How You’ll Contribute
The National Geographic Society headquarters, based in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a significant renovation project on its campus (called Base Camp), which will be completed in 2026. Components of the new guest experience will include a state-of-the-art pavilion entrance, auditorium, iconic photo gallery, exhibition space, immersive walk-through attraction, retail, food and beverage, education center, archives, tours, and exciting new event space. The capstone of the renovation is a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience in the courtyard.Your Impact
Your Impact
Responsibilities Include
Operational (90%)
Operate audio, video, lighting and control systems in dynamic and multifunctional spaces for exhibitions and immersive experiences used for marquee, public facing, large scale events
Troubleshoot problems with cutting edge, large scale, highly visible AVL experiences as needs arise in a dynamic, active space to maintain zero downtime
Manage contracted AV labor for permanent, temporary and travelling exhibitions, maintaining NGS’s high standards among project staff
Set up, operate, maintain and strike digital sound console for large scale music and speaker events
Set up, operate, maintain and strike broadcast cameras, broadcast switcher, graphics, video playback and recording for large scale events
Operate, maintain and troubleshoot exhibition IT network, ensuring uninterrupted audio, video, lighting and control network traffic
Operate and maintain sitewide AVL control system, routing video to proper destinations, controlling sitewide lighting, adjust function of spaces from exhibition to event uses, and leverage reporting and maintenance tracking
Leverage industry experience to streamline team operating procedures (SOPs) and practices
Work directly with AV Manager to advise technical design and operation of new exhibits
During Museum of Exploration construction, gain a deep understanding of sitewide Audio, Video, Lighting and networking systems and assist in coordination with architectural and integration partners
Travel to National Geographic’s touring exhibitions for installation and deinstallation of AV, Lighting, IT and Control elements
Collaborate directly with other Experience Technology teams to ensure all spaces function as intended daily, as well as before, during, and after events occur, providing hardware support as needed.
Reporting and Data Management (10%)
Tracks and reports all maintenance and service requests to identify patterns and trends and reduce potential upcoming risks or failures.
Maintain constant contact with Manager, Exhibition AV Technology to ensure maintenance requests and service is tracked and acted upon
Works with the NGS IT team to ensure network provided issues are reported and resolved.
Minimum Education Required
Bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual Engineering or related discipline. Certifications and equivalent experience in related areas will be considered.
Minimum Years and Type of Experience
4+ years of experience performing hands-on work in AV, Lighting, and Show Control systems
In-depth knowledge of IT and networking systems a plus
Knowledge and Skills Required
In-depth knowledge of video systems, including blended projection, low pitch LED, ST2110 & HDbaseT signal flow, broadcast engineering, video equipment repair and high end video processing
In-depth knowledge of audio systems, including audio mixing, Dante transmission, QSYS DSP and routing, immersive soundscapes and audio integrated into exhibits
In-depth knowledge of lighting systems, including sACN and DMX protocols, lighting console programming and operation, and architectural lighting control systems
Familiarity with museum exhibition design a plus
The ability to prioritize and work under pressure is essential
Knowledge of current products and trends in audio, video, lighting, and show control
Understanding of industry best practices
Ability to interact positively and productively with teams across organizational lines
Able to install, maintain, and operate AV equipment; use power tools; lift heavy loads up to 50 lbs.; and work at heights using ladders, scaffolding, or lifts.
Travel
Travel up to 10 weeks throughout the year for travelling exhibit installation and deinstallation
Supervision
Contractors
Salary Information
The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. Our compensation structure and transparent pay philosophy are based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations.
The salary range for this position accounts for a wide range of factors including but not limited to organizational need; specific skill sets; experience and training; certifications; and more. At the National Geographic Society, individuals are typically hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.
The hourly rate for this position is $29.24 - $30.77.
In addition, the National Geographic Society offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; engaging and comprehensive wellness program; 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment; flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave; 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31; paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits; learning and development opportunities; Lifestyle Spending Account; pet adoption assistance and insurance; pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy; employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit; and a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks.
Job Designation
Resident - Our Resident category recognizes that certain staff need to be physically present at Base Camp to do their work. Some Resident staff must be at Base Camp every day to do their jobs, while others may only need to be physically present onsite some of the time to meet looming deadlines or to get work done and may require a unique schedule. As such, this category has been revised to provide maximum flexibility depending on what’s required for each individual role. The days Resident staff come into the office will be determined by their teams and workflow, and they should work with their supervisors to determine their specific schedule. And throughout the year, their schedule may be adjusted based on cyclical work cycles, deadlines, and/or ebbs and flows of work.Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
We 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 that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.