Media Technician

Job Announcement

This position serves as a member of an award-winning government media production team responsible for producing broadcast-quality television and media content for government meetings, live-streamed events, digital media content, promotional videos, public service announcements, documentary-style productions, and employee communications. Operates professional video, audio, lighting, and production systems in studio, field, and remote environments and directs or technical directs multi-camera productions while collaborating with producers, county staff, and on-camera talent to create informative and engaging content for diverse audiences.

Illustrative Duties

• Sets up and operates professional field and studio cameras, audio equipment, and lighting instruments to produce television programs for the government access channel and employee training programs for the institutional network;
• Uses video and audio monitoring devices to maintain broadcast quality standards for all programming;
• Directs and technical directs multi-camera video productions both in studio and remote production environments, as well as in government meeting rooms.
• Constructs studio sets using backdrops, flooring, and set pieces including tables, chairs, and other elements, lighting such elements to achieve broadcast quality standards;
• Constructs and lights studio sets in a virtual environment, using specialized lighting techniques to properly and optimally make use of green screen technology;
• Inputs and operates character generators using computer-based graphic design software to create accurate and broadcast quality on-screen graphics.
• Sets up and operates teleprompter in the field and studio with accuracy to enhance professional on-camera performances;
• Provides technical advice, support, and training to users and other agency staff in the appropriate use of video production and loan pool equipment;
• Performs basic preventative maintenance on video production equipment.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the procedures and techniques involved in producing broadcast-quality informational and instructional video programs;
• Ability to assemble, set up and operate studio and field broadcast quality video, audio, and lighting production gear, without on-site supervision;
• Ability to perform preventative maintenance on video equipment;
• Ability to learn the characteristics, capabilities, and methods of operation of new equipment;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the general public.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies)
Graduation from high school or a GED issued by a state department of education; plus two years of technical experience in the audiovisual field. Satisfactory completion of specialized training in related technical audiovisual subjects may be substituted for the experience requirement.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Valid Driver's License

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer. This position is emergency/essential services personnel. (Required to report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies.)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience operating cameras for promotional videos, public service announcements, documentary-style productions, and live government meetings.
• Experience with studio, field, and cinematic lighting techniques.
• Experience with visual storytelling through videography, including composition, camera movement, and shot selection.
• Experience with and knowledge of visual storytelling principles and production techniques used to create engaging informational, educational, and promotional media.
• Experience with drone videography.
• Experience in lighting techniques to achieve optimal professional visual presentation.
• Experience supporting promotional videos, public service announcements, documentaries, or other original multimedia productions
• Experience with adapting to new audiovisual technologies, software platforms, and production workflows.
• Experience making sound technical decisions in fast-paced live production environments.
• Experience with communicating effectively with technical and non-technical personnel while providing training and customer support.
• Experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with coworkers, County employees, elected officials, vendors, and members of the public.
• Experience with managing multiple assignments while meeting production schedules and deadlines.

• Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 60 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods during productions.
• Ability to assemble production equipment and perform setup and breakdown activities in studio and remote environments.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, and other non-standard hours to support government meetings, special events, and emergency communications.
• All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.