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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Audio Visual Technician

💰 $ - $

Audio VisualAV TechnicianEventsIT Support

🎯 Role Definition

The Audio Visual Technician (AV Technician) is responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of audio and video systems—designing, installing, configuring, operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining AV equipment for live events, corporate conferencing, education environments, and permanent AV installations. This role requires deep technical knowledge of audio signal flow, video processing, networked AV (Dante/AES67/AV-over-IP), projection and LED systems, control systems (Crestron, Extron), cabling infrastructure, and excellent client-facing communication to ensure exceptional event and meeting experiences.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • AV Assistant / Stagehand supporting live events and setup
  • IT Support Technician with AV cross-training
  • Broadcast or Production Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Senior AV Technician / Lead AV Engineer
  • AV Systems Engineer or AV Project Manager
  • Technical Director for events and production
  • AV Operations Manager or Facilities AV Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Lighting Technician / Designer
  • Broadcast Engineer
  • Network Engineer specializing in AV-over-IP

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Plan, configure, deploy, and operate audio systems for live corporate events, conferences, theatrical productions, and house-of-worship services, including mixing consoles, signal routing, DSP configuration, stage monitoring, and front-of-house sound reinforcement.
  • Install, set up, and align professional projection systems (DLP/LCoS/LCD), large-format LED walls, and video processors ensuring correct resolution, color calibration, aspect ratio, and seamless image scaling across multiple sources.
  • Configure, support, and troubleshoot video conferencing systems (Zoom Rooms, Microsoft Teams Rooms, Webex), room codecs, USB peripherals, PTZ cameras, and integrative scheduling/hardware to guarantee reliable hybrid meeting experiences.
  • Program, deploy, and maintain AV control systems (Crestron, Extron, AMX) to create intuitive touch-panel workflows, automated cues, and integrated control of audio, video, lighting, and room scheduling.
  • Execute thorough pre-event site surveys and technical rehearsals to validate signal flow, cabling paths, power distribution, RF spectrum, and redundancy plans; produce clear run-of-show technical plans for stakeholders.
  • Deploy and maintain networked audio solutions using Dante, AES67, and AV-over-IP standards; configure network switches, VLANs, QoS, and multicast to ensure stable low-latency audio/video transport.
  • Install and terminate audio/video cabling (XLR, TRS, RCA, HDMI, SDI, Cat6/Cat6a, fiber) following industry standards, labeling conventions, and documentation for easy maintenance and troubleshooting.
  • Operate multi-camera live production workflows including switching, multi-view monitoring, recording, livestreaming to platforms, encoding, stream health monitoring, and archiving deliverables.
  • Provide live event engineering support—mix multi-track audio, manage microphone inventories (wired and wireless), monitor RF, and perform quick adjustments to EQ, compression, and gain structure to maintain audio clarity and intelligibility.
  • Maintain inventory, preventative maintenance schedules, and asset lifecycle documentation for all AV equipment; coordinate repairs, warranty claims, and RMA processes with manufacturers and vendors.
  • Troubleshoot complex AV failures under time pressure—identify root causes across hardware, software, and network layers; implement quick fixes and follow-up with permanent corrective actions and incident reports.
  • Design and implement permanent AV system upgrades and relocations including rack-building, patching, labeling, and documentation of signal maps, IP addresses, control scripts, and user guides.
  • Collaborate with event producers, facilities managers, IT teams, and external vendors to align AV requirements with venue capabilities, budget constraints, and attendee experience goals.
  • Ensure compliance with safety protocols, venue policies, and electrical codes during rigging, ladder work, power distribution, and temporary installations to safeguard staff and guests.
  • Provide on-site and remote technical support during events, handling last-minute changes, source switching, wireless microphone swaps, and client training on AV equipment usage.
  • Test and validate backup systems and redundancy plans (power, network, audio paths, streaming failover) before mission-critical events to minimize risk of downtime.
  • Program and test lighting-AV cues and synchronize audio/video playback for complex presentations, ensuring accurate timing and playback reliability across multi-zone systems.
  • Develop comprehensive user documentation, quick-start guides, and training materials for end-users and in-house staff to promote self-service for routine AV operations.
  • Support and participate in post-event debriefs and technical reviews; gather feedback, log issues, and propose process or equipment improvements to elevate future event quality.
  • Source and evaluate new AV technologies, prepare equipment recommendations and cost estimates, and participate in procurement decisions to modernize AV capabilities.
  • Provide mentorship and on-the-job training for junior AV technicians and interns, sharing best practices for setup, safety, signal flow, and troubleshooting methodologies.
  • Coordinate with security and venue teams to manage cable runs, equipment staging areas, and audience sight-lines while maintaining professional presentation and minimal disruption.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain and update technical documentation, rack diagrams, floor plans, IP address lists, and ticketing records in the CMMS or asset management system.
  • Assist with budgeting and cost tracking for consumables, spare parts, and replacement AV equipment; provide vendor quotes and ROI analysis for upgrades.
  • Participate in cross-functional meetings with IT, facilities, and event teams to align AV roadmaps with corporate strategy and facility initiatives.
  • Support remote diagnostics and troubleshooting via remote desktop, VPN, or remote management platforms to reduce on-site downtime.
  • Coordinate preventative maintenance cycles and firmware updates for audio consoles, DSPs, cameras, switchers, and control processors outside of business hours to limit disruption.
  • Help design and implement training sessions and workshops to upskill administrative and technical staff on basic AV operation and etiquette.
  • Enforce equipment check-in/check-out procedures and oversee condition assessments of rented or borrowed gear.
  • Assist in ensuring accessibility standards for AV presentations (closed captions, assistive listening systems, microphone placement) are met per client requirements.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Professional audio signal flow design: mixing consoles (analog/digital), stage monitoring, DSP configuration, EQ/limiting/compression.
  • Video system setup and troubleshooting: projectors, LED walls, scalers, switchers, matrix routing, color calibration.
  • Video conferencing integration: Zoom Rooms, Microsoft Teams Rooms, codecs, camera control, USB device management.
  • AV control system programming and scripting: Crestron, Extron, AMX, REST APIs for hardware control.
  • Networked audio and AV-over-IP: Dante, AES67, NDI, multicast networking, VLANs, QoS, and managed Ethernet switching.
  • Cabling and physical infrastructure: HDMI 2.0/2.1, SDI, fiber optics, balanced audio, digital audio, cable termination and testing.
  • Live production tools: video switchers, stream encoders, OBS/vMix/Hardware encoders, multiview monitoring, timecode synchronization.
  • Wireless microphone systems and RF management: Shure, Sennheiser, frequency coordination, intermodulation avoidance.
  • Rack build and system integration: power distribution, grounding, cable management, labeling, and patching best practices.
  • Troubleshooting methodologies across hardware, software, and network layers; use of test equipment (multi-meter, OTDR, cable testers).
  • Familiarity with AV industry standards and protocols: SMPTE, AES, RS-232/422, HDBaseT, Bluetooth LE, USB-C alt mode.
  • Basic scripting or configuration experience for automation and monitoring (Python, Bash, or vendor-specific scripting) is a plus.
  • Experience with inventory/asset management systems, ticketing platforms, and documentation tools (Confluence, SharePoint, Zendesk).

