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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for AV Technician

💰 $ - $

Audio VisualTechnical SupportFacilitiesEvents

🎯 Role Definition

As an AV Technician (Audio Visual Technician), you will install, configure, operate, troubleshoot and maintain audio, video and control systems across corporate, education, hospitality and live-event environments. The role focuses on delivering reliable video conferencing, projection, sound reinforcement, digital signage and streaming services, while ensuring excellent end-user support, preventative maintenance, documentation and collaboration with IT and facilities teams. Ideal candidates possess hands-on technical experience with Crestron/AMX control systems, networked AV (Dante/AES67/AV-over-IP), HDMI/SDI video, and live-event workflows.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • AV Assistant / AV Intern
  • IT Support Technician with AV exposure
  • Audio/Video Installer or Live Sound Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Senior AV Technician / Lead AV Engineer
  • AV Systems Integrator / Solutions Engineer
  • AV Project Manager / Technical Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Broadcast/Streaming Engineer
  • Unified Communications (UC) Specialist
  • Facilities / Events Technical Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Install, wire, terminate and commission audio visual systems including projectors, flat-panel displays, video walls, control systems (Crestron, AMX), audio processors (Biamp, Q-SYS), and networked audio (Dante/AES67), ensuring full integration with building networks and UC platforms such as Zoom Rooms and Microsoft Teams.
  • Configure and program control systems (Crestron/AMX) and room automation logic to create consistent, user-friendly one-touch operations for conference rooms, classrooms and auditoriums.
  • Deploy, configure and maintain video conferencing codecs and endpoints (Poly, Cisco, Logitech) and integrate with calendar systems, room scheduling and cloud conferencing platforms.
  • Troubleshoot audio signal chains (mixers, amps, PA systems), video signal flow (HDMI, SDI, DisplayPort), and control system failures under time-sensitive live-event conditions, applying root-cause analysis and rapid remedial actions.
  • Operate mixing consoles and front-of-house soundboards for live events, including balancing levels, EQ, routing, monitoring, and stage foldback, to deliver clear coverage and safe SPL levels.
  • Design, install and maintain networked AV infrastructure (managed switches, VLANs, PoE, multicast routing) to support AV over IP solutions and reliable streaming/recording workflows.
  • Perform regular preventative maintenance and calibration on projectors, displays, speakers and microphones; adjust alignment/keystone, color calibration, speaker delays and gain structure to ensure optimal performance.
  • Build and maintain equipment racks, patch panels and cable management systems; label and document rack elevations, signal flow diagrams and port mappings for reproducible serviceability.
  • Configure and maintain digital signage players and content management systems; troubleshoot playback issues and ensure scheduled content updates across multi-site deployments.
  • Install, terminate and test copper and fiber optic cabling, connectors and extenders; perform signal integrity testing (HDBaseT, SDI, HDMI extenders) and document test results.
  • Set up, operate and troubleshoot streaming encoders, recorders and video switchers (Blackmagic, ATEM, TriCaster) for live streaming, hybrid events and multi-camera productions.
  • Manage equipment inventory, spares and consumables; track asset lifecycle, coordinate repairs with vendors and recommend replacements based on performance and obsolescence.
  • Respond to help desk and on-site service requests for AV incidents, managing ticket lifecycle, communicating ETA and resolution steps with stakeholders and logging actions in the CMMS or ticketing system.
  • Plan and execute on-site AV support for events and conferences, including pre-show tech checks, run-of-show coordination, cue calls, stage management and post-event strike with attention to time and budget constraints.
  • Conduct site surveys and feasibility studies for AV upgrades and new installations; prepare scope-of-work documents, bill of materials and installation timelines for project stakeholders.
  • Integrate AV systems with room control, lighting and HVAC interfaces when required, collaborating with building management systems and IT teams to implement secure, compliant solutions.
  • Perform firmware updates, license management and cybersecurity best-practices on AV devices, ensuring up-to-date patches and secure configuration (strong passwords, segmented networks).
  • Deliver end-user training sessions and create concise, role-based documentation and quick-start guides for common room use-cases and troubleshooting steps.
  • Coordinate with external vendors, contractors and subcontractors to schedule on-site work, warranty repairs and procurement while ensuring compliance with safety policies.
  • Conduct acoustic measurements and room tuning (SMAART or similar), recommend acoustic treatments and speaker placement to remedy intelligibility and reverberation issues.
  • Develop and maintain standardized test procedures, acceptance criteria, and handover documentation for new installations, ensuring compliance with project specifications and client expectations.
  • Provide on-call support during nights and weekends for critical events and emergency repairs, maintaining professional communication and escalation protocols.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with procurement: evaluate supplier quotes, recommend equipment based on performance and total cost of ownership, and raise purchase requests.
  • Contribute to AV standards and room templates used across campuses or multi-site deployments to reduce variability and simplify support.
  • Provide feedback to product management and procurement teams on recurring failure modes and opportunities for lifecycle improvements.
  • Participate in post-event debriefs to capture lessons learned, change requests and opportunities for process improvements.
  • Support integration testing with third-party systems (lecture capture, LMS, venue management platforms) and coordinate end-to-end validation.
  • Create and maintain a knowledge base of common faults, repair steps and how-to videos for internal teams and end users.
  • Assist IT in mapping device inventories to network asset management and adding AV devices to monitoring platforms for pro-active alerts.
  • Mentor junior technicians and apprentices during installations and live events, sharing best practices for safety, troubleshooting and customer service.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Hands-on AV system installation and commissioning (projectors, displays, amplifiers, speakers, switchers).
  • Crestron and AMX control system programming and room automation configuration.
  • Experience with Extron, Q-SYS, Biamp and common DSP platforms for audio processing and routing.
  • Proficiency with networked audio technologies (Dante, AES67) and AV-over-IP solutions.
  • Strong knowledge of video technologies (HDMI, HDCP, SDI, DisplayPort, NDI) and video distribution.
  • Video conferencing and UC device configuration (Zoom Rooms, Microsoft Teams Rooms, Poly, Cisco, Logitech).
  • Live streaming, encoding and multi-camera switcher operation (Blackmagic, vMix, TriCaster).
  • Network fundamentals for AV: VLANs, multicast, QoS, managed switches and troubleshooting (preferred CompTIA Network+ or equivalent).
  • Cable termination and testing skills for copper and fiber (RJ45, LC/SC, fusion splicing familiarity).
  • Rack build, patch panel configuration, grounding/bonding and equipment labelling best practices.
  • Audio mixing console operation and sound reinforcement for events and houses of worship.
  • Use of measurement tools and software (SMAART, SPL meters, multimeter, OTDR for fiber).
  • Firmware management, license administration and AV device security hardening.
  • Familiarity with CAD or schematic tools for creating rack elevations and signal flow diagrams.
  • Experience with ticketing systems and asset/inventory management (ServiceNow, JIRA, CMMS).

