What does an Audio Visual Technician do?

Audio Visual Technicians work across many industries. In entertainment, they handle sound and visual equipment to enhance performances. For businesses, an AV Technician might set up equipment for conferences, maintain video conferencing equipment or install AV equipment in different offices. Educational institutions might hire Audio Visual Technicians to manage projectors, sound systems and other equipment in classrooms and lecture halls. The role handles all aspects of the equipment, including setting up, connecting, installing, testing and maintaining it. When problems arise, the AV Tech performs troubleshooting and repairs the gear.

Audio Visual Technician skills and qualifications

To be successful, an Audio Visual Technician needs certain skills and qualifications before starting the job. Some of the qualifications you might list in your Audio Visual Technician job description include:

• Knowledge of various types of AV equipment
• Ability to understand diagrams and schedules
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to take inventory and complete reports on equipment
• Comfort with various types of technology
• Ability to work well under pressure and make decisions quickly
• Technical and troubleshooting skills

Audio Visual Technician experience requirements

If you want to list an experience requirement in your AV Technician job description, consider how many years of experience might be necessary for the duties of the role. For example, you might list experience with specific types of equipment or programs you use.

Audio Visual Technician education and training requirements

Audio Visual Technician positions typically don’t have any standard education requirements. However, some employers list an associate or bachelor’s degree in audio visual technology in the Audio Visual Technician job description. The role doesn’t require any certifications or licenses, but professionals in the industry can earn a Certified Technology Specialist certification through AVIXA. To earn the certification, applicants must pass an exam.

Job description samples for similar positions

If an Audio Visual Technician isn’t the best position for your organization, you might consider these additional job descriptions for similar roles:

• Music Producer
• IT Technician
• Video Editor
• Network Technician

Audio Visual Technician job description FAQs

What qualities make a good Audio Visual Technician?

A strong Audio Visual Technician stays calm under pressure and knows how to step in quickly if equipment malfunctions during a performance. They understand what looks and sounds good and how to achieve those results with the equipment. Strong communication is essential to working with clients and performers well. It also helps to be flexible because some events happen outside of normal business hours.

What is the difference between a Sound Engineer and an Audio Visual Technician?

Sound Engineers focus specifically on the audio aspect of a performance, whether it’s a live performance or a recording. They often have a more innovative approach to create a specific sound quality or artistic effect. Audio Visual Technicians handle both audio and visual components, and their duties focus more on setting up and operating the equipment to allow the performer to sound good rather than modifying the sounds to enhance them.

What should you look for in an Audio Visual Technician resume?

Look for experience in a similar industry and with the same type of equipment as your company uses. This makes the transition into the role easier. You might also review the scope of the candidate’s past duties. If troubleshooting and repairing equipment is a large part of your role, check for those responsibilities in previous positions.

Do the duties of an Audio Visual Technician vary in different industries?

Duties can vary depending on the industry. The equipment used for a concert or sporting event is much different than the equipment used for a business conference or college lecture. In all industries, the AV Tech handles the setup, operation and troubleshooting of AV equipment. The setting also requires different personas. For instance, entertainment events are usually more energetic and casual, while a business or educational setting requires a more formal approach.