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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Video Technology Technician

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

Information TechnologyMedia & CommunicationsAudiovisual Services

🎯 Role Definition

A Video Technology Technician is the technical expert and hands-on operator at the heart of an organization's communication infrastructure. This isn't just about plugging in cables; it's about being the architect of seamless visual and auditory experiences. You are the go-to person who ensures that everything from a critical all-hands-on-deck meeting to a global video conference or a live-streamed event runs flawlessly. This role blends deep technical knowledge of AV hardware and software with a sharp, problem-solving mindset and a commitment to providing outstanding user support. You are the bridge between complex technology and effective human communication, making sure the message is always seen and heard, crystal clear.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • AV Technician Assistant or Event Crew
  • IT Support Specialist with an interest in media
  • Broadcast Production Intern

Advancement To:

  • Senior Video Technology Engineer or AV Systems Engineer
  • AV Systems Manager or Manager of Unified Communications
  • Live Events Production Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Media Asset Manager
  • Network Administrator (with a focus on media traffic)
  • Unified Communications (UC) Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Event Support & Operation: Set up, configure, operate, and dismantle sophisticated audiovisual equipment for a wide range of live, virtual, and hybrid events, including town halls, conferences, board meetings, and live webcasts.
  • Video Conferencing Management: Manage and provide expert-level technical support for all video conferencing (VTC) and unified communications (UC) platforms, such as Zoom Rooms, Microsoft Teams Rooms, and Cisco Webex, ensuring high availability and quality.
  • System Maintenance & Health Checks: Conduct regular preventative maintenance, firmware updates, and comprehensive health checks on all AV hardware, including cameras, microphones, projectors, video walls, and control systems, to preemptively resolve potential issues.
  • Real-Time Troubleshooting: Act as the first line of defense during live events and important meetings, rapidly diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues related to audio, video, and network connectivity under pressure.
  • AV Integration & Installation: Install, integrate, and commission new audiovisual systems in conference rooms, event spaces, and studios, which includes rack-building, cabling, mounting displays, and configuring control system code.
  • Live Production & Streaming: Operate production equipment like video switchers (e.g., Blackmagic, Ross), audio mixing consoles, and lighting boards to produce high-quality, professional-grade live streams and recordings.
  • Technical Consultation & User Training: Serve as a subject matter expert, advising stakeholders on AV capabilities and best practices, and providing clear, patient training to employees on how to effectively use room technology.
  • Inventory & Asset Management: Maintain a meticulous inventory of all AV equipment, managing the lifecycle of assets, coordinating repairs with vendors, and overseeing the equipment check-out/check-in process.
  • Signal Flow & Connectivity: Troubleshoot complex analog and digital signal flow for audio, video, and control, tracing connections from source to destination to pinpoint and resolve faults.
  • System Monitoring: Proactively monitor the performance of AV-over-IP systems and network infrastructure to ensure optimal quality of service (QoS) for video and audio streams.
  • Documentation & SOPs: Develop and maintain detailed documentation, including system diagrams, user guides, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for event support and equipment usage.
  • Content Management: Manage the recording, basic editing, encoding, and distribution of video content for on-demand playback, ensuring it is properly archived and accessible on internal platforms.
  • Vendor & Stakeholder Collaboration: Liaise with external AV vendors for equipment rentals, outsourced event support, and warranty repairs, while collaborating internally with IT, Facilities, and Communications teams on projects.

Secondary Functions

  • Digital Signage Administration: Manage and update content for the organization's digital signage network, ensuring displays are operational and messaging is current.
  • Technology Research & Evaluation: Stay informed on the latest industry trends, emerging technologies, and new products to provide recommendations for future system upgrades and enhancements.
  • Project Support: Assist project managers and engineers in the planning and execution of new AV builds and office renovation projects, providing practical, hands-on insights.
  • Broadcast System Support: Provide support for broadcast-specific systems, including video encoders/decoders, media servers, and content delivery networks (CDNs).
  • Control System Adjustments: Make minor-to-moderate programming adjustments on AV control systems (like Crestron, AMX, or Q-SYS) to improve user experience or accommodate new hardware.
  • Safety Compliance: Ensure all AV setups and installations strictly adhere to safety standards, including proper cable management and secure equipment rigging.
  • Budgetary Input: Provide input to leadership regarding operational and capital expense needs for AV equipment repairs, maintenance contracts, and lifecycle replacements.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Video Conferencing Platforms: Deep expertise in deploying and supporting enterprise video conferencing solutions, particularly Zoom Rooms and Microsoft Teams Rooms hardware and software.
  • AV Control Systems: Hands-on experience with the setup, operation, and basic troubleshooting of control and automation systems like Crestron, AMX, and Q-SYS.
  • Live Production Hardware: Proficiency in operating professional video switchers, audio mixers, PTZ cameras, and other essential live event production equipment.
  • Signal Standards & Protocols: Strong understanding of video/audio transport standards (e.g., HDMI, SDI, Dante, NDI) and streaming protocols (RTMP, SRT).
  • AV over IP Networking: Solid knowledge of fundamental networking principles (TCP/IP, QoS, VLANs, Multicast) as they apply to transporting media across a network.
  • System Schematics: The ability to read, interpret, and redline technical documentation, including AV system schematics, architectural drawings, and wiring diagrams.
  • Acoustics & Audio Engineering: A practical understanding of room acoustics, microphone placement techniques, and gain structure to ensure clear, intelligible audio.
  • Basic Video Editing: Familiarity with non-linear editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve for post-production tasks.

Soft Skills

  • Grace Under Pressure: Exceptional ability to remain calm, think clearly, and execute methodical troubleshooting during high-stakes, time-sensitive live events.
  • Client-Facing Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and end-users in a patient and friendly manner.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail that ensures every aspect of a setup, from cable management to camera framing, is executed to the highest standard.
  • Proactive Problem-Solving: A forward-thinking and resourceful mindset, constantly anticipating potential issues and taking initiative to prevent them before they occur.
  • Time Management & Organization: Superior organizational skills to effectively manage a dynamic schedule of simultaneous events, support requests, and ongoing projects.
  • Collaborative Team Player: A strong desire to work collaboratively with team members, share knowledge, and contribute to the overall success of the department and the organization.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

An Associate's degree or equivalent formal training from a technical institute or recognized industry certification (e.g., CTS).

Preferred Education:

A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Broadcast Technology
  • Electronic Engineering or Media Technology
  • Communications
  • Information Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5 years of direct, hands-on experience in a professional audiovisual environment.

Preferred:

Demonstrated experience providing in-house AV support within a fast-paced corporate, higher education, or large-scale event production setting. Proven track record of successfully supporting high-profile executives and critical company-wide events.

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