Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide audio visual services to support the production and presentation of a range of public and private events, shows and projects held within and/or across the OSC and off site as required.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Provides a range of audio visual services across the OSC in support of programs, events, shows and related projects including assembly, installation, maintenance and operation of state-of-the-art audio visual equipment and technology for these programs and events, such as projection systems, video and audio systems and their distribution networks, satellite receiving systems, and computers and the interface of computers to visual presentations and sound system.

2. Designs, installs and operates sound, video presentation and lighting systems based on production plans developed by the Group Leader for clients both within the Ontario Science Centre and outside clients through the facility rental department (e.g. Science Engagement, school/educational programming) for the production of a range of events, shows, theatrical productions and projects held within the OSC.

3. Draws layouts and schematics of cabling and all components with respect to building the network of audio and video in the building and of the various systems installed in permanent and temporary presentation venues (e.g. Imperial oil Auditorium)

4. Selects microphones, sets them in the best place, connects them to the mixer and makes adjustments in gain and equalization to accomplish high quality sound and avoid problems such as feedback, popping and sibilance. Sets speakers in the best location for proper sound coverage and levels. Ensures that the systems are interconnected properly ensuring impedances and signal levels are appropriately matched (e.g. mic/line levels and Hi/Lo impedances).

5. Coordinates and "stage manages" other technicians, performers, lecturers, other staff members, to ensure a seamless professional show/presentation. Oversees rehearsals and advising on equipment use, directing performers, directing or suggesting cues for lighting, sound, music, film or video clips, organizing people on stage and backstage.

6. Performs Console Operator functions for the operation of lighting, sound and video projection and control equipment in the OMINMAX Theatre.

7. Provides back up to the Group Leader in assessing and defining client needs for productions.

Staffing and Licensing :

Willingness to work days, evenings, weekends and holidays.

Knowledge :

Job requires knowledge of:
•The principles and general accepted practices of the technical planning, staging, production and direction of live theatrical events and the theory and practical use of all components of state of the art sound and lighting systems including microphones, audio mixing consoles, loudspeaker systems, preamplifiers, power amplifiers, lighting control consoles, dimmers, various lighting instruments, mounting hardware and safety equipment to utilize a range of equipment and technology in the provision of audio visual services across the OSC and to act as Console Operator as required.
•The theory, use and maintenance of digital projection systems and media servers, digital cinema and sound processing equipment.
•The theory and use of transmission and reception of wireless audio and video transmission and data signals (e.g., radio frequency wireless audio and video transmission and reception equipment) satellite receiving systems, and general satellite broadcast requirements, compressed Wide Area Network technologies.
•Mathematics to deal with linear to area conversions, of trigonometry, inverse square law, scientific and engineering notation, to calculate such values as screen sizes, projection throws, lens focal lengths, amplifier loads, impedance and projection angles.
•Relevant provincial and federal legislative authorities regarding theatre operations (including the Occupational Health and Safety Act) to ensure compliance.
•Customer service standards within OSC to ensure standards are met in quality experiences for visitors to the OSC.

Skills :

Job requires:
•Reasoning and assessing skills to determine appropriate set up, connectivity and operation of various audio visual equipment to meet production plans and needs of clients for quality sound, lighting, etc. for overall show quality
•Analytical skills to apply various theoretic methods and practices to solutions for the provision of audio visual services.
•Troubleshooting and problem solving skills to plan and execute audio visual support for all activities and to fix unanticipated, unusual sound and image problems on last minute notice.
•Problem solving skills to diagnose and repair unanticipated system or equipment failures.
•Oral communication skills to deal with staff and clients and provide technical information in layperson's terms including advising on the use and capabilities of equipment.
•Writing skills to be able to capture and document processes, operating procedures, production cues and details

Freedom of Action :

•Job requires working with the capabilities of audio visual equipment, established specifications and within production plans.
•Job requires often working independently during the set-up and execution of plans during shows, programs, events with no immediate access to the Group Leader or Director.
•Job requires latitude in decision: making by identifying optimum methods to use audio/visual equipment for quality of: presentation, anticipation and resolution of technical problems to avoid interruption of shows including those as Console Operator in the OMNIMAX Theatre.
•Job requires checking equipment performance and maintaining and repairing as required.
•Job requires providing input for possible enhancements and upgrades to equipment, auditorium, theatres and other sites.
•Job requires maintaining clean, safe and secure show, storerooms, projection and control rooms. Job requires referring major technical issues to the Group Leader or Director as required.