Audio Visual Operator

Job Description

Description

OPEN DATE: May 14, 2025

CLOSING DATE: June 14, 2025

POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary NTE 1 year

SCHEDULE: Intermittent (Freelance)

DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC

Position sensitivity and risk

Example: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Open to all qualified applicants or Unit Only or SI Only

What are Trust Fund Positions?

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

Conditions of Employment

Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.

Complete a Probationary Period.

Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.

The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.

Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OVERVIEW

This position is located organizationally in the Audio Visual Branch (AVB), Systems Office of Business Integration and Customer Success (OBICS), Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Under Secretary for Administration, Smithsonian Institution (SI).

Based in the National Museum of American History, the AVB is responsible for providing audio-visual live event and media production services for the Smithsonian Institution, which includes its museums, research facilities, offices, and agencies engaged in operations, outreach, and education activities such as events, exhibitions, conferences, etcetera. The AVB endeavors to broaden the Smithsonian's reach through audio-visual and telecommunications technologies such as sound reinforcement systems, recording devices, computers, media editing software, broadcast equipment, data projectors, and stage lighting.

This is an intermittently employed technician that provides highly technical SI event and media production services. Additionally, the position performs various related services, including equipment installation and maintenance; technical consultation; and equipment loading and transportation. At all times, the operates within established guidelines, policies, and procedures. Assignments are scheduled using a computerized scheduling system, which is available to all staff. Assignments are typically performed within SI facilities within the Washington Metropolitan area, but on some occasions, this could change depending on the customer needs. Performance is reviewed in terms of quality of support, attention to detail, punctuality, professionalism, communication, and overall impact on operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Events and Media Production

Transports, sets up, configures, operates, and breaks down audiovisual, telecommunications, and support equipment, including audio mixers, speakers, microphones, wireless audio systems, video cameras, camera controllers, tripods, lights, broadcast equipment, projectors, projection screens, assistive devices, media playback systems, virtual event technologies, staging, drapery, and more. Works collaboratively with Team Leaders before an event to confirm that equipment is on hand and in good working order. Reviews event documents and requests adjustments based on changes to the event. Operates equipment within acceptable tolerances, avoiding overloads. Produces clear, consistent, and intelligible sound and images that meet customer expectations. Troubleshoots technical problems quickly and deploys effective solutions.

Projects and Tasks

Works collaboratively with AVB staff on a variety of operationally focused tasks and projects, including but not limited to equipment moves, equipment cleaning and organization, case cleaning and organization, equipment tests and calibration, venue system tests and calibration, venue restocking, and informal inventories. Conducts equipment research both independently and with the assistance of leadership. Performs preventive maintenance tasks.

Customer Support

Works cooperatively with various event stakeholders, including performers, customers, senior executives, midlevel staff, private sector professionals, and media representatives. Maintains a strong professional relationship with all clients through effective use of communication. Works closely with Team Leaders and customers throughout the lifecycle of an event to ensure all needs are met. Uses the appropriate communication channels to report all compliments, complaints, and unusual occurrences during and/or after the completion of the event.

Administrative

Maintains a working knowledge of AVB policies and procedures. Follows AVB procedures and completes administrative tasks in a timely and accurate manner. Uses and effectively maintains an SI email account. Stays current on all relevant conversations. Utilizes cloud-based technologies to store and share files. Utilizes the AVB Team Site as a primary source of information. Communicates clearly, effectively, and regularly with office leadership.

Performs other duties as assigned.

OTHER IMPORTANT FACTS

Employees for this position are considered essential workers and may be required to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. All team members must adhere to appearance guidelines as defined by OCIO and the AVB dress code policy.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education (if positive education is required) and Experience: To qualify for this position, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from an accredited four-year college or university and/or 3-5 years of related experience (described below); or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skill and Knowledge

Knowledge of and skill to operate various audiovisual equipment and components ranging from small to large with different operating characteristics and features. Skill to detect problems and malfunctions in the internal parts and correct situations by adjusting or replacing defective parts. Ability to set up and operate microphones, public address systems, and associated accessories such as stage lights and curtains. Skill to troubleshoot malfunctions causing distorted sounds, poor picture quality, and similar problems.

Responsibility

Works from written schedules and oral instructions provided by the supervisor and instructors. Independently selects equipment and prioritizes work to meet deadlines. Responsible for continuously reviewing equipment for proper working conditions and preparing maintenance requests for significant repair work. Serves as an accountable property book officer for equipment, film, tapes, supplies, and associated reports and records.

Physical Effort

Frequent walking, bending, lifting, and carrying equipment weighing up to 70 pounds and muscular effort to reach, move, position, or handle items. Pushing is required to move a portable wheeled cart loaded with equipment/supply items.

Working Conditions

Primarily inside a well-heated and ventilated building with several stories and elevator access. Some exposure to dust accumulated on equipment and some hazards involved the flammable nature of some types of films and cleaning solvents. There is some possibility of electrical shock and burns while changing plugs, bulbs, tubes, and projection lamps, as well as cuts and bruises to fingers while operating and maintaining equipment with sprockets and belts.

Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.

The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact . Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. See Smithsonian EEO program information:

Full-time