Communications - A/V Specialist
Puyallup Tribe, Tacoma, WA, United States
Posted Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Expires Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 9:59 AM
The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is committed to protecting and exercising the inherent inalienable sovereign rights of the Tribe and Individuals in the interest of the Medicine Creek Treat Territories, as stewards to ensure preservation of our cultural and environmental integrity for common good and prosperity for all.
Job Title: Audio-Visual Specialist
Department: Communications
Open: March 24, 2025 closes: April 14, 2026
Reports To : Executive Director or Designee Requisition: 827
Hours: 40HRS WK/FULL TIME
SALARY: BASED ON SALARY MATRIX+BENEFITS
*Salaries are market competitive. For accurate salary information, call (253)573-7863 or email jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians provides a generous benefits package that includes employer paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement/401(k) plan with profit sharing, paid holidays, and paid time off including birthday leave.
Position Summary Under the direction of the Executive Director or designee, this position is responsible for managing and maintaining audio-visual equipment assigned to the Communications Department and providing support at public speaking events. This may include sound systems used at public speaking events, press conferences and livestreams that take place inside the new Tribal Administration Building; equipment for outdoor livestreams, virtual meetings and conferences; lighting systems needed for speaker stages; and other A/V needs as they arise. Internal clients will include Tribal Council, speakers from other departments and Tribal Entities and guests of the Tribe. This is a vital role in ensuring that speakers’ voices and words are heard as clearly as possible by their intended listeners.
The position is also expected to work professionally and in liaison with other government departments and Tribal Entities that have their own A/V equipment and staff as well as with department co‑workers who use visual and audio storytelling tools.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Audio-Visual Support
Set up, operate, maintain and repair sound and visual equipment for use in live events, such as meetings, webinars and public speaking events such as ribbon‑cuttings, dedications and other ceremonies.
Set up A/V systems as needed, test and have contingency plans to account for equipment failures and human error. Ensures cables, batteries, etc. are safe.
Operate A/V equipment at events as needed and remain on standby to troubleshoot as needed.
Will be expected to be available for and prioritize Tribal Council A/V needs and also will support department operations (such as multimedia news coverage for Puyallup Tribal News), other departments and Tribal Entities as directed. Many A/V needs will be in the evening or on weekends.
Manage audio‑visual equipment assigned to the Communications Department. This may include:
Portable sound systems
Equipment built‑in or otherwise inside the new Tribal Administration Building such as Council Chambers and the first‑floor Press Conference Room.
Equipment used for Membership meetings that are livestreamed
Projectors and portable audio devices for PowerPoint and related presentations
Potentially podcast A/V equipment
Troubleshoot “built‑in” A/V equipment in the Tribal Administration Building such as Council Chambers microphones and speakers used for virtual meetings. Work with Council Offices and IT as needed to resolve issues. Work proactively to find solutions to challenges.
Regularly check equipment to ensure it is working properly, charged, clean and ready to use at a moment’s notice.
Give clear and efficient instruction to public speakers and their assistants when needed, such as microphone ranges and how to tell when microphones are “hot” or “cold.”
Act as part of event staff as needed, and work productively with event management and others to ensure A/V works smoothly with other aspects of the event. For example, may identify optimal placement of public address speakers. May manage music and volume during events. May operate slide and video shows at such events.
Under direction of executive director or communications specialist, acts as resource to outside news media when A/V support is needed, such as providing A/V feeds for press conferences.
Research needed equipment and best practices and make recommendations to ensure the department is current and can best support A/V needs.
Give clear recommendations on when to bring in outside A/V support. Help select and manage resulting vendor contracts as needed.
Act as a liaison with the Tribe’s IT department on A/V topics.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Training
Act as an in‑house expert for audio visual tools and best practices. Expected to keep up to date on best tools and best practices.
Train selected Communications staff to act as backups to cover the A/V specialist’s vacation, sick time, schedule conflicts, etc.
Establish best practices and instruct others on use and care of equipment.
Other
It is expected that audio/visual needs will fluctuate week‑to‑week. As part of the Communications Department, this person will be expected to assist and support co‑workers when not focused on A/V assignments. Depending on the skillset of the individual and the needs of the department, such duties may include (but not be limited to):
Event planning and support
Photo/video archive management
Crisis communications support such as monitoring social media or news feeds, maintaining contact lists or sending alerts.
