A/V & Event Operations Assistant

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About Petersen Automotive Museum

We are more than just an iconic museum; we're a fast-paced, high-energy team driven by innovation, passion, and a deep love for car culture and storytelling. From world class exhibitions to unforgettable events, we bring history, design, and horsepower to life every day.

At Petersen Automotive Museum, we work hard, move fast, and have a blast doing it, all while pushing the boundaries of what a museum can be. If you’re ready to shift into high gear with a crew that values creativity, integrity, and a good laugh along the way, you’ll fit right in.

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About the Role

Under the supervision of the Audio Visual Assistant Manager, the A/V and Event Operations Assistant supports the planning, preparation, setup, operation, and execution of audiovisual services for private events, corporate functions, museum programs, and special events at the Petersen Automotive Museum.

This position works closely with the A/V Assistant Manager, the Events and Operations departments, clients, and outside vendors to coordinate technical requirements, prepare equipment, assist with event production, and ensure every event runs smoothly. The role also supports audiovisual equipment inventory and maintenance and may independently operate smaller events as assigned. The primary focus is audiovisual event services rather than IT help desk or ticketing support.

What You’ll Do

Event Planning & Coordination

- Assist the A/V Assistant Manager with planning technical requirements for corporate meetings, private rentals, galas, presentations, and museum programs.
- Participate in event walkthroughs and production meetings; review timelines, layouts, equipment needs, and technical requirements.
- Coordinate AV setups with the Events and Operations teams, museum departments, outside vendors, and clients.
- Identify potential equipment, staffing, space, or scheduling conflicts and communicate solutions to the AV Manager.
- Assist with rental equipment coordination, deliveries, and production schedules.

Audiovisual Setup & Event Production

- Set up, test, operate, troubleshoot, and dismantle microphones, speakers, mixers, projectors, displays, LED walls, switchers, and related equipment.
- Support audio mixing, presentation switching, playback, basic lighting, recording, livestreaming, and hybrid meetings as required.
- Perform sound checks, technical rehearsals, equipment startup and shutdown, and event breakdown.
- Monitor live audiovisual systems and promptly resolve or escalate technical issues.
- Serve as the assigned AV operator for smaller events when directed by the AV Manager.
- Maintain safe, organized cable runs and professional event setups.

Equipment & Department Support

- Maintain inventory records for microphones, cables, adapters, speakers, displays, and event production equipment.
- Inspect, clean, test, label, store, and prepare AV equipment before and after events.
- Report damaged or missing equipment and assist with basic preventative maintenance and purchasing research.
- Keep equipment storage areas, carts, and AV workspaces organized.
- Assist with audiovisual systems in museum galleries and event spaces as assigned; escalate major system issues.
- Help prepare event checklists, technical documentation, and basic staff training materials.
- Coordinate assigned setup tasks with temporary technicians and outside vendors as directed.

Who You Are

- Working knowledge of professional AV systems, live-event production, signal flow, and troubleshooting.
- Able to operate audio mixers, wireless microphones, powered speakers, video displays, projectors, and presentation equipment.
- Familiar with Windows and macOS computers used for event presentations and playback.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and presentation applications.
- Strong organization, communication, customer-service, and multitasking skills.
- Remains calm during time-sensitive events and works independently within assigned responsibilities.
- Collaborates professionally with internal departments, clients, and outside vendors.
- Able to work nontraditional hours based on event demands and follow museum safety procedures.

What You Bring & Qualifications

Minimum Education (or substitute experience) required: High school diploma or equivalent. Relevant technical training, certification, or coursework in AV, media, or event production preferred.

Minimum Experience: One to three years of AV support, live event production, event technology, or related hands-on experience preferred; equivalent experience considered. Experience in a museum, hotel, convention center, or event production company is a plus.

Preferred Technical Experience

- Audio: Behringer, QSC, Yamaha, Mackie, wireless microphone systems, and similar professional equipment.
- Video: Panasonic projectors and displays, video switchers, scalers, and HDMI/SDI distribution.
- Production: LED walls, video playback, livestreaming, recording, and presentation switching.
- Digital signage: BrightSign players and BrightAuthor software.
- Lighting: Basic event lighting and DMX controls.

Training may be provided on museum-specific systems; experience with every listed product is not required.

Why Join Us

- Work with a collaborative, supportive team that values hard work and a bit of fun.
- Thrive in a culture that celebrates accountability, curiosity, and kindness.
- Make a meaningful impact, your voice and ideas are valued.
- Enjoy competitive pay, benefits, professional development, and room to grow.