Audio Visual Lead Technician

Position Summary

While reporting to the Director of Exhibits and as part of the Creative Services team, the Audio Visual Lead Technician is responsible for all lighting, audio, electronic visual FX, show control, componentry, hardware and management of audio-visual technicians within The Florida Aquarium (TFA) and for offsite venues. This includes daily operations along with the planning, procurement and implementation of elements that exist in exhibitry, immersive experience, stage, events, Aquarium meetings and presentations, as well as installation, maintenance, inventory and replacement of these elements.

Essential Position Functions

• Assure successful daily operations by maintaining AV schedules with constant coverage, management and delegation of routine inspections and status reports, maintaining current systems knowledge and repair protocols and maintaining open communication with all necessary departments and third parties.
• Attend meetings and brainstorming sessions to receive, contribute to and record vital information pertaining to each project.
• Produce projects while always valuing, maintaining and translating the guest's perspective, customer service and the Aquarium's shared purpose, vision, values and integrity.
• Follow all details of project requests and adhere to deadlines with an attention to detail that assures timely project completion and success.
• Lead and mentor audio visual technicians in a manner that provides encouragement and support while maintaining accountability and the timely delivery of projects.
• Produce and/or provide specifications for AV elements such as lights, speakers, amplifiers, control units and computers, projectors, accessories, etc. that assure they meet the needs of a given project and can be implemented successfully within the space they will be utilized.
• Provide schematics and plans for how various elements will be installed and implemented so that both internal and external stakeholders can review and assist in their execution.
• Collaborate with others including the Director of Exhibits, stakeholders and third parties to assure all elements, when combined, successfully achieve the project’s AV needs.
• Maintain industry knowledge, flexibility and utilize a variety of technologies and approaches to achieve final products with a high-degree of quality and assist in keeping TFA on the cutting edge of AV and immersive content.
• Produce and maintain AV departmental standards that guarantee all projects maintain strict consistency in regards to safety, quality and dependability.
• Maintain and manage a high-level of organization including budget-tracking, inventory-keeping, maintenance schedules, shared documentation, etc. that also align with departmental organizational methods and Aquarium standards.
• Approach every project proactively, positively and with a solution-oriented mindset while managing production deadlines, Creative Services workflows and receiving constructive feedback.
• Supervise third party vendors during production and implementation of specific projects, including oversight of quality and accuracy of work while monitoring deadlines and production schedules.
• Support TFA’s Shared Purpose by participating in a Conservation Day of Action shift on an annual basis.
• Other duties as assigned, including participation on interdisciplinary teams and initiatives.

Education, Requirements, and Technical Skills

• Associate’s or technical degree in AV or related field preferred with a minimum of 4 years prior experience as an AV technician for a themed-attraction and/or entertainment venue.
• Strong technical, safety and industry knowledge of AV componentry, installation methods and show control systems and configuration.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work in teams while providing and following project needs.
• Strong oral, written and visual communicator with the ability to convey ideas while providing management, guidance and knowledge to others.
• Additional AV certifications such as CEA, CTS, CAT, CALT, etc. are a strong plus.
• Experience in the zoo, aquarium and museum industry with a passion for the natural world and immersive experience is a strong plus.

Competencies

• Customer Focus – Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with staff, volunteers and customers. Actively listens, anticipates and evaluates the customer’s needs. Ensures that customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility. Actively engages our customers while fulfilling job responsibilities.
• Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork – Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively within a team and across departments for organizational success. Demonstrates a positive attitude and initiative, seeks to understand before being understood. Fosters a positive, supportive and encouraging work environment. Demonstrates respect for other’s opinions, trusts in their abilities and recognizes their contributions.
• Professional/Technical Knowledge and Competency — Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies
• Leadership (Individual) — Uses effective and appropriate interpersonal skills to move individuals toward the accomplishment of goals
• Customer Service - Listens to and understands the customer (both internal and external) while anticipating and evaluating their needs. Makes the customer’s satisfaction a high priority in all areas of responsibility.
• Teamwork - Supports, facilitates, and participates in activities that promote team effectiveness. Demonstrates sensitivity to the feelings and needs of team members while supporting team goals.
• Concern for Detail - Cares about every aspect of a task and executes each to a high degree of quality.
• Communication - Effectively expresses ideas verbally, non-verbally and actively listens to individuals and groups. Prepares and focuses presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience. Expresses ideas clearly and concisely in written form, through memoranda, letters, reports and other documents.
• Creativity - Proactively combines ideas, resources and skills in new and adaptive ways to better meet outcomes and objectives. Finds new ways of positioning the Aquarium worldwide as a model of excellence.
• Planning and Organization - Able to follow preset goals, timelines and organizational structure while also setting priorities among competing requirements and allocating resources in the most efficient and effective way. Creates contingency plans for and remains flexible in a changing work environment.

Typical Physical Requirements

• Sitting 2-3 hours per day
• Standing/Walking up to 6 hours per day
• Bending/Stooping/ Squatting/Crawling — Often
• Climbing stairs — Often
• Reaching above shoulders —Often
• Crouching/Kneeling/Balancing — Often
• Pushing/Pulling — Often
• Carrying/Lifting up to 50 lbs. — Often
• Potential exposure to dust, fumes and gases
• Typing on a computer keyboard; viewing a computer screen for extended periods
• Excellent vision for proofing and detail work
• Coping with demands/stresses that are associated with the job and/or the work environment so that acceptable levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained
• Ability to travel (car/air) as needed — locally and/or nationally
• Flexibility in working weekends, evenings and/or holidays as needed
• Potential exposure to bites, stings, scrapes and exposure to various plants, animals and birds