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional client-facing communication and customer service—clear, patient explanations and professional demeanor during high-pressure events.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking with calm, decisive action under time constraints.
  • Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills—works effectively with producers, IT, facilities, and contractors.
  • Time management and multi-tasking—prioritizes setup, testing, and troubleshooting to meet event timelines.
  • Attention to detail—ensures consistent labeling, documentation, and quality control for repeatable setups.
  • Flexibility and adaptability—willingness to work irregular hours including nights and weekends for events.
  • Instructional aptitude—able to train non-technical users on equipment operation and best practices.
  • Commitment to safety and compliance—observes safe rigging, electrical, and ladder work practices.
  • Professionalism under pressure—maintains composure and delivers positive outcomes during live incidents.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent with technical AV training or certifications; vocational training or apprenticeship in live events or broadcast is acceptable.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or Bachelor’s degree in Audio Engineering, Broadcast Technology, Electronic Engineering, IT/Networking, or related field.
  • Vendor certifications (Crestron, Extron, Dante Certification, QSC, Zoom Rooms Certified) are strongly preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Audio Engineering / Sound Technology
  • Broadcast Production / Media Technology
  • Electrical or Electronic Engineering
  • Information Technology / Network Engineering
  • Theater Production / Live Event Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–5 years for mid-level roles; 0–2 years for entry-level; 5+ years for senior/lead positions.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years hands-on experience supporting live events, corporate AV installations, or fixed AV systems.
  • Demonstrated experience with AV control systems (Crestron/Extron), Dante/AES67 network audio, video conferencing platforms, and live sound mixing.
  • Proven track record of on-site troubleshooting, pre-event testing, and delivering high-quality customer service during events.
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