On-Call Audio Engineer

Cathedral; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington National Cathedral seeks an On Call Audio Engineer to support operation and maintenance of audio systems across the Nave, Perry Auditorium, Bethlehem Chapel, Virginia Mae Center, and outdoor locations. Responsibilities include setting up microphones, mixing for live performances, and coordinating with the Video Operations team for integrated audio in recordings and web casts.

The role requires an Associate degree in sound design or related field, 2+ years of experience, and

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent certification in sound design or a related field is required.
• Substantial knowledge of sound engineering techniques and technology.
• 2+ years’ experience in audio/acoustics system development and/or technical direction.
• Proficient in programming and operation of Digital Audio Consoles (Yamaha CL3).

Responsibilities

• Assist the Technical Director/ Audio Engineer with setup and operation of audio-visual equipment in the Cathedral nave, auditorium, chapels, and outdoors on Cathedral grounds.
• Set up microphones and other sound, recording, television, and visual projection equipment and operate such systems when needed.
• Prepare for sessions by selecting and setting up microphones for rehearsals and concerts.
• Mix and edit voices, music, and sound effects for live performances and events to ensure proper synchronization and EQ.
• Distribute hearing‑impaired assistance devices at worship services and events.
• Troubleshoot audio systems and perform basic repairs when possible.
• Collaborate with Video Operations to integrate audio with video recordings and streaming.
• Assist with audio recording in Cathedral as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Team collaboration

Under pressure

Independent judgment

Education

Associate degree in sound design

Tools

Yamaha CL3

Job description

Description

Job Summary:

Washington National Cathedral is looking for On Call Audio Engineers. The On Call Audio Engineer is responsible assisting with the operation and maintenance of all audio systems in the Nave of the Cathedral, Perry Auditorium, Bethlehem Chapel, Virginia Mae Center, and other locations where Audio equipment may be required including outdoor events on the Close.

Requirements

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the Technical Director/ Audio Engineer with set-up and operation of audio-visual equipment in the Cathedral nave, auditorium, chapels, and outdoors on the Cathedral grounds.
• Set up microphones and other sound, recording, television, and visual projection equipment and operates such systems when the Technical Director/ Audio Engineer is not available or requires an operating assistant.
• Prepare for sessions by performing activities such as selecting and setting up microphones for rehearsals and concerts.
• Mix and Edit voices, music, and taped sound effects for live performances, prerecorded events and rehearsals, using sound mixing boards to ensure appropriate synchronization and equalization of all dialogue, music, and sound effects using control consoles.
• Distribute hearing‑impaired assistance devices at worship services and events held in the Nave of the Cathedral.
• Inform the Cathedral Audio‑Visual Engineer of any systems or equipment problems as soon as possible. Perform basic troubleshooting of audio systems and repairs when possible.
• Collaborate with Director of Video Operations and the video crew to integrate the audio from the sound console into the video recording and internet web casts.
• Assist with audio recording in Cathedral as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree or equivalent certification in sound design or a related field of study is required.
• Substantial knowledge of sound engineering techniques and technology.
• 2+ years’ experience in audio/acoustics system development and/or technical direction.
• Proficient in programming and operation of Digital Audio Consoles (Yamaha CL3).

Skills and Abilities:

• Highly developed interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a high stress, fast paced, deadline-driven team environment.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, balance competing responsibilities, and complete assignments in a timely matter.

The Cathedral systems include the following:

• Nave Sound Control Console Vintage API 1608
• Auditorium Projection and Sound Control Room
• Bethlehem Chapel Sound System
• North Triforium Digital Control System
• South Triforium Digital Control System
• North Triforium Video Control Center (Shared responsibility with Video Director)
• S3 Technical Director/Audio Engineer Office and Digital Editing Suite
• 7th Floor Media Archives
• Resurrection Chapel Media Patch Bay and Audio/Video Distribution Center
• Great Choir PreAmp/Patchbay/Storage Room
• Northwest Cloister Amplifier and Patchbay Room
• South Balcony Press Feed
• Three Portable Sound Systems, and Various Video Projectors, Monitors and other assorted A/V equipment.
• Virginia Mae Center Audio, Video and Streaming Systems

Working Conditions:

• The position requires a flexible schedule, routinely working outside of normal business hours, including evenings, weekends and occasional holidays.
• The position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending and stooping in the performance of daily activities.
• Acute hearing is required.
• The need to lift, drag, push and pull Audio Visual equipment and other materials weighing up to 60 pounds is also required.