AV Technology Specialist

AV Technology Specialist

$33.83 - $39.62/hour

Schedule: Tuesday – Saturday, 12:00 pm – 8:30 pm

The AV Technology Specialist is responsible for hands‑on support of studio, venue, and event AV—including setup/strike, system operation, basic troubleshooting, and equipment care—across CreaTV and Open San José. This role is highly client‑facing and requires strong customer service, clear communication, and the ability to stay calm and solutions‑oriented during live events. The position also provides entry‑level support for related IT and networked AV needs, with the expectation that the ideal candidate is AV‑forward and eager to learn the IT aspects over time. The position reports to the Client Services Manager and works in direct collaboration with other managers and team members.

Essential Responsibilities / Duties
Leadership & Strategy
Support day‑to‑day AV operations and improvements across studios, venues, and event spaces.
Partner with managers, producers, and clients to recommend practical AV solutions that improve productions, presentations, and client experiences.

AV Systems & Equipment
Set up, test, and strike AV systems for events and productions (PA, microphones, speakers/amps, projectors/displays, cameras, playback, and basic lighting as applicable).
Operate live events and productions: run audio and video, manage playback, support livestream/record workflows, and respond quickly to issues during shows.
Troubleshoot common signal flow problems (patching, routing, control, and conferencing) and **escalate** complex issues when needed.
Perform preventative maintenance: cable management, labeling, firmware/software updates for AV gear, and keep spaces show‑ready.
Maintain equipment inventory and check‑out/check‑in processes; coordinate repairs and support annual audits.
Learn and support the basic IT
etworked‑AV components that enable production and events (user/device access, conferencing tools, and simple network troubleshooting).

User & Staff Support
Provide day‑to‑day AV and technical support for staff, producers, and community users (studio setups, mic’ing, camera support, recordings, livestreams, and playback).
Deliver on‑site technical support for Open San José events and facility rentals (pre‑show checks, show operation, load‑in/load‑out, and post‑event reset), while maintaining a welcoming, professional presence for clients and guests.
Set clear expectations with clients and users, communicate technical needs in plain language, and handle last‑minute changes with a calm, service‑first approach.
Help users follow best practices for equipment care, safe cabling, and basic troubleshooting; create simple guides/checklists as needed.
Assist in support of the organization’s website and databases.

Qualifications
Technical Expertise
Hands‑on AV skills (“roadie” skill set): cable management, patching, labeling, mic’ing talent, speaker placement, basic rigging/safety awareness, and fast troubleshooting under show conditions.
Experience operating AV for live events and productions (audio mixing, video switching/routing, playback, recording/streaming, and conferencing).
Familiarity with common AV systems and tools (control, DSP, amps, projectors/displays, networked audio) and willingness to learn the specific platforms in use (e.g., Extron, Symetrix, Crown, Blackmagic, Panasonic, Samsung, Dante, ProPresenter, Shure).
Baseline comfort with computers and troubleshooting fundamentals; ability and interest to learn the IT aspects that support AV and other internal functions (accounts, device setup, collaboration tools, and simple network concepts like VLANs/PoE).
High degree of adaptability and a demonstrated willingness to continually learn and develop new technology and media skills.

Leadership & Collaboration
Strong team leadership skills with a proven ability to foster collaboration across departments.
Ability to work creatively and flexibly in a team environment, operating independently with minimal supervision while also accepting direction and guidance when appropriate.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
Strong customer service skills in client‑facing environments—able to communicate clearly, manage expectations, and remain calm and professional while troubleshooting during live events.
Effective vendor and integrator management experience.

Communication & Knowledge
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Familiarity with community media, civic technology, public access, and the nonprofit media field.

Other Requirements
Manual dexterity and coordination required to operate small push buttons, keys, and switches associated with electronic devices and computers.
Ability to operate video equipment during productions and education courses.
Work schedule is Tuesday – Saturday, 12:00 pm – 8:30 pm; flexibility to adjust hours occasionally based on event and production needs.

Education/Experience
3–5 years of hands‑on AV, live event, studio, or media production experience (or an equivalent combination of education, training, certifications, and directly related experience).
Comfort working in fast‑paced, client‑facing environments with occasional evenings/weekends and physical setup needs (lifting, moving gear, and working on ladders as required).

This is a full‑time, hourly, non‑exempt position with a generous benefits package, including health, dental, vision, retirement, and unlimited paid time off and generous holiday policies. $33.83 - $39.62/hour depending on experience.

People of color, women, formerly incarcerated people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and community visionaries are strongly encouraged to apply.

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