University of Chicago is hiring: Audio Visual Technician in Chicago

Audio Visual Technician

The Audio Visual Technician provides second-shift technical support for Chicago Booth faculty, staff, students, and guests at the Harper Center. The Technician is the primary on-site AV resource for MBA classes held in the afternoon and evening, ensuring classrooms are ready, reliable, and quickly restored when problems occur. Work centers on classroom AV and control systems, hybrid and recorded class technology, and the Windows, macOS, and mobile devices used in those spaces. The Technician also assists with Booth live events and responds to other one-off AV requests as they arise, including setup, operation, and strike. This position is essential to maintaining MBA class coverage.
Responsibilities
Provides on-site AV support during the second shift, 11:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., with primary responsibility for afternoon and evening MBA classes. Works occasional Saturdays or other off-hours as needed for live events.
Performs pre-class room checks and setups, and monitors active classes to confirm audio, video, display, camera, and microphone systems are functioning before and during sessions.
Supports classroom AV systems built on Crestron or similar control platforms, including multi-source, multi-display room configurations, DSP-based audio, and networked (AV-over-IP) signal distribution.
Supports hybrid and remote learning technology, including ceiling and lectern microphones, PTZ and tracking cameras, in-room conferencing (Zoom and Microsoft Teams), and lecture capture and recording.
Supports wireless presentation and content-sharing tools, such as AirPlay, Miracast, and wireless presentation platforms, alongside wired inputs for faculty, staff, and guest presenters.
Troubleshoots AV, control, and network-connected device issues in real time; applies temporary workarounds to keep classes running; and documents root causes and permanent fixes.
Uses remote monitoring and management tools, where available, to identify and address room and device issues proactively, and logs all requests and incidents in the department's ticketing system.
Escalates unresolved or recurring issues to the AV Team Lead and assists with room maintenance, firmware and software updates, and system testing as assigned.
Assists with Booth live events, such as setup, rehearsals, operation, and load-out, including audio mixing, projection and LED displays, cameras, and streaming or recording as needed.
Responds to ad hoc and one-off AV requests from faculty, staff, and student groups with a high level of service.
Provides brief instruction and guidance to faculty, staff, and presenters on the use of room technology.
Contributes to AV documentation, room inventories, and equipment tracking, and helps ensure classroom coverage during peak periods and colleague absences.
Applies moderate/high levels of experience and skills to support the planning, development and execution of audio-visual productions with moderate supervision.
Provides projection services and presentation support for academic and public events within standard operating procedures.
Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a related technical field.
Background in higher education, corporate, or live-event AV support.
Hands-on experience supporting classroom or conference-room AV systems, including displays and projectors, document cameras, microphones, and video conferencing.
Avixa CTS certification, or willingness to obtain it within the first year.
Working knowledge of Windows 11 and macOS, and of supporting mobile devices (iOS/iPadOS and Android) in a presentation setting.
Read and follow AV signal-flow diagrams, room schematics, and system documentation.
Working knowledge of networking fundamentals (Ethernet, DHCP/IP addressing, Wi-Fi) as they apply to networked AV devices.
Familiarity with web conferencing and collaboration platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, including hybrid/remote participation workflows.
Proficient with Crestron programming or control systems, Q-SYS, Biamp, or other DSP platforms, and AV-over-IP technologies, such as Dante, NVX, or SDVoE.
Proficient with lecture capture and video platforms, such as Panopto, and live streaming or production tools, such as OBS, vMix, or ATEM.
Familiar with ITSM/ticketing systems and cloud-based device monitoring.
Knowledge of audio mixing, camera operation, and basic video production.
Preferred Competencies
Strong troubleshooting skills with a proven ability to resolve technical problems quickly and calmly under time pressure.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; professional, tactful, service-oriented, and respectful of confidentiality.
Initiative and learn new systems independently.
Work well as part of a team.
Working Conditions
This position is currently expected to work in the office.
Work second shift, 11:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., and work occasional Saturdays for live events.
Work flexible hours, including evenings and occasional weekends, as needed for live events.
Lift and carry up to 50 pounds, and move and position AV equipment and carts.
Stand, walk, bend, and climb ladders for extended periods, and work in classrooms and event spaces of varying size.
Application Documents
Resume/CV (required)
Cover Letter (required)