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Posted: March 9, 2026 (4 days ago)

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Sound Systems Chief

City of Seattle

Seattle Center

Fresh

Location

Salary

$51.29 - $59.73

per hour

Closes

March 25, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This role involves leading a team that sets up, runs, and fixes sound and video equipment for events at Seattle Center's venues and the new Waterfront Park.

You'll supervise technicians, work with clients to meet their needs, manage budgets and inventory, and ensure everything runs smoothly for performances and gatherings.

It's a great fit for someone with hands-on experience in audio-visual tech who enjoys leading a crew in a lively, community-focused environment.

Key Requirements

  • Five years of experience in sound and video systems, including at least two years focused on repair and maintenance of electronic equipment
  • Knowledge of electronics, sound reinforcement, and video systems
  • Supervisory skills to lead, train, and oversee sound and video technicians
  • Ability to design, install, operate, and modify sound and video setups for indoor and outdoor events
  • Experience resolving technical issues and coordinating with clients, performers, and staff
  • Budget management, inventory control, and procurement of equipment and supplies
  • Strong communication for consulting on event needs and inspecting contractor work

Full Job Description

About Seattle Center:

Seattle Center is where community comes together—an iconic, inclusive destination that delights and inspires the human spirit.

Seattle Center is the region's premier civic, arts and family gathering place in the core of our city and region, home to more than 30 arts, cultural, and entertainment organizations, family attractions, and tourist amenities.

Seattle Center expanded its role recently beyond our well-known 74-acre campus, to serve as the City’s lead for operating Seattle’s new Waterfront Park, a series of new public spaces on Seattle’s downtown waterfront between Pioneer Square and the Seattle Aquarium.

As a department of the City of Seattle, Seattle Center contributes to the quality of life for Seattle residents—and the region's economy and image as its top visitor destination.


About this position:

We are seeking a qualified Sound and Video Crew Chief to lead our Sound and Video team within Seattle Center’s Program and Events division.


The crew chief oversees the work of Sound and Video Technicians, both regular and intermittent as they perform a variety of functions in maintaining and operating sound and video systems and ancillary equipment in support of events and other department activities.


This position reports to the Programs and Events Production Manager and is represented by IBEW Local 46.

Requirements

Here is more of what you will be doing:

  • Supervise the design, modification, construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of sound and video systems including sound reinforcement, video presentation and ancillary electronic systems, both in venue and portable configurations for Seattle Center operated venues including the Armory, Fisher Pavilion, McCaw Hall, and other campus locations, indoors and out.
  • Requires knowledge of electronics, sound reinforcement systems, video systems and the ability to train and oversee staff. Judgment is required in selecting the appropriate procedures in designing and evaluating sound and video systems when more than one solution is possible.
  • Resolve problems such as working out technical details of sound and video requirements with clients and Events Service Representatives and discussing unusual problems or conflicts with their own supervisor.
  • Frequent contacts with clients and performers to determine sound and video systems for events and performances and with department staff to coordinate and oversee work activities.
  • Prepare and monitor budget for the unit; maintains inventory of supplies; purchases parts, equipment, and services as needed.
  • Prepare bi-weekly time accounting; process work orders which include labor expended and sound equipment used.
  • Consult with event services staff and potential clients in planning future sound and video system support requirements.
  • Set operational requirements and criteria; recommends sound and video system modification or replacement; coordinate sound and video installations by outside contractors recommending changes to plans and activities; inspect installations made by contractors for acceptable workmanship.
  • Provide technical advice and training to subordinate staff.
  • Coordinate modification and repair of sound and video systems and related equipment with other shop trades personnel.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minium Qualifications:

  • Requires five years of experience including two years in the repair and maintenance of electronic sound and video equipment (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

A Successful candidate may have the following:

  • Proven leadership and supervisory experience
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
  • Experience working in a union environment
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Proficiency in operation of digital audio mixing systems, system control via Ethernet and proprietary networks, computer software (Mac and PC), wireless frequency coordination, video distribution, projection systems, production intercom, conference systems, wireless microphones
  • Certification in Dante Level 3, Adamson Blueprint AV, Yamaha Digital Sound Reinforcement - Dante training course, Yamaha Digital PM Series Rivage, and CL/QL/DM training, AVIXA CTS
  • Proficiency programming in Lake Controller with Lab Gruppen, BSS London and Audio Architect
  • RF coordination of 50+ frequencies using Intermodulation Analysis System (IAS), Shure Wireless Workbench software, and RAD Wireless Intercom
  • Experience with video editing (Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro), video switching and engineering (Ross Carbonite, Xpression, BMD ATEM), video presentation (PowerPoint, KeyNote, ProPresenter, Qlab, VLC) video conference systems and live streaming
  • Experience mixing sound in a large venue for opera, ballet, concerts, lectures, or corporate events
  • Proficiency in design and drawing software (AutoCAD, Visio)
  • Proficiency using acoustic prediction software (ArrayCalc, Smaart, Tuning Capture, Impulse Response measurements)
  • Experience installing and operating fiber optic infrastructure
  • Experience with conference systems (Crestron) and digital media transport
  • Experience with digital video and audio recording and editing systems (Logic Pro).
  • Experience working with professional opera, ballet and theatre companies
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook); and ability to learn required business systems such as Momentous, Workday, Shiftboard, etc.


License, Certification, and other Requirements:

  • Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility


Work Environment/physical demands:

  • Required to meet non-deferrable deadlines for event production
  • Required to work on ladders and catwalks
  • Required to work with high voltages and follow safety procedures
  • Must have normal hearing acuity
  • Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds
  • Seattle Center is a 24/7-hour operation, 365 days/year - work hours may require: days, evening, weekend, and holidays.

Additional Information

The full pay range for this step-progression position is $51.29- $59.73 per hour. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $59.29 hourly. Current City employees’ starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions.


Applications will be accepted for this position until 4:00 pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. To be considered for this position, in addition to completing your application fully, please attach:


  • A PDF of your current resume and cover letter.


Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.


IMPORTANT NOTE: To align with our commitment to equity and the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative, Seattle Center is collecting cover letters and resumes without personal identifiers to achieve a blind screening process.


Driving Record - If you are selected to advance in this hiring process, you may be asked to obtain a complete 5 Year driving record from the Department of Licensing.


Pre-Employment Physical - Due to the tasks associated with this role, you will be required to successfully pass a preemployment physical.


Background Check - Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17.

Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.


Why work at the City?

The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism.

Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same.

To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in dismantling racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and create and provide equitable processes and services.

Seattle Office of Civil Rights)


Benefits – The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

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Posted on NEOGOV: 3/9/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/10/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-seattle-5262006