio components to the department and the University. The Technician trains faculty and staff in audio concepts, signal flow, and system usage and consults with other departments on their audio needs.  

 

The Technician may provide the highest quality sound reinforcement for major University events such as Commencement and Opening Convocation as well as for events featuring major political figures and visiting dignitaries.  The Technician may serve as the primary sound mixing Technician for events as well. In addition, the Technician interfaces audio components with video display systems for multimedia presentations as well as live video streaming and web conferencing. 

 

The position often works independently but also acts as team leader of full and part time staff for major events and installations. 

 

Essential Functions:

1.) Classroom and Event Space Technology Support 

• System Diagnostics, Maintenance, Repair, & Installation: Run diagnostics, provide solutions, direct and perform mitigation procedures for classroom and event systems and equipment, including streaming and Hy-flex systems. Program audiovisual systems in classroom and event spaces. Update component firmware. Diagnose and address network and computer issues related to Hy-Flex systems. Oversee and test installations and upgrades by outside contractors of classroom and event systems. Interface audio and video components with video streaming or video conferencing equipment for superior H-Flex classes and events. Interface audio systems with video display systems for live multimedia presentations at events. Oversees installation and testing of audio systems for classrooms and event spaces. Runs diagnostics and provides solutions for audio issues. Programs DSPs and other audio devices.  

2.) AV Systems On-Site Service and Troubleshooting 

• Provide front-line support for classes and events using installed or portable audiovisual presentation and sound systems, including Hy-Flex and other streaming. Diagnose and mitigate system issues or provide viable alternative solutions when mitigation is not possible at the time. Assist faculty, staff and students with on-site issues pertaining to use of installed or portable AV systems. Technicians provide live sound reinforcement for major university events including Commencement, Opening Convocation, and events featuring visiting dignitaries and major political figures. This includes room frequency analysis and digital sound processing, mic and speaker placement, live sound mixing, digital audio recording and all tasks associated with providing superior live sound.  

  

3.) Training and Consultation 

• Train faculty and staff in audio and AV system usage, signal flow, audio concepts, and basic and advanced troubleshooting. Consult with other offices and departments on campus on audio and AV needs, providing liaison with appropriate external vendors and designers when necessary. Train staff in the appropriate handling and storage of audio and video equipment and cables. Continue education through relevant online and in person training courses. 

4.) Research and Recommendations 

• Research AV systems and components to provide the department with updated and cost-effective solutions to AV issues including backwards compatibility of components and integrating new technologies with current systems. Recommend new AV components and systems for purchase. Provide expert advice and input to the design team for new classroom and event installations and upgrades. 

 

5.) Supervise Event Setup and Staff 

• Determine required equipment, speakers, audio monitors, mics, and cabling for major events. Determine personnel requirements for events. Direct teams of full and part-time staff in setting up audio and/or video components for events, including running and gaffing cables in a neat and professional manner. Oversee staff in strike and storage of event equipment.  

 

6.) Other Duties

• Other duties as assigned.   

Competencies:

• Acquiring and Analyzing Information.​ 

• Displaying Creativity.

• ​Serving Customers.​  

• ​Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.​  

• ​Developing Plans​.

• ​Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions​.  

• ​Driving Continuous Improvement​. 

• Acting Ethically and with Integrity. 

• Supporting a Diverse and Inclusive Community. 

• Ability to adapt to changing service needs, conditions, and work responsibilities.

• Acting proactively recognizing important trends that will affect library services and programs.

• Ability to solve problems effectively and collaboratively.

• Ability to behave with civility and respect in the workplace.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: 

• Full-time.

• 40 hours per week. 

• Schedule: Sat & Sun 7:00am - 3:00pm. Mon, Tues, & Fri : 3:00pm - 11:00pm. Off on Wed & Thurs.

• Work Modality is full on-campus presence. 

Salary Range:

• $29.38 - $32.00 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• ​​Bachelor's degree or equivalent​.

• Audio Technology, Audio Engineering, or a closely related technology field or equivalent in education and experience.

• Have or be able to obtain with a period of one year from the starting date the following certifications: Extron’s AVA, ECS, EDSP, ECP, NAVS.  

• Special consideration will be given to those candidates possessing higher certifications than those listed here. 

• ​​3 - 5 years of relevant experience​.

• At least 3 years’ experience in: live sound reinforcement, audio production, editing and recording, audiovisual support in an educational environment, electronics and AV systems maintenance, repair, and programming. Experience with hybrid or Hy-flex systems and usage. 

Preferred Education and Experience:

• ​​Bachelor's degree​.

• ​​4 - 6 years of relevant experience​.

• At least 4 years of experience in: live sound reinforcement, audio production, editing and recording, audiovisual support in an educational environment, electronics and AV systems maintenance, repair, and programming.  

• Experience with hybrid or Hy-flex systems and usage. 

 

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Must be able to work independently in high stress situations.  

• Education, training or experience in digital electronics and basic network operation principles.   

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule when required for university events, including weekends or switching shifts to accommodate necessary responsibilities.    

• Computer skills include word processing, spreadsheets, and database use.   

• Expertise in cable repairs including soldering and block connections.   

• Experience programming AV control systems such as SP Controls and Extron. 

• Experience with Biamp and QSYS Systems.   

• Ability to think creatively to provide custom AV solutions to customers.   

• Ability to read and understand technical manuals, documentation, and schematic diagrams, as well as conduct research and produce custom documentation/content and signal-flow diagrams.   

• Experience managing technical staff as well as office operations.   

• Must have exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills. 

 

Other Duties:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.