Freelance AV Technician

About the Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity.

About the Department

The Audiovisual Solutions (AV) Department provides subject expertise and delivers trusted and functional engineered audiovisual solutions across the museum’s many platforms and spaces – performances, gallery installations, digital displays, and events, both live and virtual. Our team is proactive, courteous, and collaborative while providing clear and efficient communication in support of our colleagues, partners, and the audiovisual solutions our team integrates.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the delivery, setup, and operation of audio, lighting, and visual presentation/projection systems and video content capture equipment to support all live and/or virtual events and performances.
• Assists in the fulfillment of exhibition, installation and deinstallation support while adhering to best practices and museum standards with aspects of design, implementation, and installation of internal audiovisual exhibition according to the exhibition schedule.
• Troubleshoots existing audiovisual equipment and systems in the museum including: upkeep, organization, cleanliness, and maintenance of equipment, technician booths, control areas, and equipment storage.
• Tracks, reports and supports installed equipment inventory. Verifies accuracy of inventory before and after events.
• Provides consultation, technically orients and assists, as well as, interacts professionally with departments, clients, external and event representatives.
• Provides client or event requester with recorded media documentation of the event.
• Assists in the process of digitally archiving all formats of recorded material as needed for special projects.
• Maintains understanding of current and new audiovisual technology and research developing technology as it pertains to our greater departmental role at the museum.
• Communicates with colleagues about audiovisual equipment and exhibition details. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience preferred.
• At least one year of hands-on experience in live event production, AV staging, theater, higher education, or museum environments. Preference will be given to candidates who possess stage, theater and/or projection, sound mixing experience for live events.
• Working knowledge of historical, current, and emerging audiovisual technology for live events and exhibitions.
• Strong working knowledge of computer platforms and software, such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, project tracking tools (e.g., Jira, Flex), and production software (e.g., QLab, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Pro Tools).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to stay calm and adaptable in fast-paced live production settings.

Physical Requirements

• Navigates varied indoor and outdoor spaces across campus to support live events, load-ins, and gallery installations.
• Operates audio, lighting, and video control stations during rehearsals, setups, and live events for extended periods.
• Transports audiovisual equipment weighing up to 50 pounds across campus, independently, with team assistance, or utilizing equipment like carts and dollies.
• Positions self to route cables, inspect connections, and service gear in tight technical spaces, including under staging and within equipment racks.
• Operates hand tools, computer controls, and audiovisual interfaces with close visual acuity (with or without corrective lenses).
• Works safely at elevated heights utilizing ladders, scaffolding, and motorized aerial personnel lifts following safety training.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hiring Range: $24.00-$26.58/hour

This position is not benefits eligible.

The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

• Job Classification: Non exempt
• Employment Category: Special Services
• Grade Level: 5

If you are accessing this listing from a third party, not all links to salary and benefits information may work. Please visit our career page at saic/artic.edu/employment for complete information

Application Instructions

Please submit your resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Accessibility

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page:

Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.