Audio and Video Technicians

Also called : Audio Technician, Audio Visual Specialist (AV Specialist), Audio Visual Technician (AV Technician), Media Technician, Operations Technician, Stagehand, Video Technician

What they do

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.

On the job, one would

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.

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.

SKILLS

Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

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.

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.

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).

Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

PERSONALITY

People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;

Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.

Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.

Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Related Occupations

Librarians and Media Collections Specialists

Desktop Publishers

Broadcast Technicians

Film and Video Editors

Media Technical Directors/Managers

Computer User Support Specialists

TECHNOLOGY

Computer aided design CAD software

Data base user interface and query software

Desktop publishing software

Electronic mail software

Graphics or photo imaging software

Internet browser software

Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software

Office suite software

Operating system software

Presentation software

Spreadsheet software

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Preparation
Medium Preparation Needed
Education
Training in vocational schools or an Associate deg
Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.
Jobtraining
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.