Los Angeles Community College District

Sound Engineer (#4607)

$44.11-$54.64 hourly / $7,645.18-$9,471.04 monthly / $91,742.16-$113,652.48 annual


Definition

Operates complex sound and recording equipment and software in movie and video productions, recording studios, theater productions, and live performances; demonstrates for instructors and students the operation of various audio recording and mixing equipment and accessories; tests and performs minor maintenance on all audio recording equipment used.

Typical Duties

Mixes, records, and edits voice, music, and sound effects using analog and digital sound and recording equipment and software during production and post-production and plays back recorded sound for live performances and special events..

Sets-up, tests, and adjusts acoustical baffles, microphones, loudspeakers, various professional audio mixing consoles and accessories, speakers, and other sound equipment for live programs, performances, recording sessions, and instruction.

Tests, adjusts, and makes minor repairs to all of the sound equipment used by the department.

Reports equipment malfunctions and ensures required repairs are performed.

Demonstrates and assists instructors and students with the proper and safe set-up and operation of digital and analog equipment used in recording, editing, and mixing sound and the effects of various types of post-production equipment.

Maintains an inventory of technical equipment and materials and generates orders to secure a supply of spare parts, tools, and materials as required.

Evaluates and recommends purchases of new equipment and materials, writes specifications, and assists in their acquisition.

May provide training and work direction to student employees.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

A Sound Engineer operates complex sound and recording equipment and software in movie and video productions, recording studios, theater productions, and live performances; makes acoustic and electronic tests on sound equipment and performs mechanical and/or electronic repairs when indicated; uses sound synchronizing equipment for creating and editing soundtracks; and demonstrates for instructors and students the proper and safe operation of various audio recording and mixing equipment and accessories.

A Television/Cinema Engineer is responsible for applying a thorough knowledge of electrical, electronic, digital, electromechanical, optical, and mechanical theories and principles to safely and properly design, operate, install, maintain, and repair a wide variety of specialized equipment resources in television studio, motion picture sound stage, post-production facility, viewing rooms, and all other Cinema/TV production.

Supervision

General supervision is received from a classified or academic supervisor. Work direction may be provided to student employees.

Class Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of sound engineering in areas such as motion pictures, television, and theater including editing, sound synchronizing, and lip-syncing

Equipment and materials used for sound recordings and/or transfers

Set-up, operation, maintenance, repair and storage of sound and recording equipment and media

Recording studio techniques, sound mixing, signal processing, and gain structure

Electronic measurements, calibration, and alignment of audio equipment

Safety precautions, practices, and procedures related to electronic and acoustic equipment

Computer systems and software for audio production, editing, and post production

Basic electronic and local network principles as applied to audio equipment

Acoustical principles

Recordkeeping procedures

Ability to:

Set up, test, adjust, and operate digital and analog sound and recording equipment

Implement software-based audio systems as needed

Adjust sound levels, equalization, and acoustical characteristics of all sound recordings and correct deviations

Mix sound on multi-track and multi-source recordings

Perform minor repairs and adjustments to a variety of complex electronic equipment

Demonstrate to instructors and students the proper and safe operation of all audio equipment, accessories, and associated software

Secure and store supplies

Work effectively and cooperatively with a diverse pool of District staff and students

Keep accurate records

Learn the characteristics of new types or models of sound and recording equipment

Learn general and specialized software applications

Entrance Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Graduation from high school or its equivalent AND three years of full-time, paid experience operating professional sound recording equipment for motion picture, radio, TV, theater, record industry, the military service, or other equivalent industry. One year of full-time, paid experience installing, maintaining, repairing, and testing a wide variety of electronic equipment such as, test instruments, public address systems, television and radio receivers, and electronic instructional aids may substitute for one year of experience operating  professional sound recording equipment. College-level courses in electronics are desirable.

Special:

A Certified Audio Engineer (CEA) issued by the Society of Broadcast Engineers is desirable.

Reasonable Accommodations

Our class specification generally describes the duties, responsibilities, and requirements characteristic of the position(s) within this job class. The duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a particular position within this class may vary from the duties of other positions within the class.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Los Angeles Community College District provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with covered disabilities on a case-by-case basis throughout the application, examination, and hiring processes and throughout employment. If an individual is in doubt about their ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of a position or possession of any other requirement noted in a class specification or job announcement, they should always apply for a position and request reasonable accommodation at the appropriate time.


CLASS: 4607; REV: 9/7/2023;