Media Services Technician

Position Summary:
The College of Arts and Science at Vanderbilt University invites applications for the position of Media
Services Technician to supervise the equipment center, studio production spaces, and digital editing lab.
The Media Services Technician will work with the Faculty Director of Media Services to support teaching
and technical training in the Department of Cinema & Media Arts. Primary responsibilities of the position
include managing department equipment needs: tracking equipment inventory, troubleshooting
equipment issues, implementing equipment checkout policies, offering equipment training, providing lab
and studio maintenance, etc. This position also involves helping the Faculty Director design, implement,
and refine processes related to those production spaces and their use, as well as the overall support of
Cinema & Media Arts faculty and students in the dedicated computer lab and studio facilities as needed.
The position is 24-29 hours per week and requires knowledge and understanding of University policies
and procedures.

About the Work Unit:
The Department of Cinema, Media Arts, and Theatre (CMAT) bridges the study, design, and production
of cinema, media, and live entertainment. Students will experience a vibrant interdisciplinary curriculum,
enabling them to hone their skills for creative expression, problem solving, analytical thinking, leadership
and collaboration, cultural awareness, and social engagement. Courses in prepare students for a range
of careers in entertainment industries, arts, public service, and creative entrepreneurship. Within CMAT,
the CMA major offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines filmmaking with the study of media
theory and global film history, approaching film as a modern aesthetic form and hands-on cultural
practice. Our courses cover diverse international cultures, as well as critical and creative practices,
including training in both 16mm film and digital cinematography, and production in fiction, documentary,
and experimental modes. Majors are encouraged to create work outside of the classroom and to submit
senior projects to academic journals, film festivals, and conferences.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the media production facilities and equipment room
• Understand how to operate a variety of Media Production Gear – lighting, sound, camera equipment, and accessories
• Help refine and implement policies regarding equipment checkout and lab usage
• Oversee cleaning, organizing, inventorying, and testing equipment
• Clean and test gear during off-peak periods and regularly throughout semester
• Keep equipment storage room, lighting room, and edit suites organized
• Track equipment usage, needs, and repairs through regular inventory practices
• Ability to identify and make minor repairs to broken gear, knowing how and when to send
  equipment out for major repairs
• Provide technical support to students and troubleshoot equipment issues
• Maintain a small Lighting Studio and Sound Editing Suite
• Identify, research, and recommend new equipment purchases and upgrades to advance our
  teaching mission and satisfy student needs
• Stay current with relevant cinema production software and equipment, attempting to build
  relationships with local vendors to benefit the department
• Work closely with Faculty Director and CMA faculty on various equipment needs, teaching needs,
  and facility access
• Develop plans to train cinema faculty on new production software and equipment and potentially
  assist faculty with classroom demonstrations from time-to-time
• Support training workshops for students and/or faculty on the proper use of our media production
  gear
• Help compile and produce a screening of student work at the end of each semester
• Additional duties as assigned
   

Supervisory Relationships:

This position reports administratively to the Administrative Officer and functionally to the Faculty Director
of Media Services. The position requires interaction with students, faculty, and staff throughout the
Department, College, and University, but does not have supervisory responsibility.

Education and Certifications

• A High School Diploma or GED is necessary.
• An Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution of higher education is
  preferred
   

Experience and Skills:

• 4 to 6 years of related experience is necessary. Relevant education can be substituted for
  required experience.
• Media Communication, New Media, Film or Media Arts, or related degree, and/or experience
  successfully working in the field is preferred.
• Working knowledge of editing software: Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve,
  Pro Tools, etc. is preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of camera, sound, film lighting, production studio set-up, and excellent
  computer skills is necessary.
• Strong organizational & analytical skills are necessary.
• Excellent interpersonal written & oral communications skills are necessary.
• Ability to plan, develop, and coordinate multiple projects are necessary.
• Ability to work both independently and with a team of student workers is necessary.
• Instructional Experience is preferred.