Job Description
Audiovisual Operator, HG-3901-07
Application Deadline: 30 June 2026
Department: Office of the Chief Information Officer
Employment Type: Temporary
Location: Washington, DC
Compensation: $25.00 - $30.00 / hour
OPEN DATE: June 16, 2026
CLOSING DATE: June 30, 2026 * This announcement will close once 50 applications have been received, which may occur prior to the listed closing date. *
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary NTE 1 year
SCHEDULE: Intermittent
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Open to all qualified applicants
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
- Complete a Probationary Period.
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
- The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
- Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Requires ability to work in dark and noisy environments.
- Requires ability to work indoors and outdoors in all weather types. Requires ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs; requires ability to push carts with more than 100 lbs weight on them. Must be able to wear required safety shoes and gloves. Requires ability to walk long distances. Requires ability to stand for up to 4 hours at time. Requires ability to climb ladders.
- Requires skill distinguishing among shades of colors. Requires ability to hear accurately below 80 dB SPL.
- This position requires adherence to a professional dress code appropriate to event and workplace standards.
This position is located organizationally in Smithsonian Event Technologies (SET), Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Under Secretary for Finance and Administration, Smithsonian Institution (SI).
SI is a diverse museum and research complex dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge. SI’s information technology (IT) needs are led and provided by OCIO. Based in the National Museum of American History, SET is responsible for providing audiovisual (AV) live event and media production services to all of SI, which includes its museums, research facilities, offices and agencies engaged in operations, outreach and education activities (e.g., events, exhibitions, conferences). SET broadens SI’s reach through the use of audiovisual and telecommunications technologies such as:
- sound reinforcement systems
- recording devices
- computers
- media editing software
- broadcast equipment
- data projector
- stage lighting
This position provides complete audiovisual technical support for events by operating equipment, preparing and managing gear, and executing production tasks to ensure reliable, high quality audiovisual event services.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Events & Media Production
- Set up, operate, and break down AV equipment (audio, video, lighting, projection, broadcast, virtual event tools).
- Ensure high‑quality sound and visuals for events across Smithsonian venues.
- Troubleshoot technical issues and support event personnel.
- Review equipment needs and adapt to last‑minute changes.
- Provide informal guidance to junior operators.
Projects & Technical Support
- Assist with equipment moves, cleaning, organization, testing, and calibration.
- Support venue system checks, restocking, and informal inventories.
- Research equipment and help specify/integrate AV systems.
- Perform preventive and corrective maintenance.
Customer Support
- Work directly with performers, staff, executives, media, and other stakeholders.
- Maintain strong client relationships and ensure event needs are met.
- Report compliments, issues, and unusual occurrences through proper channels.
Administration
- Complete required paperwork and data entry.
- Use SI email and cloud‑based tools for communication and file management.
- Communicate regularly with leadership.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Education (if positive education is required) and Experience:
To qualify for this position, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from an accredited four-year college or university and/or 3-5 years of related experience (described below); or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Operates and troubleshoots a wide range of AV equipment (audio, video, lighting, projection, broadcast, virtual event tech).
- Diagnoses equipment issues and performs basic repairs or adjustments.
- Uses cloud‑based tools, mobile devices, and Office 365 to support event operations.
- Works independently, prioritizes tasks, and ensures equipment is event‑ready.
- Performs physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 70 lbs and moving heavy equipment carts.
- Works safely in environments with dust, solvents, electrical components, and moving parts.
· Technical experience
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact
[newtonr@si.edu] Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s
Accommodation Procedures The Smithsonian Institution is an
Equal Opportunity Employer To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following:
https://www.si.edu/oeo
