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.
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.
Tasks
Perform narration of productions, or present announcements.
Develop manuals, texts, workbooks, or related materials for use in conjunction with production materials or for training.
Organize and maintain compliance, license, and warranty information related to audio and video facilities.
Conduct training sessions on selection, use, and design of audiovisual materials and on operation of presentation equipment.
Control the lights and sound of events, such as live concerts, before and after performances, and during intermissions.
Locate and secure settings, properties, effects, and other production necessities.
Produce rough and finished graphics and graphic designs.
Obtain and preview musical performance programs prior to events to become familiar with the order and approximate times of pieces.
Inform users of audio and videotaping service policies and procedures.
Record and edit audio material such as movie soundtracks, using audio recording and editing equipment.
Determine formats, approaches, content, levels, and mediums to effectively meet objectives within budgetary constraints, utilizing research, knowledge, and training.
Maintain inventories of audio and video tapes and related supplies.
Plan and develop pre-production ideas into outlines, scripts, story boards, and graphics, using own ideas or specifications of assignments.
Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.
Edit videotapes by erasing and removing portions of programs and adding video or sound as required.
Obtain, set up, and load videotapes for scheduled productions or broadcasts.
Compress, digitize, duplicate, and store audio and video data.
Construct and position properties, sets, lighting equipment, and other equipment.
Meet with directors and senior members of camera crews to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, camera movements, and picture composition.
Switch sources of video input from one camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to local programming.
Diagnose and resolve media system problems in classrooms.
Perform minor repairs and routine cleaning of audio and video equipment.
Design layouts of audio and video equipment, and perform upgrades and maintenance.
Install, adjust, and operate electronic equipment used to record, edit, and transmit radio and television programs, cable programs, and motion pictures.
Mix and regulate sound inputs and feeds, or coordinate audio feeds with television pictures.
Monitor incoming and outgoing pictures and sound feeds to ensure quality, and notify directors of any possible problems.
Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.
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.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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.
Education
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.
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.
School Classes
Educational/Instructional Media Design. - A program that focuses on the principles and techniques of creating instructional products and related educational resources in various formats or combinations such as film, video, recording, text, art, CD-ROM, computer software, virtual reality technology, and three-dimensional objects, and that prepares individuals to function as instructional media designers. Includes instruction in the techniques specific to creating in various media; the behavioral principles applicable to using various media in learning and teaching; the design, testing and production of instructional materials; and the management of educational/instructional media facilities and programs.
Wages
In 2007, the California average annual wage was:
$25,015 for entry level workers, and
$55,689 for experienced workers.
Outlook
During 2006, there were approximately 8,200 people employed in this field in CA.
We estimate that in 2016 there will be 10,100 employed in CA. This represents an increase of 190 new positions each year (2.10%). Additionally, 270 jobs per year will become available due to employee turnover.
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.
Technical Writers - Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Technical Directors/Managers - Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.
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.
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.
Floral Designers - Design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.
Art Directors - Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches, and direct workers engaged in art work, layout design, and copy writing for visual communications media, such as magazines, books, newspapers, and packaging.
Training and Development Managers - Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.