Supervisory Responsibilities This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Responsible for training other staff as needed.
Qualifications and Requirements To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and Experience
A record of performing successfully in an audio‑visual support role with a minimum of three to four years of experience is required. A certificate or degree from a technical or other college is strongly preferred. Work experience supporting government or nonprofit public speaking is strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience teaching others in technical skills is helpful.
Candidates should also be able to demonstrate strong communication skills, such as the ability to communicate the effective use of microphones to time‑limited elected officials and to communicate A/V organization and best practices to team members and to co‑workers in other departments. Must be professional at all times and be able to work independently with a variety of personalities and experience levels in time‑sensitive, highly public situations. Situational awareness is important. Must be proactive and highly professional in helping various internal clients sound as best as possible, for example, watching for inadvertent “hot mics” and other issues.
Experience with Tribal government is preferred. Must be able to follow government and cultural requirements regarding streaming or recording of events. These may include, for example, closed government meetings and cultural ceremonies where a person in authority will direct cameras to be shut off.
Must work productively with other departments and Tribal Entities that have their own A/V equipment and employees.
Must have experience in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information. Must stay up to date on current events and legal topics relevant to the Tribe and to communications.
Must be able to work long hours and carry an unpredictable schedule.
Must be able to ask difficult questions, often in an emotionally charged situation.
Must be able to recognize and respect communications protocols.
Must demonstrate a strong ethical belief system and desire to tell the truth while remaining unbiased.
Language Skills
Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to follow oral instructions and write news and feature stories using correct English, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio and percentages.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Licenses, Certificates
Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted Washington State driver’s license and proof of insurance. Driver’s License restrictions must not prevent the employee from complying with the Tribe’s Vehicle Use Policy or driving a GSA vehicle.
Other Requirements
Must be a strong, dependable, trustworthy team member able to work for and with team members and across departments.
Must have reliable transportation.
This position must be able to work with all levels of personnel within the organization and with clients and vendors.
Must be able to work within a tight deadline and fact‑check information quickly and accurately.
Must demonstrate ability to delve into a story to search for facts.
Must demonstrate strong communication skills, both written and oral.
Must be able to multi‑task and set priorities.
Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Requires the ability to operate a personal computer, multi‑line telephone, calculator, facsimile and photocopier.
Requires the ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English.
Requires the ability to concentrate and consistently produce accurate work.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
The employee frequently is required to stand and walk.
The employee is frequently required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
This position may be required to telework on either a part time or full‑time basis depending upon the needs of the department and the organization. If required to telework, employee agrees to complete the Telework Agreement and abide by the Telework Policy and work expectations.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level is moderate.
The physical exertion is low to moderate.
The employee is frequently exposed to outside weatherconditions.
Exposure to hazardous materials in minimal.
Requires travel using employee’s own transportation.
Requires work on‑ and off‑site.
May be required to work nights, weekends or holidays.
The Puyallup Tribe of Indians reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
Indian Preference Employer as Required by Law
Online Application Tips 1. If you are using a PC, use Chrome. If you are using a MAC, use Safari.
2. Upload additional documents (resume, cover letter, letters of recommendation, proof of Indian blood, etc.) to the resume tab as one (1) PDF file or email documents to jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov and we can add them to your online application. Please send in copies of any degrees or certificates that you have been awarded.
3. Indian Hiring Preference – send in the appropriate documentation for the category you select. If you have any questions about the hiring preference policy or what document to send in, email us at jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov or call (253) 573-7863.
4. Provide 3+ references (we cannot obtain references from direct family members – mother, father, grandparents, sisters, brothers, or children and this includes in laws). One reference must be your most recent supervisor. We prefer the rest of your references to include co‑workers, subordinates, or other supervisors, but we can accept a personal reference from someone who is familiar with your work ethic, habits, and attendance. You can send in letters of recommendation to jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov
5. To add more employment, education, references, etc., click on the small + sign at the top right of the page.
6. When entering salaries, only use numbers. Do not use any other characters (such as , . or $)
7. After you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive an email, please call the office to confirm submission.
*Please do not wear perfumes, colognes, or strong scents to your interview. Some employees are allergic.
