
Audio Engineer IS-1001-11 at Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution · Washington, United States Of America · Onsite
- Professional
- Office in Washington
- Open to all qualified applicants
- 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.
OVERVIEW
This position performs audio engineering work and other technical work in three distinct areas: mastering and sound coordination for Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, collaborating with the Archivist of the Ralph Rinzler Archives and Collections, and the maintenance of all Folkways and other recordings available to the public in a satisfactory and cost-effective manner on media most commonly consumed and used by the general public, or other technology available or yet to be invented. Involves collaborative work with staff members in difference parts of CFCH.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Administrative and Equipment Management: Collaborates with colleagues to evaluate the audio reproduction needs, and equipment, of the Ralph Rinzler Archive and Collections, and works with archivists to maximize the quality of the recordings made in the archives. Prepares an annual budget estimate for Folkways maintenance and purchase of audio equipment and works within the parameters of the budget. Oversees contractors who perform regular maintenance of the audio equipment off-site and ensures that proper repairs are made when required. Researches developments in audio technology, consults with audio engineer colleagues outside CFCH and recommends equipment purchases and format changes to the supervisor.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
experience requirements.
Experience required for this position is as follows:
- Knowledge of the technical field of audio engineering to produce audio recordings in a studio environment, gained through experience.
- Ability to mix tracks from 24 track to 2 track masters transferring from older recordings into new formats, and improving sound through careful digital manipulation, and the use of digital mastering systems to master recordings, gained through experience.
- Knowledge of both analog and digital audio technologies to evaluate audio reproduction needs, gained through experience.
- Knowledge of archival and productions standards for preservation and dissemination of audio recordings.
- Ability to supervise interns and contractors, and ensure their contributions are relevant and effective.
- Ability to create a final audio product that is balanced and equalized to be suitable for listening by the average listener, or distributed via a commercial medium (cassette, CD, LP, streaming) containing music from many different musical traditions that originate in different parts of the world.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally by giving presentations or presenting verbal analyses to artists, producers, curators, engineers, and colleagues to produce the best possible projects in a timely fashion.
- Ability to communicate effectively in writing by developing written presentations and presenting written plans to artists, producers, curators, engineers, and colleagues to produce the best possible projects in a timely fashion.
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.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact: [email protected]. 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 (https://www.si.edu/OEO/IndividualswithDisabilities).