Audio Visual Technician

Position Summary:

The Audio-Visual Technician within Rice Business supports delivering multimedia technical support for classrooms, events, conferences, meetings, etc. This position is expected to provide consistent excellent customer service to Rice Business faculty, staff, and students. The AV Tech is responsible for setting up, installing, operating, testing, and troubleshooting computer hardware, software, audio and video equipment. In addition, this position will ensure all software is promptly updated and managed. The AV Tech is part of a team of "first responders" for AV-related issues or extenuating multimedia circumstances within all Rice Business facilities, both existing and planned. This position is responsible for supporting Rice Business stakeholders and other system users in the general use of instructional technologies and providing technical assistance to users as problems occur.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal AV technician is a highly skilled professional with a deep understanding of audio-visual systems and a passion for supporting academic excellence. They possess technical expertise in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting AV equipment, including projectors, microphones, and integrated systems, and are proficient in software such as Zoom and media editing tools. Clear communication and excellent interpersonal skills enable them to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students, ensuring a seamless user experience. They are problem-solvers who can think on their feet, paying attention to detail while addressing technical challenges under tight deadlines. They demonstrate a commitment to professional growth. The ideal candidate thrives in academic settings, aligning their work with the institution's mission and adapting to its unique schedules and requirements. Physically capable of handling equipment and flexible with their schedule, they embody reliability, adaptability, and a proactive approach to advancing educational success through technology.

Workplace Requirements:

• Rice Business primarily delivers residential classes and activities taking place almost daily between 7 am and 10 pm. We value a highly collaborative and community-based culture, with expectations to provide in-person support and services to all members of our community. Remote work options are limited. Most employment activities are required to be performed in-person and on-campus. This in-person approach is central to the successful achievement of our research and academic missions.
• On campus position: This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at all Rice Business facilities working a 4/10 schedule. Weekend work is required.
• Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Rate: $24.00/hour minimum commensurate with experience

*Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
  In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted.
• Two or more (2+) years of professional experience
  In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted.
• Skills:
  • Proficient in the operation of a variety of audio, visual, and other multimedia equipment, components, and applications
  • Ability to troubleshoot multimedia equipment and system configuration issues.
  • Organizational skills and the ability to prioritize work assignments.
  • Strong communication skills - verbal, written, and interpersonal
  • Excellent customer service skills

Preferences:

• Experience and familiarity with Rice University software systems and Creston programming
• Professional experience providing technical AV support in a higher education setting.
• Soldering and termination experience are encouraged.
• Ability to diagnose common system configuration problems
• Familiarity with Android, Apple, and Windows devices
• Significant understanding of signal flow digital and audio
• Strong technical knowledge of Windows 10, Windows 11, Office365 and Active Directory
• Team-oriented and able to work in a collaborative environment with a balance between self-motivation and working independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to navigate change and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Essential Functions:

• Set up, manage and maintain the technical equipment (including microphones, speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment, sound and mixing boards and related electronic equipment) for events, classes, meetings, conferences, presentation, videos, etc.
• Prepare Rice Business spaces/offices/ rooms with proper equipment for specific events
• Ensure all the audio-visual presentations and equipment run smoothly
• Troubleshoot any AV-related issues as they arise within all Rice Business facilities
• Help maintain a catalog of equipment and supply inventories
• Aid and instruction others to operate the equipment
• Assist in determining technology requirements and limitations, budget, registration requirements, and target audience (e.g. webinars, webcasts, asynchronous/synchronous courses, podcasts, online meetings, etc.)
• Provide support for live presentations, recordings, and webinar programs
• May also create and edit videos, provide visual graphics, audio tracks, and lighting
• May be required to repair equipment
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Collaborate with IT teams to integrate AV systems with existing infrastructure.
• Develop user-friendly guides, training materials, and instructional sessions to help faculty, staff, and students become self-sufficient with AV technologies.
• Work closely with event organizers to anticipate technical needs, including room layouts, network bandwidth, and specialized AV configurations.