Audio Visual Technician

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Audio-Visual Technician-Part Time

DEPARTMENT: Building Operations

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

The AV Technician sets-up/installs, maintains, operates and trains users to operate AV equipment in museum galleries. The Technician also assists in the maintenance of AV systems

in exhibit areas.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Participate in daily inspection and startup operations of AV equipment in temporary and permanent galleries
• Set-up, operate, troubleshoot and breakdown all AV equipment, including sound, recording equipment, LCD projection equipment, monitors, VCRs, CD and DVD players slide projectors, microphones, and mixers during both daytime and evening programs/events
• Presence at selected events, videoconferences, and presentations to ensure satisfactory operation
• Keep up with new technology, assess current equipment, recommend upgrades and forecast equipment needs
• Effectively schedule multiple projects or tasks, prioritize work, and maintain a positive approach to accommodate shifting priorities and simultaneous deadlines
• Act as technical contact for outside audio/visual companies
• Oversee maintenance contracts and outside contractors who repair or install new equipment
• Assure proper storage, maintenance and record-keeping of equipment and supplies, so that both built-in and portable AV equipment is accounted for and in good working
• condition
• Provide support and training to CHM staff on use of AV equipment
• Assist the Director of Properties with phone system and programming
• Assist the Director of Properties with copier care and maintenance
• Contribute to and promote a positive culture at CHM by demonstrating the following values in their interactions with colleagues, external partners, and all audiences and through the products developed and services delivered:

Discovery: brings a sense of wonder and curiosity to their work, seeking new ideas and opportunities or approaches to advance the work of the museum. Makes connections to their colleagues and their work with CHM audiences and history; and with the collections and current scholarship.

Creativity: never satisfied with the status quo, always ready to take chances, try new things, and be original through initiating exploration of alternative possibilities, idea

generation, and problem solving. Imagine new and innovative processes, services, products, and experiences.

Empathy: Strives to get along with everyone, invest in collaborative work, and to see things from other people’s perspectives through anticipating the needs of colleagues and

CHM audiences. Recognizes that it is no longer enough to treat people the way that you want to be treated but must try to treat others as they want to be treated.

Authenticity: is genuine and true in all relationships; delivery of products and services; and the interpretation of history.

Integrity: Is honest, ethical, and fair in work ethics, business practices, internal and external relationships, and scholarship. A good ambassador for CHM.

Service: Contributes to a culture that extends quality customer service to CHM’s audiences to ensure they feel welcome, safe, and comfortable, and to colleagues through being courteous, responsive, and supportive of the work of others.

Collaboration: Fosters a positive spirit when working with others and on teams through being inclusive; freely sharing ideas, information, and abilities; seeking and respecting

the contributions and viewpoints of others and thoroughly integrating this input in their work.

Purpose: The Chicago History Museum’s purpose is to help people make meaningful and personal connections to history.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Assist in creation and updating of operational guides

• Assist in audio tour implementation and maintenance

• Assist in audio and visual recording/archiving of Museum programs

• Assist in developing and carrying out policies and procedures for the department, division, and institution as requested

• Other duties as assigned

REPORTS TO: Director of Properties

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

The part-time AV Technician works with: the President's Office on AV equipment setups and operation for trustee meetings; the Director of Institutional Advancement and Institutional Advancement staff on AV equipment setups and operation for members, support group, and donor events; the Director of Exhibitions, Exhibition Designers, and the Production Supervisor on exhibit AV installations and maintenance; the Director of Corporate Events and Corporate Events department staff on AV equipment setups and operation for rental events; the Director of Education and Education department staff on AV equipment setups and operation for program events; and the Director of Information Technology and Information Technology department staff on computer-related equipment in presentations or in the Distance Learning Center.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have a minimum of High School graduate/GED, some college preferred

• Technical aptitude and at least one-year previous technical experience working with AV equipment

• Computer literacy (PC and Mac) in Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, audio editing and CD/DVD authoring software

• Excellent customer service skills proven through demonstrated ability to interact well with people and communicate in a professional manner

• Excellent manual dexterity skills

• Ability to lift, carry or otherwise move and position objects weighing up to 50 pounds

• Ability to ascend and descend ladders and lifts, as well as work from ladders and lifts

• Able to accommodate a flexible schedule – some evening and weekend hours will regularly be required for event and program coverage

• Ability to work well under pressure

• Ability to work effectively with staff members in resolving hardware problems

• Ability to identify problems, and recommend and implement solutions

• Strong diagnostic/problem solving abilities

• Dependable and responsible• Strong personal initiative and ability to work well with minimal supervision

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Commitment to the mission, values, and programs of the Chicago History Museum

This job description is not intended to be an express or implied contract between CHM and any

employee. CHM employees are employees at will. CHM reserves the right to change or assign other

duties to this position as necessary to meet changing business needs. CHM is an equal opportunity

employer.

05/01/2026