AV Technician I (Experience Technology)

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. The public-facing portion of this renovation will be the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration. Components of the new museum 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.

The AV Technician I (Experience Technology) is responsible for the installation, operation, maintenance, and de-installation of complex 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 I 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 I will work closely with the larger Experience Technology team to help 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. Travel up to 10 weeks throughout the year for traveling exhibit installations and de-installations is required.

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, adjusting 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%)

• Track and report all maintenance and service requests to identify patterns, 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 Technology team to ensure network provided issues are reported and resolved

What You'll Bring

Educational Background

Bachelor's degree in Audiovisual Engineering or a closely related discipline is a plus. Certifications and equivalent experience in related areas will also be considered.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

2+ years of hands-on experience working with immersive technologies and complex AV, Lighting, and Show Control systems. Good understanding of IT and networking systems.

Knowledge and Skills Required

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

• Working knowledge of audio systems, including audio mixing, Dante, QSYS DSP and routing, immersive soundscapes and audio integrated into exhibits

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

• Ability to perform essential functions of installing, maintaining, and operating AV equipment, which may involve using tools, handling materials weighing up to 50 lbs., and working in elevated environments with appropriate safety measures.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with museum exhibition design

• Ability to prioritize and work under pressure

• 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

Supervision

No direct reports

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 range for this position is $31.98 - $33.66.

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.