National Geographic Society
Overview
The National Geographic Society headquarters, based in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a significant renovation project on its campus (Base Camp), which will be completed in 2026. The public-facing portion will be the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, with components including a pavilion entrance, auditorium, photo gallery, exhibition space, immersive walk-through attraction, retail, food and beverage, education center, archives, tours, event space, and a nighttime courtyard experience. 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 exhibitions and experiences. This role supports permanent and traveling exhibitions at the Museum of Exploration and plays a key part in ensuring zero downtime. The AV Technician I reports to the Manager, Exhibition AV Technology and is a subject matter expert in AV, Lighting, and IT solutions for exhibitions. You will work with the Experience Technology team to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and contribute to the technical design of Base Camp and future traveling exhibitions. Travel up to 10 weeks per year for installations and de-installations is required. Your Impact Responsibilities
Operate audio, video, lighting, and control systems in dynamic spaces for exhibitions and immersive experiences, including marquee and large-scale events Troubleshoot issues with AV experiences to maintain uptime in active environments Manage contracted AV labor for permanent, temporary, and traveling exhibitions, upholding high standards Set up, operate, maintain, and strike digital sound consoles for large-scale music and speaker events Set up, operate, maintain, and strike broadcast cameras, switchers, graphics, video playback, and recording for large-scale events Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot exhibition IT networks to ensure uninterrupted AV, lighting, and control network traffic Operate and maintain sitewide AVL control systems, route video, manage lighting, and adjust spaces for various uses Leverage experience to streamline SOPs and practices for the team Collaborate with the AV Manager to advise on technical design and operation of new exhibits During Museum of Exploration construction, gain understanding of sitewide systems and coordinate with partners Travel to National Geographic’s touring exhibitions for installation and de-installation of AV, Lighting, IT, and Control elements Collaborate with Experience Technology teams to ensure daily functionality and provide hardware support as needed Reporting and Data Management Track and report maintenance and service requests to identify patterns and reduce risks Maintain regular contact with the Manager, Exhibition AV Technology to track service requests Work with the NGS Technology team to report and resolve network issues What You’ll Bring Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual Engineering or a related discipline is a plus. Certifications and equivalent experience will be considered. Minimum Years and Type of Experience
2+ years of hands-on experience 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 projection, LED, signal flow, broadcast engineering, repair and processing Working knowledge of audio systems, including mixing, Dante, QSYS DSP, immersive soundscapes, and exhibit integration Working knowledge of lighting systems, including sACN/DMX, console programming, and architectural lighting control Ability to install, maintain, and operate AV equipment, including lifting up to 50 lbs. and working in elevated environments with 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 collaborate across teams Supervision
No direct reports Salary Information
The National Geographic Society offers a competitive total rewards package. The hourly salary range is $31.98 - $33.66. The package includes medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, holidays, parental leave, and other benefits; details vary by role and eligibility. Job Designation
Resident - Our Resident category recognizes that some staff must be physically present at Base Camp. Schedules may vary by role and workflow, with adjustments throughout the year based on deadlines and workload. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. W e 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. We want to grow together as part of a more inclusive organization. Seniority level
Entry level Employment type
Full-time Job function
Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology Industries
Non-profit Organizations
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The National Geographic Society headquarters, based in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a significant renovation project on its campus (Base Camp), which will be completed in 2026. The public-facing portion will be the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, with components including a pavilion entrance, auditorium, photo gallery, exhibition space, immersive walk-through attraction, retail, food and beverage, education center, archives, tours, event space, and a nighttime courtyard experience. 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 exhibitions and experiences. This role supports permanent and traveling exhibitions at the Museum of Exploration and plays a key part in ensuring zero downtime. The AV Technician I reports to the Manager, Exhibition AV Technology and is a subject matter expert in AV, Lighting, and IT solutions for exhibitions. You will work with the Experience Technology team to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and contribute to the technical design of Base Camp and future traveling exhibitions. Travel up to 10 weeks per year for installations and de-installations is required. Your Impact Responsibilities
Operate audio, video, lighting, and control systems in dynamic spaces for exhibitions and immersive experiences, including marquee and large-scale events Troubleshoot issues with AV experiences to maintain uptime in active environments Manage contracted AV labor for permanent, temporary, and traveling exhibitions, upholding high standards Set up, operate, maintain, and strike digital sound consoles for large-scale music and speaker events Set up, operate, maintain, and strike broadcast cameras, switchers, graphics, video playback, and recording for large-scale events Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot exhibition IT networks to ensure uninterrupted AV, lighting, and control network traffic Operate and maintain sitewide AVL control systems, route video, manage lighting, and adjust spaces for various uses Leverage experience to streamline SOPs and practices for the team Collaborate with the AV Manager to advise on technical design and operation of new exhibits During Museum of Exploration construction, gain understanding of sitewide systems and coordinate with partners Travel to National Geographic’s touring exhibitions for installation and de-installation of AV, Lighting, IT, and Control elements Collaborate with Experience Technology teams to ensure daily functionality and provide hardware support as needed Reporting and Data Management Track and report maintenance and service requests to identify patterns and reduce risks Maintain regular contact with the Manager, Exhibition AV Technology to track service requests Work with the NGS Technology team to report and resolve network issues What You’ll Bring Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual Engineering or a related discipline is a plus. Certifications and equivalent experience will be considered. Minimum Years and Type of Experience
2+ years of hands-on experience 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 projection, LED, signal flow, broadcast engineering, repair and processing Working knowledge of audio systems, including mixing, Dante, QSYS DSP, immersive soundscapes, and exhibit integration Working knowledge of lighting systems, including sACN/DMX, console programming, and architectural lighting control Ability to install, maintain, and operate AV equipment, including lifting up to 50 lbs. and working in elevated environments with 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 collaborate across teams Supervision
No direct reports Salary Information
The National Geographic Society offers a competitive total rewards package. The hourly salary range is $31.98 - $33.66. The package includes medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, holidays, parental leave, and other benefits; details vary by role and eligibility. Job Designation
Resident - Our Resident category recognizes that some staff must be physically present at Base Camp. Schedules may vary by role and workflow, with adjustments throughout the year based on deadlines and workload. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. W e 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. We want to grow together as part of a more inclusive organization. Seniority level
Entry level Employment type
Full-time Job function
Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology Industries
Non-profit Organizations
#J-18808-Ljbffr