What are the responsibilities and job description for the FPC Sound Technician position at FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH?
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA)
Jackson, Mississippi
“First Presbyterian Church exists to glorify God by making disciples in our neighborhood, our communities, and the world”
Job Description for Director of Sound Technician
OVERVIEW AND MISSION OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
First Presbyterian Church of Jackson exists to glorify God by making disciples in our neighborhood, our communities, and the world. In His providence, God has placed us on the corner of North State and Pinehurst Streets, in midtown Jackson. We resolve to be good neighbors and gospel witnesses in the neighborhoods around our church campus. We draw members and visitors from the entire metro-Jackson area. We will continue to make disciples in our city by equipping believers to live for Christ in their homes, their workplaces, and in their neighborhoods across our region. For more information please visit our website, First Presbyterian Church.
JOB SUMMARY
The Part-Time Sound Technician serves under the direction of the Director of Music to provide house sound support for church services. This role is responsible for the technical execution of sound reinforcement each week, including equipment setup, sound checks, live mixing, and audio troubleshooting, to ensure clear, high-quality sound for the congregation, choir, musicians, and ministers.
The Sound Technician works closely with the Director of Music, ministers, choir, and music ensembles to prepare for and support Sunday services. This position requires focused technical skill, careful preparation, and a steady, attentive presence during live services.
In addition to operating sound personally, the Sound Technician is responsible for building, training, and scheduling a team of volunteer sound operators to help meet the church's sound needs.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Sunday Worship Services (AM & PM)
● Prepare and set up sound equipment ahead of each service.
● Distribute properly charged wireless microphone units to ministers and worship leaders.
● Perform sound checks, including sound connectivity, monitors, and rehearsal with music ensembles and soloists.
● Operate the soundboard and adjust audio levels during the service as needed.
● Follow schedule cues for muting and unmuting speakers, ministers, and musicians.
● Make an audio recording of the service, if needed.
● Troubleshoot feedback and equipment failures swiftly and quietly during live services.
● Clear the choir loft/platform area of equipment after each service and store equipment properly.
● Turn off the soundboard and choir loft/platform monitors, TVs, and lights at the conclusion of services.
● Report major technical issues to the Director of Music or church leadership.
Preparation & Equipment Care
● Perform routine checks to ensure sound equipment is in proper working order.
● Coordinate with the Director of Music, choir, and music ensembles regarding sound needs for upcoming services, rehearsals, and special music.
● Maintain organization and care of sanctuary sound equipment, cables, and wireless units.
Volunteer Team Leadership
● Recruit and build a team of volunteer sound operators from the congregation to help provide sound coverage for Sunday services and other events.
● Train volunteers on soundboard operation, wireless microphone setup, sound check procedures, and troubleshooting.
● Develop simple training materials, checklists, or reference guides to support consistent operation by volunteer team members.
● Build and maintain a rotating schedule of qualified volunteer operators to ensure reliable sound coverage.
● Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and encouragement to volunteer operators, and address performance concerns as needed.
● Serve as the primary point of contact for volunteer scheduling, questions, and coverage gaps.
Administrative & Collaborative Responsibilities
● Communicate regularly with the Director of Music regarding weekly service needs, schedule changes, and technical concerns.
● Coordinate scheduling with substitute or additional operators as needed to ensure sound coverage for all services.
● Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Music, Senior Minister, or Executive Minister.
Possible Additional Responsibilities
● Operate sanctuary sound for occasional weekday or Saturday services and events, such as weddings, funerals/memorials, RTS graduation, and certain Day School events. Separate reimbursement will be provided for these events, and other capable operators may be scheduled in case of a conflict.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
● Part-time position, averaging approximately 10–15 hours per week.
● Required presence for both Sunday morning and Sunday evening worship services, including setup and sound check time before each service. Ensure coverage for occasional weekday or Saturday services and events, such as weddings, funerals/memorials, RTS graduation, and certain Day School events.
● Additional time as needed for recruiting, training, and scheduling volunteer sound operators.
● Additional time as needed for equipment preparation, coordination with the Director of Music, and rehearsals with music ensembles.
● Reports directly to the Director of Music and works in close coordination with the worship team, choir, and music ministry.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The Sound Technician is paid a salary for scheduled Sunday services and preparation time. Separate reimbursement is provided for additional weekday or Saturday events, as described above.
Qualifications:
KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES
● A growing and mature Christian faith with a heart to serve the church through excellence in worship support.
● Experience with live sound reinforcement, soundboard operation, and audio equipment, or a strong aptitude and willingness to learn.
● Strong technical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills, especially under live, time-sensitive conditions.
● Ability to work calmly and attentively during live services, anticipating needs and responding quickly to technical issues.
● Experience recruiting, training, or leading volunteers, or a demonstrated aptitude and willingness to develop these leadership skills.
● Ability to teach technical skills clearly and patiently to volunteers with varying levels of experience.
● Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with the Director of Music, ministers, choir, and musicians.
● Dependable and consistent in weekly attendance and preparation, given the essential, recurring nature of Sunday services.
● Membership at First Presbyterian Church preferred.