Freelance Camera Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Title: Technical Director
Location: Alexandria, VA (On-Site)
Travel: Flexibility in working hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, based on project needs.
Summary:
The Technical Director (TD) is responsible for the technical execution of live broadcasts, recordings, and productions in a studio or remote environment. The TD ensures all technical aspects are operating smoothly and coordinates with other departments to achieve a high-quality broadcast. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to troubleshoot and solve problems in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities:

1. Live Production:
   • Direct and switch multi-camera broadcasts and live events, ensuring seamless transitions and high-quality output.
   • Collaborate with the producer, director, and other crew members to execute the creative vision of the production.
   • Manage the technical aspects of the control room during live broadcasts, including video switching, audio mixing, graphics insertion, and camera operation.
2. Pre-Production:
   • Participate in production meetings to understand the technical requirements of each project.
   • Set up and configure control room equipment, including video switchers, audio boards, and graphics systems.
   • Create lower thirds and other on-screen graphics, ensuring they align with the broadcast's style and content.
   • Test and ensure all equipment is functioning correctly before the start of any production.
3. Post-Production:
   • Coordinate with the editing team to ensure the recording of live broadcasts meets post-production needs.
   • Provide feedback to the production team for improving future broadcasts.
4. Equipment Management:
   • Maintain and troubleshoot all control room and studio equipment, ensuring it is in good working order.
   • Coordinate with engineers to repair or replace faulty equipment as necessary.
5. Team Leadership:
   • Supervise and direct a team of camera operators, audio engineers, and other technical staff during live broadcasts.
   • Provide training and guidance to team members on the use of control room equipment and production processes.
   • Foster a collaborative environment that promotes effective communication and teamwork.
6. Freelancer Coordination:
   • Identify the need for additional technical staff, such as cameramen or another Technical Director, for larger productions.
   • Contact and coordinate with freelancers to ensure all technical roles are adequately staffed.
   • Manage the scheduling and logistics for freelance personnel.
7. Technical Support:
   • Act as the primary point of contact for any technical issues during a broadcast.
   • Quickly diagnose and resolve technical problems to minimize disruption to the broadcast.
   • Work closely with the engineering team to implement technical solutions and improvements.
8. Documentation and Reporting:
   • Create and maintain detailed documentation of technical setups, signal flows, and equipment configurations.
   • Provide regular reports on equipment status, technical issues, and production outcomes.
   • Participate in post-event debriefs to discuss technical performance and areas for improvement.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a technical director role or similar position within a broadcast environment.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in operating broadcast equipment such as video switchers, audio consoles, routing systems, graphics systems, and camera controls. Familiarity with broadcast standards and signal flow.
• Software Proficiency: Experience with broadcast software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Avid, Final Cut Pro, or similar tools. Knowledge of video codecs and formats is a plus.
• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership abilities with experience managing technical teams in high-pressure environments.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues quickly and efficiently.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with creative and technical teams.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required by production schedules.

Benefits at Red Carrot:
At Red Carrot, we empower you to be a leader. We attract and develop talent from all backgrounds because we believe there's strength in diversity, offering different perspectives and skills. Together, we can solve our client's biggest challenges. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package.

• Training and Development - Tuition reimbursement and professional trainings for eligible employees.
• Healthcare - Top-tier medical, dental, vision, life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) Plan - 401(k)-retirement and Roth plan with company matching and no vesting period.
• Profit Sharing - Discretionary profit-sharing plan to all eligible employees after one year of employment.
• Paid Time Off - Provides flexible work hours, paid time off, and 11 federal holidays.

About Us:
Red Carrot is an award-winning, woman-owned small business built for the complexity of federal government work. We partner with clients to advance their goals - powered by a team fueled by passion, backed by intelligence, and grounded in expertise.
From day one, we've applied industrial engineering principles and data analytics to solve complex problems with precision. Our approach is research-centric, data-informed, and audience-oriented - and it's how we deliver work that actually moves the needle.
We exist to strengthen the organizations and communities we serve through trusted, purposeful communication. That's not a tagline - it's the standard we hold ourselves to on every engagement.
Headquartered in Miami, Florida, with a strong and growing presence in Washington, D.C., our team works with clients across the country. Distance doesn't dilute our service. We build capacity where our clients need it, delivering Strategic Communications, Customer Experience, Management Consulting, and Human Capital Solutions that fit their mission - and their moment.
We're the partner organizations turn to when communication challenges are real, the stakes are high, and the work has to matter.