AV Technician, On-Call

ABOUT THE ROLE

Skilled in audio-visual technology and interested in part-time opportunities with SAM? SAM's AV Services Team maintains a pool of on-call AV Technicians to support fluctuating needs at different times throughout the year, assisting with events such as artist panels, musical performances, and corporate events.

The AV Technician participates in the load-in, operation, and load-out of audio-visual systems and equipment across all three museum locations (Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle Asian Art Museum, and Seattle Art Museum Downtown). The position offers varied scheduling and the opportunity to work in a dynamic and engaging environment.

ABOUT SAM

As SAM heads into its second century, we are boldly reimagining what we can and should be. Our goal is to be a model for the future of museums - a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. Embracing new ways of engaging communities and seeking innovative partnerships - all while keeping art and community at the center of what we do. This ambitious effort represents a transformative shift and radically redefining how art museums operate. This is a pivotal moment for SAM, and we are seeking great talent to join us on our journey. Working at SAM is not just a job—it's a chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate audio-visual equipment for a host of activities, including but not limited to lectures, conferences, performances, parties, educational programming, venue experiences, corporate events, and meetings
• Record live events for streaming, archival, or promotional purposes as assigned
• Operate and troubleshoot video switching systems (Barco, Roland, BlackMagic, etc.) using multiple screens/projectors
• Facilitate signal distribution setup/changeover to support evolving on-site needs, or implementing capability in unusual locations
• Ensure safe installation of AV equipment under the supervision of SAM staff
• Perform tear-down, load-out, and securement of mobile equipment
• Observe safe power-down processes for emplaced equipment

WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Required Qualifications

• One of the following: Associate-level educational attainment in an AV-related field, professional certifications indicating domain expertise, or a 1-to-1 substitution in lieu of education for career experience in projection, video switching, live sound reinforcement, and computing
• As a combination of education and work history, 3 - 5 years’ experience in theatre, live events, or audio-visual work
• Working understanding of both digital and analogue AV systems
• Strong understanding of signal processing concepts
• Strong customer service skills with ability to be flexible in accommodating last-minute changes or requests
• Capable of multitasking with limited supervision
• Strong work ethic, regularly on time & dependable, must be able to commit to shifts once accepted
• Physically capable of safely performing job requirements (bending, stooping, working at heights or on ladder or scaffold, heavy lifting of 50+ pounds)
• Work conditions may require continuous movement on hard surfaces, including outdoors in inclement weather
• Proficiency in troubleshooting basic and complex AV systems
• Knowledge of multiple software ecosystems and operating systems relevant to mixed-format presentation of media: PowerPoint, Keynote, Slides, Zoom, Teams, and other digital platforms
• Experience with video switching systems for live presentation with hybridization to remote audiences
• Operational understanding of a variety of audio and lighting consoles
• Demonstrated experience in the operation of AV systems equipment and technology, including digital video projectors, live sound reinforcement, theatrical lighting, video recording equipment, hybrid or livestreaming platforms, and film screening
• Experience with and understanding of safe rigging practices
• Experience and ability to work safely at height for installation and maintenance of AV and lighting systems
• Comfort working on ladders and scaffolding
• Safe operation of multiple types of personnel and scissor lifts
• Exercise discretion in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Asana, Slack and ability to conduct internet-based research

Preferred Qualifications

• OSHA 10 or 30 Certification
• Lift Certification

FSLA Status: On Call, Non-Exempt Reports To: Associate Director of Audio-Visual Services Work Location: Seattle Art Museum Downtown, Seattle Asian Art Museum Volunteer Park, and Olympic Sculpture Park Work Schedule: The schedule for this on-call role is variable. Work may take place during business hours, evenings, holidays, and weekends. Schedules are set between 3 - 6 weeks in advance, and On Call staff must be able to commit to shifts once accepted.

WORK CONDITIONS

Work areas are primarily inside, in a climate-controlled environment with moderate background noise. Work areas sometimes include outdoor areas for outdoor events, on surfaces such as asphalt, cement, soil, and rough or uneven terrain. Work may be at height, including ladder, scaffolding, or aerial lifts. Irregular work conditions may include working outdoors in varying temperature conditions such as evening-to-night transitions or during unexpected inclement weather.

Approximately 25% of time is spent stationary while working at a desk. Balance of time (approximately 75%) is spent moving around the work area. Occasional extended periods of standing may be required when assisting at Museum events.

Clear, effective verbal and written communication with the public, co-workers, and external stakeholders is necessary to perform the duties of this position.

With reasonable accommodation, ability to effectively use a computer screen and interpret printed materials, memos and other paperwork, sometimes in low-light conditions. Sufficient corrected visual acuity to focus projection equipment or like visual display surfaces. Sufficient color sensitivity to identify video or lighting system issues.

Ability to effectively and regularly operate a computer, keyboard, telephone, and other office productivity machinery, such as multifunction printers. An ability to inspect, prepare and use paperwork, files, or documentation is required.

Ability to continuously push, pull, transfer, and lift 50+ pound loads while transporting, setting, or striking equipment using portage equipment like dollies, carts, or wheeled flight cases. Balance for working on loading docks, within trucks, or at height. Good range of motion from standing, stooping, bending, leaning, or pronating to perform work under surfaces such as a stage or table. Physical dexterity to accurately manipulate small objects such as cabling, wire looms, control or I/O surfaces.

The ability to work safely at heights is required, including fixtures such as ladders and scaffolding or mobile platforms such as scissor lifts. Current Aerial & Scissor Lift Certification or a personal capacity to acquire company-paid certification through a SAM trainer, if required.

BENEFITS

On-Call SAM Staff have access to an onsite fitness facility and SAM’s museum library, can access a no-cost Employee Assistance Program resource, enjoy a 20% discount at the SAM Museum Shop and a 15% discount at SAM’s MARKET cafe, receive 2 SAM guest passes per quarter worked, can access 8 Home Free Guarantee cab rides home per year, and accrue paid sick leave at a rate of .0385 per hour worked.

ACCOMODATION

The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for all employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of this position. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hr@seattleartmuseum.org. For candidates, we ask that, if possible, you wait until you're invited to a screen, online technical assessment or interview before requesting an accommodation.

SAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all employees and volunteers. Guided by our mission to connect art to life and engage diverse communities, we strive to create a sense of belonging for all of the communities we serve. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military status, or any other protected characteristic

Not sure you check every box? Research shows that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often only apply if they meet 100% of the criteria. If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply!