Audiovisual Technician
   
Information, Media and Telecommunications

 

Menu

Audiovisual Mananger

 

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

Clerical or OrganisingAnalytic or ScientificSkill Level 2Skill Level 3

Future Growth Very StrongAudiovisual technicians 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, news conferences and even for funerals. They may also set up and operate associated spotlights and other custom lighting systems.

Audiovisual technicians set-up, operate and maintain audiovisual equipment used in film, television and theatre production. They assist film, television and theatre production crews in the filming, broadcasting or staging of films, television programs and live performances. They may also work with music producers offering technical support during the recording of music and sound works. They assemble and operate equipment that is used in the recording, mixing and editing processes, and in audiovisual projection for live performance or public presentations. Audiovisual technicians work mostly in major cities and occasionally larger regional centres where there may be a need for audiovisual production and presentation.

Audiovisual technicians operate the equipment used in the development and delivery of audiovisual presentations.

ANZSCO ID: 342313

Alternative names: AV Technician,

Specialisations: Audiovisual Manager, Technical Director,
   

Knowledge, skills and attributes

To become an audiovisual technician, you would need:

  • excellent technical skills with electrical equipment and IT
  • interested in electronic sound and vision production, and recording equipment
  • enjoy communicating information
  • normal eyesight and colour vision
  • creative problem-solving ability
  • organisational skills
  • the ability to work well as part of a team and also on your own initiative
  • the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
  • a flexible approach for dealing with varied tasks.

       
Audiovisual Technician at work
(Source: Uniquely DC)

Duties and Tasks

As an audiovisual technician, your work could range from setting up a slideshow for a univeristy lecture to installing sound, video and lighting for a conference or art exhibition. With experience, you might move into project management, where you would meet clients and design AV systems to meet their needs.

Audiovisual technicians may perform the following tasks:

  • setting up equipment according to instructions from project managers
  • testing equipment before an event
  • finding and dealing with any faults on site
  • operating equipment during rehearsals and the event itself
  • checking and servicing the equipment
  • managing equipment booking
  • training other people to use the equipment
  • assessing a venue's AV equipment, and recommending or organising upgrades when necessary
  • buying new equipment and agreeing prices with suppliers.
  • assist recording production engineers, educators and programme producers and presenters to produce sound, vision and multimedia products such as television and film productions, CDs, DVDs and video sequences
  • design, assemble, operate and maintain sound and vision recording, mixing and production equipment

Working conditions

Audiovisual technicians work in workshops, production studios and at other locations where audiovisual presentations are delivered, such as lecture theatres and conference venues. Audiovisual technicians may work on film and television sets, in the studios or workshops of video or sound recording and editing facilities, or in the audiovisual departments of organisations such as universities or large companies. When working on-set, their hours may vary, but if working in recording facilities or audiovisual departments they usually work regular hours - they may be required to work longer hours at times. They may also be required to travel to venues and work outdoors on the installation and operation of audiovisual presentations.

They are also employed at live events such as concerts, festivals, sporting events and entertainment venues.

You would normally work fulltime, Monday to Friday. Conference and exhibition work will often include evenings and weekends, and some school or university jobs may be during term-time only.

Most of your work would be indoors, and may involve lifting and carrying heavy equipment. You would often spend time travelling between jobs, for example when working at different conference locations. For this reason, a drivers' licence may be required.

At event
(Source: JobTrees)

Tools and technologies

Audiovisual technicians need to be familiar with a wide range of audiovisual equipment, the components they are comprised of and that connect them together. They use audiovisual equipment for recording, production, mixing and for live presentations. They also use a range of electronic testing equipment, as well as electrical hand tools to install and maintain these.

You would work with a wide range of equipment, including:

  • projectors
  • sound systems
  • video conferencing equipment
  • LCD or plasma screens
  • video and still cameras
  • image editing software
  • lighting
  • microphones
  • control rigs.


Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as an audiovisual technician without formal qualifications. You would get some on-the-job training. Your employment prospects may be improved if you have qualifications such as a VET qualification in live production and services, technical production, or screen and media.
  
The Certificate III in Screen and Media (Film and Television), and Diploma of Screen and Media (Film & Television) are offered at TAFE colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Australia.


You can also become an audiovisual technician through a traineeship in Live Production and Services.

You can also study a degree in media, film or screen production.


Employment Opportunities

Audiovisual TechnicianJournalist

Applications Programmer

Film Producer

Photographer

Web Designer

Cinematographer

Publisher

Graphic Designer

Multimedia Specialist

Newspaper Editor

Games Developer

IT Analyst

Radio Producer Presenter

Writer

Illustrator

Director

Broadcasting Technician

3D Animator

Archivist

Librarian

Social Media Manager

Botanical Illustrator

Records Manager

Journalist

Applications Programmer

Film Producer

Photographer

Web Designer

Cinematographer

Publisher

Graphic Designer

Multimedia Specialist

Newspaper Editor

Games Developer

IT Analyst

Radio Producer Presenter

Writer

Illustrator

Director

Broadcasting Technician

3D Animator

Archivist

Librarian

Social Media Manager

Audiovisual Technician

Botanical Illustrator

Records Manager

Journalist

Applications Programmer

Film Producer

Photographer

Web Designer

Cinematographer

Publisher

Graphic Designer

Multimedia Specialist

Newspaper Editor

Games Developer

IT Analyst

Radio Producer Presenter

Writer

Illustrator