If you have any questions about the positions or the online application, please call (253) 573-7863
Native American preference applies and job placements are given on a competitive basis, using job related factors. Because of the large number of applications received and limited job positions, your application will not guarantee employment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is committed to protecting and exercising the inherent inalienable sovereign rights of the Tribe and Individuals in the interest of the Medicine Creek Treat Territories, as stewards to ensure preservation of our cultural and environmental integrity for common good and prosperity for all.
Job Title: Audio-Visual Specialist
Department: Communications
Open: March 24, 2025 closes: April 14, 2026
Reports To : Executive Director or Designee Requisition: 827
Hours: 40HRS WK/FULL TIME
SALARY: BASED ON SALARY MATRIX+BENEFITS
*Salaries are market competitive. For accurate salary information, call (253)573-7863 or email jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians provides a generous benefits package that includes employer paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement/401(k) plan with profit sharing, paid holidays, and paid time off including birthday leave.
Position Summary Under the direction of the Executive Director or designee, this position is responsible for managing and maintaining audio-visual equipment assigned to the Communications Department and providing support at public speaking events. This may include sound systems used at public speaking events, press conferences and livestreams that take place inside the new Tribal Administration Building; equipment for outdoor livestreams, virtual meetings and conferences; lighting systems needed for speaker stages; and other A/V needs as they arise. Internal clients will include Tribal Council, speakers from other departments and Tribal Entities and guests of the Tribe. This is a vital role in ensuring that speakers’ voices and words are heard as clearly as possible by their intended listeners.
The position is also expected to work professionally and in liaison with other government departments and Tribal Entities that have their own A/V equipment and staff as well as with department co‑workers who use visual and audio storytelling tools.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Audio-Visual Support
Set up, operate, maintain and repair sound and visual equipment for use in live events, such as meetings, webinars and public speaking events such as ribbon‑cuttings, dedications and other ceremonies.
Set up A/V systems as needed, test and have contingency plans to account for equipment failures and human error. Ensures cables, batteries, etc. are safe.
Operate A/V equipment at events as needed and remain on standby to troubleshoot as needed.
Will be expected to be available for and prioritize Tribal Council A/V needs and also will support department operations (such as multimedia news coverage for Puyallup Tribal News), other departments and Tribal Entities as directed. Many A/V needs will be in the evening or on weekends.
Manage audio‑visual equipment assigned to the Communications Department. This may include:
Portable sound systems
Equipment built‑in or otherwise inside the new Tribal Administration Building such as Council Chambers and the first‑floor Press Conference Room.
Equipment used for Membership meetings that are livestreamed
Projectors and portable audio devices for PowerPoint and related presentations
Potentially podcast A/V equipment
Troubleshoot “built‑in” A/V equipment in the Tribal Administration Building such as Council Chambers microphones and speakers used for virtual meetings. Work with Council Offices and IT as needed to resolve issues. Work proactively to find solutions to challenges.
Regularly check equipment to ensure it is working properly, charged, clean and ready to use at a moment’s notice.
Give clear and efficient instruction to public speakers and their assistants when needed, such as microphone ranges and how to tell when microphones are “hot” or “cold.”
Act as part of event staff as needed, and work productively with event management and others to ensure A/V works smoothly with other aspects of the event. For example, may identify optimal placement of public address speakers. May manage music and volume during events. May operate slide and video shows at such events.
Under direction of executive director or communications specialist, acts as resource to outside news media when A/V support is needed, such as providing A/V feeds for press conferences.
Research needed equipment and best practices and make recommendations to ensure the department is current and can best support A/V needs.
Give clear recommendations on when to bring in outside A/V support. Help select and manage resulting vendor contracts as needed.
Act as a liaison with the Tribe’s IT department on A/V topics.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Training
Act as an in‑house expert for audio visual tools and best practices. Expected to keep up to date on best tools and best practices.
Train selected Communications staff to act as backups to cover the A/V specialist’s vacation, sick time, schedule conflicts, etc.
Establish best practices and instruct others on use and care of equipment.
Other
It is expected that audio/visual needs will fluctuate week‑to‑week. As part of the Communications Department, this person will be expected to assist and support co‑workers when not focused on A/V assignments. Depending on the skillset of the individual and the needs of the department, such duties may include (but not be limited to):
Event planning and support
Photo/video archive management
Crisis communications support such as monitoring social media or news feeds, maintaining contact lists or sending alerts.
Supervisory Responsibilities This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Responsible for training other staff as needed.
Qualifications and Requirements To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and Experience
A record of performing successfully in an audio‑visual support role with a minimum of three to four years of experience is required. A certificate or degree from a technical or other college is strongly preferred. Work experience supporting government or nonprofit public speaking is strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience teaching others in technical skills is helpful.
Candidates should also be able to demonstrate strong communication skills, such as the ability to communicate the effective use of microphones to time‑limited elected officials and to communicate A/V organization and best practices to team members and to co‑workers in other departments. Must be professional at all times and be able to work independently with a variety of personalities and experience levels in time‑sensitive, highly public situations. Situational awareness is important. Must be proactive and highly professional in helping various internal clients sound as best as possible, for example, watching for inadvertent “hot mics” and other issues.
Experience with Tribal government is preferred. Must be able to follow government and cultural requirements regarding streaming or recording of events. These may include, for example, closed government meetings and cultural ceremonies where a person in authority will direct cameras to be shut off.
Must work productively with other departments and Tribal Entities that have their own A/V equipment and employees.
Must have experience in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information. Must stay up to date on current events and legal topics relevant to the Tribe and to communications.
Must be able to work long hours and carry an unpredictable schedule.
Must be able to ask difficult questions, often in an emotionally charged situation.
Must be able to recognize and respect communications protocols.
Must demonstrate a strong ethical belief system and desire to tell the truth while remaining unbiased.
Language Skills
Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to follow oral instructions and write news and feature stories using correct English, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio and percentages.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Licenses, Certificates
Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted Washington State driver’s license and proof of insurance. Driver’s License restrictions must not prevent the employee from complying with the Tribe’s Vehicle Use Policy or driving a GSA vehicle.
Other Requirements
Must be a strong, dependable, trustworthy team member able to work for and with team members and across departments.
Must have reliable transportation.
This position must be able to work with all levels of personnel within the organization and with clients and vendors.
Must be able to work within a tight deadline and fact‑check information quickly and accurately.
Must demonstrate ability to delve into a story to search for facts.
Must demonstrate strong communication skills, both written and oral.
Must be able to multi‑task and set priorities.
Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Requires the ability to operate a personal computer, multi‑line telephone, calculator, facsimile and photocopier.
Requires the ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English.
Requires the ability to concentrate and consistently produce accurate work.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
The employee frequently is required to stand and walk.
The employee is frequently required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
This position may be required to telework on either a part time or full‑time basis depending upon the needs of the department and the organization. If required to telework, employee agrees to complete the Telework Agreement and abide by the Telework Policy and work expectations.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level is moderate.
The physical exertion is low to moderate.
The employee is frequently exposed to outside weatherconditions.
Exposure to hazardous materials in minimal.
Requires travel using employee’s own transportation.
Requires work on‑ and off‑site.
May be required to work nights, weekends or holidays.
The Puyallup Tribe of Indians reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
Indian Preference Employer as Required by Law
Online Application Tips 1. If you are using a PC, use Chrome. If you are using a MAC, use Safari.
2. Upload additional documents (resume, cover letter, letters of recommendation, proof of Indian blood, etc.) to the resume tab as one (1) PDF file or email documents to jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov and we can add them to your online application. Please send in copies of any degrees or certificates that you have been awarded.
3. Indian Hiring Preference – send in the appropriate documentation for the category you select. If you have any questions about the hiring preference policy or what document to send in, email us at jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov or call (253) 573-7863.
4. Provide 3+ references (we cannot obtain references from direct family members – mother, father, grandparents, sisters, brothers, or children and this includes in laws). One reference must be your most recent supervisor. We prefer the rest of your references to include co‑workers, subordinates, or other supervisors, but we can accept a personal reference from someone who is familiar with your work ethic, habits, and attendance. You can send in letters of recommendation to jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov
5. To add more employment, education, references, etc., click on the small + sign at the top right of the page.
6. When entering salaries, only use numbers. Do not use any other characters (such as , . or $)
7. After you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive an email, please call the office to confirm submission.
*Please do not wear perfumes, colognes, or strong scents to your interview. Some employees are allergic.
If you have any questions about the positions or the online application, please call (253) 573-7863
Native American preference applies and job placements are given on a competitive basis, using job related factors. Because of the large number of applications received and limited job positions, your application will not guarantee employment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr