National Geographic Society
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AV Technician I 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.
How You’ll Contribute 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.
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
Salary Information The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. The salary range for this position accounts for a wide range of factors including 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 medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 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; paid holidays; parental leave and fertility benefits; learning and development opportunities; and a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks.
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.
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AV Technician I 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.
How You’ll Contribute 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.
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
Salary Information The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. The salary range for this position accounts for a wide range of factors including 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 medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 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; paid holidays; parental leave and fertility benefits; learning and development opportunities; and a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr