Audio Visual Technician (On-call)

Company Description

Hello, art person! We’re so glad you’re here.

When you think of an art museum, you might picture paintings or sculptures. But art is so much more than the “traditional” forms you’re used to seeing in galleries. Nobody knows that better than Portland. Our city is bursting with all kinds of art forms–from craft beverages and comic books to artisan chocolate and collectible sneakers. There’s no one way to make art, and there’s no one way to be an art person.

That’s why you belong here. We’re a place that has room for all kinds of art (and art people).

We are a dynamic institution with multiple locations. Adjacent to the Museum campus in downtown, Portland, PAM CUT // Center for the Untold Tomorrow is an inclusive, modern, and welcoming hub serving a broad range of artists and audiences across all media art. Also nearby is the nonprofit Rental Sales Gallery representing regional artists. Across the river, in SE Portland PAM CUT’s Tomorrow Theater embraces cinematic storytelling in all its form through unique one-night-only events.

Job Description

The Audio Visual Technician (AV Tech) role at the Portland Art Museum is a member of the Events team who is responsible for the set up, operation, maintenance and repairs of the video, audio, and lighting equipment, used to enhance events held under the Museum umbrella (PAM, RSG, PAM CUT and Tomorrow Theater). The role helps produce timely and high quality events. 

We are currently hiring for AV Tech roles with primary assignments at either the Portland Art Museum or the Tomorrow Theater. While both positions support events across the broader organization, each role will be primarily based at one of these locations.

In this role, you will

• Provide exceptional customer support in interactions with clients and uphold an environment that is welcoming, friendly, and approachable
• Integrate client provided content and equipment within venue infrastructure
• Work with clients on event day to answer any technical questions and ensure content looks and sounds good
• Operation of onsite AV Equipment (digital video projectors, theatrical lighting fixtures, PA speaker systems, cabling and rigging to support these systems)
• Setup and strike of AV Equipment (sound, video, lighting, and rigging equipment)
• Program digital audio consoles, lighting consoles, and video switchers during client presentations, band performances, live auctions, weddings, and various other events
• Conducts visual and performance quality checks on AV equipment
• Maintain equipment and equipment storage spaces to the quality standards set forth by management
• Contribute to and maintain efficient methods for setting and striking equipment
• Staying up to date on current safety procedures and equipment
• Inspecting equipment to ensure they conform to health and safety regulations

Additional (Secondary) Responsibilities:

• Assist Senior AV Tech with maintenance of Museum AV equipment (projectors, lighting fixtures, speakers, cabling, etc.)
• Report gear maintenance needs and show feedback to AV Supervisor
• Keep AV spaces clean and organized to ensure great workflow
• AV Techs often help with additional maintenance and inventory duties
• Occasional AV installation
• Performs other related duties as assigned

To be successful in this role, you have these requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 1-2 years technical experience with specialized AV knowledge in at least one specific discipline (lighting, audio, video, rigging, or IT) required
• Experience with Aerial Work Platforms, specifically scissor lifts preferred 
• Knowledge of Microsoft, Google and Apple software/hardware. (Gmail, Google Docs, Power Point, Word, Windows, Mac OS, Keynote, ProPresenter)
• Predicting visual or acoustic outcomes of setups/adjustments based on experience (planning equipment usage or modification to achieve desired outcome). Analyzing what you see and hear, and making adjustments to maintain quality and client expectations
• Safety requirements including fire code and cable dressing in high traffic areas
• Excellent troubleshooting skills
• Attention to detail, prioritization of duties to meet deadlines, and maintain calm under pressure.
• Strong customer service skills, effectively communicate with clients/internal partners and translate between ‘tech jargon’ and standard verbiage
• Comfortable with and desire to engage with all clients
• Identify and positively resolve client issues in the moment or elevate with care to AV Supervisor 
• Rigging hardware, truss and rigging setup, safety requirements, installation of power and data cables along truss
• Building and maintaining power and data cables
• Camera operation and setup

TECH SKILLS:

• Lighting: DMX512-A signal flow, operation of digital lighting control consoles, setting/hanging light fixtures, focusing fixtures, operating LED and conventional fixtures, power usage and requirements
• Audio: audio signal flow, speaker placement, EQ, operation of a digital audio consoles, mic placement, wireless mic setup, room acoustics
• Video: Video signal flow, resolution and aspect ratio, methods of signal transmission (HDMI, HDBase-T, SDI), video adapters, operation of a digital video switcher, aim/focus/keystone of a projector, projector rigging
• Basic knowledge of network infrastructure for AV equipment, including Dante audio and Art-Net/sACN DMX

If you have any questions along the way including wanting to talk about a nontraditional career background, please reach out to HR.

Job conditions & physical activities 

• Event shifts typically range from 4-12 hours. Rarely do shifts extend longer than 12 hours. 4-hour minimum guarantee for onsite shifts.
• Occasional travel to offsite events 
• Evening meetings and special events
• Extensive computer work
• Onsite/Not Remote 
• Frequently standing, walking, bending body to wait, use of fingers, talking, reaching, hearing, feeling, handling, and grasping 
• Frequently push/pull/lift/carry up to 150 lbs (use of carts, wheels, etc.)
• Heights up to 35 ft. using aerial work platforms
• Heights up to 15 ft. using floor standing ladders
• Occasionally working with high voltage electricity

This list highlights key physical and environmental conditions related to the role but is not an exhaustive representation of all job requirements. Additional tasks and expectations may apply based on operational needs.

Benefits

• This role is non-exempt and on-call 
• The budgeted compensation falls within pay grade F ($22.61 minimum - $25.95 midpoint - $29.30 maximum), based on experience 
• Shift differentials (for hourly/non-exempt staff working onsite):
  • Evening hours (6:00 pm-12:00 am) will be paid an additional $1.00 per hour
  • Night hours (12:01 am-6:00 am) will be paid an additional $2.00 per hour
• Accrued sick time
• Employee discounts

Application Process for Audio Visual Technician

Ready to join our team? To be considered please submit your resume, cover letter, and four references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application materials will be screened and interview candidates will be selected and notified by email. All applicants will be notified once the position is filled. 

Application deadline

We will begin reviewing applications immediately, so please apply as soon as possible. The closing date is subject to change at any time.