Los Rios Community College District
Approved: April 2004
AUDIO/VISUAL (A/V) PRODUCTION AND MAINTENANCE SERIES
Series Specification
Audio/Visual Production and Maintenance Technician I
Audio/Visual Production and Maintenance Technician II
Chief Broadcast Engineer
DEFINITION
This series specification describes three classes used to provide services in the operation, maintenance,
and application of audio/visual and television production, transmission, and distribution equipment.
POSITION SUMMARIES
A/V Production & Maintenance Technician I: The Audio/Visual Production and Maintenance
Technician I is proficient in executing assigned duties. Under general supervision, incumbents function
as technical specialists. Incumbents are responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of a variety
of audio/visual and audio and video distribution equipment. Incumbents may focus on maintenance,
repair, and operation from the broadcast end or maintenance and operation on the receiving end,
especially as related to distance education programs.
A/V Production & Maintenance Technician II: The Audio/Visual Production and Maintenance
Technician II is an experienced A/V Production and Maintenance Technician I, or equivalent, who is
proficient in executing assigned duties. Under minimal supervision, incumbents function as team leaders
and/or technical specialists. Incumbents are responsible for the operation, and maintenance of all
audio/visual and audio and video distribution equipment with the exception of some television production
equipment. Incumbents who focus on broadcast are responsible for the operation and maintenance of all
audio/visual and audio and video distribution equipment with the exception of some television production
equipment. Incumbents focused on receiving may be responsible for training other classified personnel,
faculty, and/or student workers in the operation of distance education equipment.
Chief Broadcast Engineer: This is the lead position in this class. Incumbents may function as team
leaders and/or technical specialists. Incumbents are responsible for designing, building, operating, and
maintaining television production facilities, transmission equipment, and pathways; interactive television
classrooms, control rooms, and distribution channels; and field production equipment.
TYPICAL DUTIES
A/V Production & Maintenance Technician I
Broadcast: Maintains, adjusts, and repairs audio mixing consoles, monitors, speakers, microphones,
amplifiers, audio recording/playback devices (analog and digital), audio distribution systems, and public
address systems; maintains, adjusts, and repairs television receivers and monitors, cameras, video
recording devices, and video distribution systems; and maintains, adjusts, and repairs a variety of video
and digital projectors. Transports, sets up, and operates all portable audio/visual systems. Operates
control consoles for interactive television classrooms. Assists faculty, staff, and administrators with
audio/video related questions and problems. Installs equipment for multimedia classrooms. Receives,
inspects, tests, and labels all new equipment. Maintains the audio/visual equipment database. Assists
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with television program production, satellite teleconferences, and digital videoconferences. Performs
related duties as required.
Receiving: Assists faculty and staff with: the presentation and delivery of a comprehensive distance
education program (e.g., ITFS, video conferencing, on-line/web enhanced presentations, etc.); production
of instructional materials; and retrieval of recorded programs. Assists staff with telecommunications
network scheduling and programming; monitors all automated network switching equipment; and
coordinates the scheduling of distance education facility sites. Proctors skill and knowledge tests;
clarifies instructors’ assignments; records and files test results in accordance with instructors’ specific
instructions; confers with instructors on students’ progress, class procedures, and instructional methods
on a regular basis; and maintains student records as required for distance education. Coordinates the
collection and distribution of educational materials for various distance education sites. Trains students in
the use of telecommunications/computer equipment, software applications, and appropriate learning
methods and procedures. Trains student workers in the operation of all distance education equipment.
Duplicates audio, video, and other media programs from original materials. Maintains records and files of
instructional materials and equipment; performs minor maintenance on equipment and software.
Receives, files and posts for delivery, equipment requests from the campus community. Performs related
duties as assigned.
A/V Production & Maintenance Technician II
Broadcast: Maintains, adjusts, and repairs audio mixing consoles, monitors, speakers, microphones,
amplifiers, audio recording/playback devices (analog and digital), audio distribution systems, and public
address systems; maintains, adjusts, and repairs television receivers and monitors, cameras, video
recording devices, and video distribution systems; and maintains, adjusts, and repairs a variety of video
and digital projectors. Transports, sets up, and operates all portable audio/visual systems. Operates
control consoles for interactive television classrooms. Assists faculty, staff, and administrators with
audio/video related questions and problems. Receives, inspects, tests, and labels all new equipment.
Designs and installs equipment for multimedia classrooms. Maintains the audio/visual equipment
database.
Assists with television program production, satellite teleconferences, and digital
videoconferences. Acts as a focal point for requests, problems and issues affecting the unit. Evaluates
and recommends equipment for potential purchase. Provides technical architectural position summary
and modification guidelines. Participates in the development of procedures, policies, and guidelines for
the operation of the department. Interviews and trains student assistants each semester as needed.
Receiving: Assists faculty and staff with: the presentation and delivery of a comprehensive distance
education program (e.g., ITFS, video conferencing, on-line/web enhanced presentations, etc.); production
of instructional materials; and retrieval of recorded programs. Assists staff with telecommunications
network scheduling and programming; monitors all automated network switching equipment; and
coordinates the scheduling of distance education facility sites. Proctors skill and knowledge tests;
clarifies instructors’ assignments; records and files test results in accordance with instructors’ specific
instructions; confers with instructors on students’ progress, class procedures, and instructional methods
on a regular basis; and maintains student records as required for distance education. Coordinates the
collection and distribution of educational materials for various distance education sites. Trains students in
the use of telecommunications/computer equipment, software applications, and appropriate learning
methods and procedures. Trains student workers in the operation of all distance education equipment.
Duplicates audio, video, and other media programs from original materials. Maintains records and files of
instructional materials and equipment; performs minor maintenance on equipment and software.
Receives, files and posts for delivery, equipment requests from the campus community. Performs related
duties as assigned.
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Chief Broadcast Engineer: Acts as lead in the designing, building, operating, and maintenance of
television production and distribution facilities. Acts as focal point for solving television production and
maintenance problems for campus, outreach centers, and/or District Office. Serves as technical advisor to
college and District staff and directs the development of installation and maintenance procedures.
Provides leadership, direction, and training for faculty and staff to maximize the interactive learning
experience. Provides technical guidelines on major projects related to field of expertise. Maintains all
required FCC licenses and directs the research, planning, and implementation of migration from analog to
digital technologies. Functions as lead for A/V Production and Maintenance Technicians and student
assistants. Performs related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE
A/V Production & Maintenance Technician I: An Associate of Arts degree in telecommunications
technology, television production, engineering technology, or electrical engineering or a related field, OR
completion of a certificate program equivalent to an Associate of Arts degree in engineering or electrical
engineering, telecommunications, or TV production AND one year of experience in the maintenance and
operation of radio transmitters/receivers with a background in fiber optic, digital, and analog video
systems or one year of experience directly related to distance broadcast education or TV production.
A/V Production & Maintenance Technician II: An Associate of Arts degree in telecommunications
technology, television production, engineering technology, or electrical engineering or a related field OR
completion of a certificate program equivalent to an Associate of Arts degree in engineering or electrical
engineering, telecommunications or TV production AND Two years in class of A/V Production and
Maintenance Technician I with increasingly responsible activities related to the area of responsibility; OR
four years of experience directly related to distance broadcast education. OR a combination of training
and/or experience totaling six years that is likely to have provided the required level of knowledge and
abilities to be successful in distance education broadcast or receiving services.
Chief Broadcast Engineer: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in telecommunications, engineering, or
electrical engineering OR an Associate of Arts degree in engineering technology, or electrical engineering
or a related field plus two years of related experience AND An additional three years in class of A/V
Production and Maintenance Technician II or equivalent experience in television studio operations and
maintenance with a background in fiber optic, digital, and analog video systems.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (ALL):
Valid FCC General Radio/Telephone Operators License or Society of Broadcast Engineers certification is
preferred for Technician level II (Broadcast) and required for Chief Broadcast Engineer. Any offer of
employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a medical evaluation.
KNOWLEDGE OF
A/V Production & Maintenance Technician I and A/V Production & Maintenance Technician II:
Knowledge of audio production and delivery and/or receiving standards, practices, and techniques;
television production practices; and technical problem solving techniques. Knowledge of organizational
processes, practices, and policies; instructional delivery methods and techniques; effective
communications technique. Knowledge of computer applications including: word processing, E-mail,
spreadsheets, databases, and Internet applications. Knowledge of principals and practices of electrical
and electronic theory needed to maintain and operate a large audio/visual equipment inventory; and
sources of new parts and repair items.
