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Job Definition
Set up or set up and operate audio and video equipment including microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment for concerts, sports events, meetings and conventions, presentations, and news conferences. May also set up and operate associated spotlights and other custom lighting systems.
Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Interests
Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Social - Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Knowledge
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skills
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Tasks
Perform narration of productions, or present announcements.
Diagnose and resolve media system problems in classrooms.
Switch sources of video input from one camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to local programming.
Meet with directors and senior members of camera crews to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, camera movements, and picture composition.
Construct and position properties, sets, lighting equipment, and other equipment.
Compress, digitize, duplicate, and store audio and video data.
Obtain, set up, and load videotapes for scheduled productions or broadcasts.
Edit videotapes by erasing and removing portions of programs and adding video or sound as required.
Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.
Plan and develop pre-production ideas into outlines, scripts, story boards, and graphics, using own ideas or specifications of assignments.
Maintain inventories of audio and video tapes and related supplies.
Determine formats, approaches, content, levels, and mediums to effectively meet objectives within budgetary constraints, utilizing research, knowledge, and training.
Record and edit audio material such as movie soundtracks, using audio recording and editing equipment.
Inform users of audio and videotaping service policies and procedures.
Obtain and preview musical performance programs prior to events to become familiar with the order and approximate times of pieces.
Wages

In 2008, the California average annual wage was $44,810.00.

Most people employed in this occupation were paid between $22,500.00 and $77,550.00.

Outlook

During 2006, there were approximately 8,200 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 10,100 employed in 2016. This occupation will have about 190 openings due to growth and about 270 replacement openings for approximately 460 total annual openings. This occupation .

Colleges and Training
Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.
Photographic and Film/Video Technology/Technician and Assistant - A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the operation and maintenance of camera and lighting equipment and the production of finished still, video, and film products under the supervision of photographers, directors, and editors. Includes instruction in equipment setup and maintenance; lighting; power supplies; studio and film set tasks such as camera operator, grip, and best boy; plate and negative handling and development; laboratory procedures; and digital software applications.
Recording Arts Technology/Technician - A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the production of sound recordings as finished products or as components of film/video, broadcast, live, or mixed media productions. Includes instruction in sound equipment operation and maintenance; music, dialogue, and sound effects recording; sound track editing; dubbing and mixing; sound engineering; tape, disk, and CD production; digital recording and transmission; amplification and modulation; and working with producers, editors, directors, artists, and production managers.
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Set and Exhibit Designers - Design special exhibits and movie, television, and theater sets. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.
Program Directors - Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.
Technical Directors/Managers - Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.
Technical Writers - Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Broadcast Technicians - Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs. Control audio equipment to regulate volume level and quality of sound during radio and television broadcasts. Operate radio transmitter to broadcast radio and television programs.
Film and Video Editors - Edit motion picture soundtracks, film, and video.
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