AV Technician

National Geographic; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; Full time

Job summary

The National Geographic Society is seeking an AV Technician to manage audio, video, and lighting for its exhibitions. This role is crucial for maintaining zero downtime of installations and supporting an innovative environment. Candidates should have a background in AV systems, related education, and excellent troubleshooting skills.

Benefits

Health and dental benefits

401(k) plan with matching contributions

Flexible paid time off

Unique perks (e.g., free museum admission)

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in AV, lighting, and show control systems.
• In-depth knowledge of IT and networking systems.
• Ability to prioritize and work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain AV systems for large-scale events and exhibitions.
• Troubleshoot AV issues in dynamic environments.
• Manage contracted AV labor and ensure high standards.

Skills

Audio systems

Video systems

Lighting systems

Networking systems

Show control systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual Engineering

Job description

How You’ll Contribute

The National Geographic Society headquarters, based in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a significant renovation project on its campus (called Base Camp), which will be completed in 2026. Components of the new guest experience will include a state-of-the-art pavilion entrance, auditorium, iconic photo gallery, exhibition space, immersive walk-through attraction, retail, food and beverage, education center, archives, tours, and exciting new event space. The capstone of the renovation is a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience in the courtyard.

Job Description Summary

The AV Technician, Experience Technology is responsible for the installation, operation, maintenance, and de-installation of audio, video, lighting, and networking hardware for National Geographic Society’s world-renowned exhibitions and experiences. These include the new permanent exhibitions and spaces at the Museum of Exploration and our world renowned traveling exhibitions. The AV Technician II will report to the Manager, Exhibition AV Technology and be responsible for the ongoing installation, deinstallation, hardware maintenance and support of each exhibit to ensure zero downtime. They are a subject matter expert in AV, Lighting, and IT solutions that are required to deploy Permanent & Traveling Exhibitions.

Additionally, the AV Technician, Experience Technology will work closely with the larger Experience Technology team to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and attention to detail. They will have a part in advising the technical design of Base Camp and NGS’s future traveling exhibitions.

Your Impact

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include

Operational (90%)

• Operate audio, video, lighting and control systems in dynamic and multifunctional spaces for exhibitions and immersive experiences used for marquee, public facing, large scale events

• Troubleshoot problems with cutting edge, large scale, highly visible AVL experiences as needs arise in a dynamic, active space to maintain zero downtime

• Manage contracted AV labor for permanent, temporary and travelling exhibitions, maintaining NGS’s high standards among project staff

• Set up, operate, maintain and strike digital sound console for large scale music and speaker events

• Set up, operate, maintain and strike broadcast cameras, broadcast switcher, graphics, video playback and recording for large scale events

• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot exhibition IT network, ensuring uninterrupted audio, video, lighting and control network traffic

• Operate and maintain sitewide AVL control system, routing video to proper destinations, controlling sitewide lighting, adjust function of spaces from exhibition to event uses, and leverage reporting and maintenance tracking

• Leverage industry experience to streamline team operating procedures (SOPs) and practices

• Work directly with AV Manager to advise technical design and operation of new exhibits

• During Museum of Exploration construction, gain a deep understanding of sitewide Audio, Video, Lighting and networking systems and assist in coordination with architectural and integration partners

• Travel to National Geographic’s touring exhibitions for installation and deinstallation of AV, Lighting, IT and Control elements

• Collaborate directly with other Experience Technology teams to ensure all spaces function as intended daily, as well as before, during, and after events occur, providing hardware support as needed.

Reporting and Data Management (10%)

• Tracks and reports all maintenance and service requests to identify patterns and trends and reduce potential upcoming risks or failures.

• Maintain constant contact with Manager, Exhibition AV Technology to ensure maintenance requests and service is tracked and acted upon

• Works with the NGS IT team to ensure network provided issues are reported and resolved.

Minimum Education Required

Bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual Engineering or related discipline. Certifications and equivalent experience in related areas will be considered.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

• 4+ years of experience performing hands-on work in AV, Lighting, and Show Control systems

• In-depth knowledge of IT and networking systems a plus

Knowledge and Skills Required

• In-depth knowledge of video systems, including blended projection, low pitch LED, ST2110 & HDbaseT signal flow, broadcast engineering, video equipment repair and high end video processing

• In-depth knowledge of audio systems, including audio mixing, Dante transmission, QSYS DSP and routing, immersive soundscapes and audio integrated into exhibits

• In-depth knowledge of lighting systems, including sACN and DMX protocols, lighting console programming and operation, and architectural lighting control systems

• Familiarity with museum exhibition design a plus

• The ability to prioritize and work under pressure is essential

• Knowledge of current products and trends in audio, video, lighting, and show control

• Understanding of industry best practices

• Ability to interact positively and productively with teams across organizational lines

• Able to install, maintain, and operate AV equipment; use power tools; lift heavy loads up to 50 lbs.; and work at heights using ladders, scaffolding, or lifts.

Travel

Travel up to 10 weeks throughout the year for travelling exhibit installation and deinstallation

Supervision

Contractors

Salary Information

The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. Our compensation structure and transparent pay philosophy are based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations.

The salary range for this position accounts for a wide range of factors including but not limited to organizational need; specific skill sets; experience and training; certifications; and more. At the National Geographic Society, individuals are typically hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

The hourly rate for this position is $29.24 - $30.77.

In addition, the National Geographic Society offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; engaging and comprehensive wellness program; 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment; flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave; 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31; paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits; learning and development opportunities; Lifestyle Spending Account; pet adoption assistance and insurance; pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy; employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit; and a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks.

Job Designation

Resident - Our Resident category recognizes that certain staff need to be physically present at Base Camp to do their work. Some Resident staff must be at Base Camp every day to do their jobs, while others may only need to be physically present onsite some of the time to meet looming deadlines or to get work done and may require a unique schedule. As such, this category has been revised to provide maximum flexibility depending on what’s required for each individual role. The days Resident staff come into the office will be determined by their teams and workflow, and they should work with their supervisors to determine their specific schedule. And throughout the year, their schedule may be adjusted based on cyclical work cycles, deadlines, and/or ebbs and flows of work.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Geographic Society uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.

Our mission is only complete when our staff, explorers, educators, youth and partners are seen, valued, and heard. We embrace each person’s identity, experiences, and abilities, and we commit to cultivating an environment where everyone benefits from opportunity, mutual respect and a sense of belonging.

National Geographic's headquarters is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. We offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental benefits, generous vacation and parental leave time, a 401(k) plan, flexible work options, and career development. In addition to our generous benefits, we also offer unique perks which include free museum admission, discount to our museum store, film screenings, world class events with visiting speakers, an employee volunteer day and a robust wellness program.