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A/V Production & Maintenance Technician II:
management techniques.
Knowledge of effective leadership and project
Chief Broadcast Engineer: Knowledge of electronic principles, practices, and techniques involved in all
aspects of television from basic electronics through Ultra High Frequency digital transmitters and
receivers including standard analog and digital broadcast operating systems, microwave transmission
systems, fiber optic systems, broadband cable systems, satellite earth stations, and instructional television
fixed service. Knowledge of production and post-production facility requirements and systems; field
production requirements and techniques; and industry standards. Knowledge of future industry directions
in the development of new products; copyright law; technical problem solving techniques; and television
production techniques. Knowledge of videotape life cycle and long-term archiving of videotape.
Knowledge of audio and video editing requirements and techniques; effective communication, leadership,
and project management techniques; and effective customer relations. Knowledge of common computer
applications such as word processing, E-mail, and Internet applications.
SKILLS IN
All Levels: Skill in inspecting and evaluating the quality of products; critical thinking; finding
information and identifying essential information; and finding ways to structure or classify multiple
pieces of information. Skill in controlling the operations of equipment or systems; determining the kind
of tools and equipment needed to do a job; and identifying the nature of problems. Skill in understanding
written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents; communicating effectively with others
orally and in writing as indicated by the needs of the audience; and listening to what other people are
saying and asking questions as appropriate.
Chief Broadcast Engineer: Skill in developing an image of how a system should work under ideal
conditions; controlling the operations of equipment or systems; determining the kind of tools and
equipment needed to do a job; identifying the nature of problems; and problem solving.
ABILITY TO (ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS)
All Levels: The ability to perform the basic functions of the position; sustain regular work attendance;
work cooperatively and effectively with faculty, students, staff, peers, and management; exercise
initiative and mature judgment; work as a member of a team; and develop and meet schedules and time
lines. The ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and complete the workload of assigned areas of
responsibility and work independently with minimum supervision; understand complex procedures and
instructions; and learn and adapt to new technologies, procedures and policies. The ability to prioritize
and coordinate activities with vendors, users, and staff.
A/V Production & Maintenance Technician II and Chief Broadcast Engineer: The ability provide
team leadership and direction; understand and explain complex procedures and instructions; and learn and
adapt to new technologies, procedures and policies. The ability to prioritize and coordinate activities with
vendors, users, and staff.
Chief Broadcast Engineer: The ability to design and build a system to meet verbal and written
requirements and to plan and create a working drawing of equipment for an application.
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Physical and Environmental Factors (All Levels): The ability to move, lift, maintain, and service A/V
and related equipment; stand, sit, and maneuver for long periods; bend/reach at wrist and knees; lift heavy
objects (up to 70 pounds) with and without assistance; sometimes work 12 feet above the ground; reach,
grasp, pull, push equipment; stoop and crouch.
TYPICAL EQUIPMENT USED (May include, but not limited to)
Technicians:
 Hand and power tools
 Test equipment (volt ohm meter, audio and video signal generators, oscilloscopes, transistor
tester, and audio tone generator)
 Audio equipment (amplifiers, speakers, microphones, mixing consoles, mixing boards, public
address systems, recording, duplicating, and playback devices)
 Video equipment (cameras, recorders, duplicators, TV receivers and monitors, video switchers,
character generators)
 Projection equipment (slide, film, overhead, and video projectors, LCD digital projectors, scan
converters and computer interfaces)
 Broadband cable systems (modulators, splitters, combiners, and coaxial cable distribution
amplifiers)
 Studio cameras and audio equipment and their peripherals
 Field and postproduction equipment including linear and non-linear editing equipment.
 Computer, printer, and copier
Engineers: (the above, plus)
 Studio lighting equipment and peripherals
 Engineering and test equipment (waveform monitor, vector scope, master sync generator, etc.)
 Distribution equipment (satellite earth stations, modulators, demodulators, combiners, distribution
amplifiers, coaxial and fiber optic networks, transmitters, receivers, antennae, and various cable
head-end equipment)