Documentary Camera Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.
Job Summary
Caltech Academic Media Technologies (AMT) is a film production and event support team providing innovative, creative, and technical solutions for Caltech's mission-critical efforts in research, education, and outreach. AMT's activities include: creating videos and broadcasts for education, outreach, promotion, news, fundraising, stewardship, and internal and external communications; supporting in-person, hybrid, and virtual events for the Board of Trustees, Office of Community and External Relations, academic divisions, campus clients, and JPL; and providing technology, tools, and training for teaching and learning.
This position resides in a fast-paced environment and requires strong technical and creative skills in film and event production, broadcasting, educational technology, graphic design, and audio-visual support. The ability to work with the AMT team, campus clients, and vendors is critical for success.
Job Duties

• Assist in all aspects of video and audio production for documentary style filming including setting up, cabling, and operating 4k studio production gear, GoPro video cameras, microphones, audio mixing boards, lights, green screens, and other relevant equipment and software.
• Record video and audio of live events using 4k studio cameras, microphones, audio mixing boards, and other relevant equipment and software.
• Set up and operate live streaming hardware and software for Caltech broadcast channels including YouTube.
• Edit video and audio footage and encode for various deliverables such as media for YouTube, social media, podcasts, and live events.
• Create graphics for video and event productions in several media formats.
• Provide technical event support for hybrid meetings using Teams and Zoom meetings, Room, and webinar platforms, including customizing event registration pages and audience surveys, and generating post-event reports and summaries.
• Mix live audio and perform post-production audio sweetening.
• Assist in supporting the video and multimedia for Caltech's online course initiatives including: training the instructors and staff how to audio, video, and screen record; supporting the recordings; editing and uploading content; and troubleshooting the online course platform.
• Craft audio-visual solutions for events with campus clients requiring site visits, audio-visual problem solving, vendor coordination, and preparing quotes and invoices.
• Coordinate with external vendors for documentary and live-event productions.
• Setup and maintain audio-visual equipment for events including cameras, microphones, mixing boards, projectors, speakers, amplifiers, projectors, and related audio-visual equipment for events.
• Provide computer and device support during meetings, conferences, and lectures.
• Propose solutions to problems with high energy and a positive attitude and commitment to continual improvement.
• Meet deadlines within a fast-paced environment.
• Work with flexibility, efficiency, enthusiasm, tenacity, and diplomacy both individually and as part of a team.
• Demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion of varying views, including the ability to interface with people at all levels at Caltech.
• Maintain a high level of quality control through reviewing, editing, and proofing own work and work of others.
• Remain abreast of relevant industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies, and effectively apply this knowledge to all aspects of the position.
• Perform work in accordance with Institute and regulatory agencies (e.g. OSHA, ADA) safety standards and practices.
• Keep track of hours worked on projects, events, and tasks, including generating quotes and invoices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with at least 7 years of related experience.
• Ability to set up and operate audio-visual and recording equipment such as 4k studio and documentary video cameras and accessories such as stabilizers, glide cams, and sliders; audio boards, microphones, amplifiers, and speakers; live broadcasting encoders and equipment; teleprompters; and other relevant equipment.
• High-skill and attention to detail in live event filming.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (AfterEffects, Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator, Media Encoder, Encore, Audition), Pro Tools, Davinci Resolve, Wirecast, Zoom, Teams, OBS, and similar production tools.
• Excellent organizational communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure and present an attitude of attentiveness, courtesy, and professionalism when dealing with other team members, trustees, faculty, administration, staff, post-doctoral scholars, students, community, visiting speakers, and event patrons.
• Working knowledge of various computer software (Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, Zoom, Adobe Acrobat Pro) and operating systems (Mac, Windows, and iOS).
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Ability to work as a team member on a variety of projects.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to bend in all directions, squeeze with arms and hands, crawl under furniture, climb stairs, and work outdoors in all kinds of weather.
• Ability to push and pull rolling items such as carts and camera cases.
• Ability to distinguish colors and differences in brightness on monitors.
• Ability to maintain camera image focus.
• Ability to be directed on camera via headset.
• Effective and tenacious problem-solving skills.
• Must be available to work overtime, evenings, and weekends.
• Must possess a valid California Driver's License.
• Must be able to adhere to the Institute's driving policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Fine Arts degree in film, cinematography, animation, media studies, or related field of study.
• Experience in the following:
• Film production and audio-visual support in a university setting.
• Lecture hall and auditorium operations.
• Online course and learning management platforms such as Canvas.
• Experience with setting up or using a Digital Asset Management system including NAS video storage.
• Innate interest and excitement for research and science a plus.
• Sense of humor a plus.

Hiring Range
$33.50 to $37.25 per hour
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.
Disability Accommodations
Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.
If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.
Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.