Audio Visual Technician - Freelance

Special Services Position (Freelance)

 

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity. 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The AV Technician will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders at the museum to fulfill all technical audiovisual requirements for documenting live or virtual produced events and/or programming, as well as assist in the installation of various audiovisual elements in locations across the museum campus.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support Audio Visual Event Production: Deliver, setup, and operate audio, lighting, and visual projection systems and video content capture equipment to support all live or virtual events and performances in collaboration with the Operations Manager.*

• Facilitate post-production on live event captures: Using post-production applications, provide client or event requester with recorded media documentation, and assist in the export and digital archiving of all formats of recorded material, both audio and video.*

• Install and Maintain audiovisual systems: Assist in the installation and maintenance of audiovisual equipment and systems in lecture halls, exhibition spaces, galleries, and conference rooms.

• Coordinate and communicate with event stakeholders: Provide consultation, technically orient and assist, as well as, interact professionally with departments, clients, external and event representatives.*

• Research, analyze, and procure AV equipment. Maintain an understanding of current and new audiovisual technology and research developing technology as it pertains to our greater departmental role at the museum.

• Orient and train part-time staff: Assist in the orientation and technical training of part-time or freelance employees by conducting technical tours of the facility, operation, and configuration of existing audiovisual systems and equipment.

• Please note that, due to the nature of events, this job will require night and weekend hours, as determined by the scheduling manager.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods standing and sitting occur; must be able to stand up to 90% of the duration of an integration and sit in a stationary position 75% of the time during administrative and post-production related duties.

• Frequently moves audiovisual equipment weighing up to 50 pounds across campus for various auditoriums, classrooms and events needs.

• Frequently ascends/descends ladders, scaffolding and/or lifts to adjust lighting and audiovisual equipment.

• Frequently positions self to maintain audiovisual equipment, including under counters and in or behind racks in audiovisual closets.

• Frequently operates a computer and other audiovisual equipment.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and the ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.

• The person in this position frequently communicates with colleagues about audiovisual equipment and exhibition details. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.

• Experience using, and/or professional knowledge of, past and current audiovisual technology and software.

• Background in live and recorded multitrack sound mixing.

• Background in installation of TV’s, projectors, and speakers, including integrated, networked control systems.

• Experience using BlackMagic ATEM switchers and remote-controlled PTZ cameras.

• Knowledge of event capture systems and post production applications such as video editing and audio mixing for outputting deliverables, with a focus on Adobe Premiere Pro, Davinci Resolve, Pro Tools, and Izotope RX.

• Understanding of camera fundamentals (ISO, frame rate, shutter speed, lenses, etc.)

• Strong computer skills with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Suite, SmartSheets, Zoom, and Jira.

• Minimum 3-5 years experience in live events and/or audiovisual services in the live arts, higher education, and/or a museum setting with knowled