Technical Specialist I (A/V Technician)

Incumbent is fully familiar with and capable of operating all Audio Visual (A/V) equipment and accessories in the DEA/HQ Auditorium, the Press Room, approximately 100 conference rooms and a limited number of private offices throughout the DEA/HQ complex. The systems and equipment include, but are not limited to, the following:

o Cisco Room Kit & Integrated systems.
o Cable television systems.

• Incumbent has experience developing lesson plans and conducting engaging and interactive user training.
• Maintains the reservation/scheduling calendar for both the DEA/HQ Auditorium and Press Room at DEA/HQ.
• Operates all equipment, switcher, mixers, consoles & software to control: room lighting, stage lighting, remote cameras, projectors & video projection screens, TV/monitors, speakers, microphones, recording equipment, A/V feeds, etc., for the Auditorium and Press Room.
• On a daily basis, responds to work requests from DEA personnel to assist with the proper set-up, testing and operation the A/V systems & equipment in all DEA/HQ conference rooms, etc., if required and depending on the end-user's skill-level.
• When needed, Incumbent assists DEA personnel to connect visual presentations they have prepared using software such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, etc., for their meetings.
• In advance of all scheduled events in the Auditorium & Press Room, Incumbent contacts the customer to get a clear understanding of the A/V requirements needed to ensure a high-quality presentation/recording/broadcast, etc.
• Makes recommendations to customers to ensure the best A/V experience for the planned event.
• Positions all A/V equipment, lighting and systems, as required.
• Troubleshoots technical issues and performs minor maintenance as required, e.g., replaces projector bulbs, etc.

• Coordinates with the DEA, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs (CP), when the Auditorium and/or Press Room are used for CP-hosted events such as press conferences, graduations, Red Ribbon and DEA Memorial events.
• Coordinates with the DEA, Office of Administration, Office Services Section (FSOS), on the setup of tables, chairs, podiums, flags, etc., required for all events in DEA Headquarters.
• Coordinates with Building Management when non-standard custodial services are needed.
• Maintains all A/V equipment in working order at all times and, keeps equipment clean & free of dust.
• Receives direction from the DEA, Office of Information System's (TC), Help Desk, to troubleshoot problems with network configurations supporting the A/V infrastructure and the internal cable TV system.
• Submits work tickets to the DEA's audio/visual maintenance vendor to correct hardware or software related problems.
• Ensures DEA's maintenance & repair persons properly repair/replace and test malfunctioning equipment before allowing them to leave the work site.
• Coordinates with various DEA offices and the DEA's A/V equipment vendor to complete approved adds, moves, replacements or removals of low-level equipment i.e., TVs and monitors, Cisco Room Kits or other related A/V components.
• Notifies the appropriate DEA personnel of the need for A/V related supplies & equipment, e.g., foam microphone windscreens, gaffer's tape, microphone stands, etc.
• Ensures all A/V, electric, and other cables on the floor are covered & secured to prevent tripping/falling hazards.
• Maintains an inventory of all accountable equipment used in the auditorium and media room.
• Secures all A/V equipment in the Auditorium and Press Room when not in use.
• Incumbent will conduct recurring User Training for DEA employees and contractors on the A/V system in found in each DEA/HQ conference room.
• Incumbent will offer live User Training on a quarterly or biannual basis, in one of the many conference rooms at DEA/HQ.
• Incumbent will develop engaging and interactive lesson plans and use existing platforms to announce scheduled and upcoming training dates.
• Incumbent will develop user-guides for the A/V equipment in the DEA/HQ conference rooms and will update the user-guides, as needed.
• Incumbent will coordinate with the appropriate DEA employee to have the userguides posted on DEA/FS' internal website, etc.
• The position is largely sedentary but some lifting and carrying (up to 75 lbs.) may occasionally be required in the performance of duties. The Incumbent may be required to climb ladders to service equipment.