Soft Skills

  • Customer-focused with a service-oriented attitude and ability to translate technical details into plain language.
  • Strong verbal and written communication for training, documentation and cross-team collaboration.
  • Critical thinking and structured problem-solving under time pressure, especially during live events.
  • Time management and prioritization of concurrent requests across multiple rooms or events.
  • Team player who collaborates with IT, facilities, events and external contractors.
  • Attention to detail for labeling, documentation and quality control during installation.
  • Adaptability to evolving AV technologies and ability to learn and test new solutions quickly.
  • Professional demeanor and ability to work in customer-facing environments.
  • Ability to mentor junior staff and contribute to continuous improvement of processes.
  • Willingness to work flexible hours, evenings, weekends and be on-call for event support.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent with vocational/technical training in electronics, audio/visual or related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Audio Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Information Technology, Telecommunications, or Media Production.
  • Vendor certifications: Crestron/AMX programming, Dante Certificate, Q-SYS training, CTS (Certified Technology Specialist), CompTIA Network+.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Audio Engineering
  • Electrical or Electronic Engineering
  • Information Technology / Network Engineering
  • Media Production / Broadcast Technology
  • Telecommunications

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–5 years of hands-on AV installation and live-event support for entry to mid-level roles; 3–7 years preferred for senior technician positions.

Preferred:

  • Demonstrated experience supporting corporate meeting rooms, lecture halls or live-event venues, including programming control systems, integrating UC platforms and performing networked AV deployments.
  • Proven track record of on-site troubleshooting under pressure, preventative maintenance programs and equipment lifecycle management.
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