Audio Visual Technician, On Call

California Academy of Sciences; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco seeks an Audio-Visual Technician to operate, maintain, and support AV systems across events and venues on an on-call basis.

Reporting to the AV Engineering Manager, the role emphasizes live event support, equipment troubleshooting, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality AV experiences.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of audio visual work experience.
• At least 2 years experience with hybrid meetings/software/hardware.
• At least 1 year of customer service experience.
• High school diploma; production degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and break down AV equipment for events.
• Care for AV equipment through breakdown, storage, maintenance, and repair.
• Provide world class service to internal/external clients with effective communication.
• Troubleshoot and solve equipment and software issues.
• Maintain and service installed AV systems in hybrid conference rooms and meeting spaces.
• Respond to service requests promptly and professionally.

Skills

AV setup

Cable management

Customer service

Live events

Team player

Troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma

Production degree

Equivalent training

Tools

Roland switchers

Behringer mixer

Allen & Heath

Q-Sys

NION

DJ equipment

Video switchers

Job description

About the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned scientific and cultural institution located in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Home to a world-class planetarium, aquarium, research center, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.

Our extensive collections span plants, animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts from across the globe and throughout history. We are a diverse team of leading biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators who work collaboratively to advance knowledge and inspire action through science and storytelling.

When you join the California Academy of Sciences, you become part of a mission-driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you're working behind the scenes in research or engaging the public on the museum floor, your work will help connect people to the natural world and empower them to protect it.

About the Opportunity

The Audio-Visual Technician is an on-call position within the Experience Engineering team and is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and support of all audio-visual and electronics systems and peripherals throughout the Academy. This role primarily supports events requiring AV services, most notably Nightlife, while also providing support for public floor exhibits, the planetarium, conference rooms, and other events held onsite and/or offsite venues.

Reporting to the AV Engineering Manager, the Audio-Visual Technician collaborates closely with cross-functional teams and leadership to deliver a consistent, high-quality audio-visual experience across all venues.

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every qualification for the position.

This position is based in San Francisco, California. The specific onsite/hybrid schedule for this position is listed below.This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by Cal Academy Workers United, and will be subject to the terms and conditions of that contract.

Key Responsibilities

• Successfully set up, operate, and break down AV equipment for events in a timely manner.
• Participate in proper care of all AV equipment, through proper breakdown, storage, maintenance, and repair.
• Provide world class service to internal/external clients with effective communication and decisive action if issues arise.
• Understand the technical elements of the job and demonstrate a strong practical ability to troubleshoot and problem solve equipment and software issues.
• Maintain and service installed AV systems in hybrid conference rooms and meeting spaces.
• Adhere to the department’s operations and communications standards.
• Respond to radio calls and service requests promptly and professionally.
• Support Academy-related events at onsite and/or offsite locations as assigned; travel will be coordinated in accordance with Academy policy.
• Follow all Academy safety procedures and maintain a safe and clean work environment.
• Adhere to the Academy Public Floor guidelines for attire, appearance, and behavior.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: A successful candidate will have the following:

EXPERIENCE and/or EDUCATION:

Required and Preferred:

• At least a high school diploma; production degree or equivalent training preferred.
• At least 2 years of audio visual work experience.
• At least 2 years experience with hybrid meetings/software/hardware.
• At least 1 year of customer service experience.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Required and Preferred:

• Must be able to work weekends, holidays and evenings, the California Academy of Sciences is open to the public 365 days a year.
• Must know how to properly tape down, and wrap cables.
• Comfortable operating video or audio equipment in a live show environment.
• Working knowledge of live audio-visual equipment including sound mixers, microphones, video switchers, cameras, signal processing equipment etc.
• Working knowledge of hybrid meeting equipment, signal flow and software programs.
• Experience with Roland hybrid video switchers, digital audio mixers (Behringer/Allen & Heath), and DJ equipment. Q-Sys, NION, VNC, and installed AV environments are a plus.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative, team environment.
• Ability to maintain efficiency and effectiveness in high pressure/live audience situations.
• Ability to successfully undertake job responsibilities without supervision.
• Ability to follow supervisor’s instructions and ask for direction and assistance when necessary.
• Ability to multitask, perform detailed work, and successfully complete assignments in a timely manner.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and fully comprehend documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals written in English. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups or individuals. Bilingual (spoken and/or written) in Spanish, German, Russian, Cantonese, Mandarin, or other non-English language preferred.

Physical Environment:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to work in dark, confined spaces and high areas, stand, sit, walk, and reach or manipulate with hands and arms, and talk or hear, climb a ladder or work from an elevated lift. Must be able to perform repetitive motions 50% of the time. Must be able to lift 50lbs.

Compensation and Benefits:The hourly rate for this role is $30.63. Actual compensation will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications and aligned with the internal peer group. We believe in fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to providing competitive salaries within the industry and market standards. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits based on the hours per week worked. Further details regarding compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

Schedule:

On call weekends, late nights, early mornings. Average 40 hours a month; average 5 shifts a month.

The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).