Technician, Sound & Film Resources

The New School•New York, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Parsons School for Design, a division of The New School, seeks a Full-time Technician for Sound Film Resources for the Making Center. Parsons Making Center is a collection of more than 70,000 sq.ft. of labs, shops, studios, and open workspaces that provide curricular support for making across a broad range of mediums and disciplines and support experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Technician should be a personable, proactive, detail-oriented individual who will become integral to the daily workings of the facilities within the Making Center, with the ability to learn new skills and technologies as needed. This is a fast-paced, dynamic environment that runs year-round. The Technician will interface with students and faculty daily and work with Making Center staff to support multiple processes and resources for all users in a range of making spaces, including sound & video production studios and equipment resources, filmmaking equipment center, and production facilities and studios. This is an administrative position, governed by a Local 1205 Teamsters Professional union contract, that reports to the Assistant Director, Sound and Filmmaking Operations.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree and 3 years of relevant or professional experience within the industry.
Flexible schedule - ability to work non-traditional schedules that include nights and weekends, in addition to schedule shifts with semester changes.
Knowledge of a variety of analog and digital filmmaking processes, be familiar with practices related to current media practices - including: analog/experimental/digital audio and filmmaking processes, digital input/output, studio and on-location lighting, experience and knowledge of working with sound recording.
Technical knowledge of analog and digital technologies, including but not limited to 16mm film cameras, digital video/cinema equipment, audio recording equipment, studio and on-location lighting and grip equipment, projectors, steadicams,, media players, mac mini(s), tablets and other smart devices.
Full comprehensive experience in maintaining and troubleshooting equipment/tools.
Understanding of working in a cross-platform (Windows and macOS) environment, with a working knowledge of large-scale hardware and software deployment, network systems, color calibration/profiling.
Direct experience with Adobe Creative Cloud,, Google Docs, Audio production processes and equipment & software including Pro Tools.
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, close attention to detail, and strong organizational and time management abilities.
Strong ability to assist students working in an interdisciplinary and/or experimental manner from concept to fabrication.
Ability to handle objects weighing up to 25 lbs and on occasion may be expected to lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
Knowledge of Webcheckout or comparable equipment management systems.
Knowledge of Motion Capture and Augmented/Virtual Reality practices.
A desire to learn new skills and processes related to Parsons Making Center initiatives.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily workings of the Making Center facilities as assigned and maintain a clean and safe working environment.
Cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment and a respectful shop culture for students, faculty, and staff.
Provide a high level of customer service, maintaining a positive and professional demeanor and attitude in all interactions with students, faculty, and staff.
Work with other Making Center staff on the troubleshooting, repair, maintenance, installation, and continuous operation of a variety of hardware/software technologies and stay current with relevant technology and developments within the field.
Assist supervisor and Making Center Leadership with the following: Support faculty and students, Lead demo sessions about various pieces of equipment, Make hardware/software purchase and process recommendations, Create and update web page content, Create and conduct orientations, trainings, and tours, Participate in the onboarding process for new technician staff through peer-to-peer trainings and skills sharing.
Maintain administrative systems for scheduling, record keeping, inventories, and metrics tracking.
Provide support for store and tool checkout functions as related to assigned areas.
Supervise student workers, including training, tracking accountability, and assigning tasks during shifts.
Become proficient in Web Check Out or current equipment management system within the first 6 months of employment.
Create clear, accurate, user-friendly technical documentation, signage, and instructions for labs and equipment.
Assist with facility improvement projects, shows and installations, and special Making Center, program, school or Parsons-wide initiatives as needed.
Adapt to changes in the work environment; meet deadlines and anticipate facility and checkout center needs, adjusting approach and prioritizing competing demands.
Ability to be proactive in addressing facility needs, including but not limited to maintaining organized workspaces, tracking inventory locations, and monitoring Technician communication networks.
Properly use ladders and other hardware to support facility needs.
Maintain audio and filmmaking equipment, studios, and materials.
Maintain audio and filmmaking interfaces and software in labs.
Perform audio and filmmaking inventory, prepare checkouts, and perform logistics and deliver to classrooms as needed.
Completion of university-required staff training and necessary COF's for all Making Center Facilities within the first 6 months of employment.
Attend regularly scheduled Making Center staff meetings and perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Retirement plan administered by TIAA
Qualified Transportation Expense Plan
Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day
Paid holidays and floating holidays
Career advancement and professional development opportunities
Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations
Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents
Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers