Description
Chautauqua Institution's video production team delivers more than 100 live and on-demand programs each summer to audiences in our Western New York lakeside community and around the world. During a 9-week season the video channel connects lifelong learners to livestreams with inspirational ideas and conversations. Operating in a fast-paced production environment, the video team is responsible for delivering a seamless delivery of all events on our YouTube channel and the archival management of those video assets.
The Camera & Livestream Output Technician is responsible for the capture and broadcasting of all programs to Chautauqua Institution's paid YouTube membership channel. This position is the technical steward of the livestream image - operating, maintaining, and ensuring the quality of live camera feeds and captured content. The livestream team works a 6-day per week schedule with hours based on production needs.
About Your Compensation
Compensation for this position is $17.00/Hour up to $22.00/Hour with demonstrated experience.
About Your Working Day
Operate PTZ and remote camera systems for livestreamed events, following production cues and run-of-show documentation.
Provide quick, efficient camera framing and dynamic shot composition, anticipating movement during live events.
Perform shading, color balancing, and matching of all cameras to maintain consistent visual quality across productions.
Serve as cinematographer for special assignments and remote productions as directed.
Set up, test, and calibrate all camera systems prior to each event, ensuring equipment functionality and adherence to technical standards.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot recording, encoding, and broadcast systems to ensure all livestreams are captured accurately.
Maintain and manage recording systems while adhering to established media-management standards.
Perform regular cleaning, testing, calibration, and light maintenance of camera equipment.
Periodically operate and provide support for various camera systems as needed.
Operate systems to capture, record, and encode programs for broadcast, ensuring technical and perceivable quality of all on-air content.
Work in a broadcast control room alongside other engineers, collaborating to achieve proper technical execution and smooth event broadcasts.
Ensure remote camera systems are properly set up, tested, and "normalled" prior to events.
Follow provided production documents and run-of-show materials to support accurate program execution.
Maintain and distribute detailed logs of each program, documenting technical issues (system malfunctions, incorrect ins, segments, chyrons, outros, etc.) and notable on-air issues (wardrobe malfunctions, obscene gestures, cable management, production design flaws, etc.).
Document edit logs at the conclusion of every program.
Edit livestreamed programs using Adobe Premier as needed.
Document any technical or quality concerns for post-production use.
Work closely with the Executive Producer, Directors and Livestream Technical Director to establish visual brand consistency, camera positioning, and shot composition.
Collaborate asynchronously with colleagues across the organization to achieve program goals.
Engage graciously and professionally with presenters, artists, patrons, and other constituents.
Participate in scheduled department meetings and support additional production or technical duties as assigned.
Work safely in a variety of venue environments, including areas with moderate to loud noise.
May be required to lift up to 50 pounds, climb ladders or stairs, and work at elevated heights or on various structures.
About Your Schedule
Chautauqua Institution and Chautauqua Hotel Company offer flexible schedules, full and part-time, for seasonal employment during summer operations starting annually each June and concluding in August. Seasonal employment may be available earlier (pre-season) and beyond season (post-season) based on business needs and candidate availability. Schedules typically include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as a requirement. While you will confirm your final schedule with management at the time of an interview and offer of employment, you should generally anticipate the following schedule options for this position:
This position requires a six-day work week (Sunday to Friday) ranging from 35 to 40 hours. Limited overtime may be necessary based on production needs. Scheduled hours may include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on production needs.
About Living at Chautauqua
Chautauqua Institution may provide limited housing options within a reasonable driving distance based on business needs. Housing is not an option for many positions and may be of a cost to you. Candidates should assume there are no employer-provided or employer-assisted housing options available for this position unless it is otherwise stated.
Employer provided housing may be available with this position. Shared accommodations include a private bedroom, shared bathroom, kitchen, and living areas.
About the Referral Program
Chautauqua Institution's Referral Bonus Program (https://www.chq.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/CHQ\ReferralBonus\121125.pdf) is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.
About Chautauqua Institution
Chautauqua Institution (https://www.chq.org/) is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities. Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company (https://www.chq.org/discover-chautauqua/accommodations/athenaeum-hotel/) , a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conferencing, and events organization.
Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience
There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience. Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater.
Our Commitment to IDEA
Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) (https://www.chq.org/about/idea/) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward (https://150fwd.chq.org/) . One of our five core values is "The dignity and contributions of all people." We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience. The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA.
Joining Our Talent Community
Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment. You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org
Qualifications
Skills
Required
Audio/Visual Technology: Advanced
Adobe Premiere: Intermediate
Organization Strategies: Intermediate
Critical Thinking: Intermediate
Production/Video: Intermediate
Information Technology: Novice
Dependability: Advanced
Decision Making: Intermediate
Problem Solving: Intermediate
Flexibility: Intermediate
Communication: Intermediate
Preferred
Microsoft Office: Novice
Troubleshooting: Intermediate
Training: Some Knowledge
Quality Control: Intermediate
Network Architecture: Novice
Content Management: Some Knowledge
Computer Skills: Intermediate
Behaviors
Preferred
Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
Motivations
Preferred
Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
Education
Required
Associates or better in Broadcast & Electric Media
Preferred
Technical/other training or better in Information Technology
Licenses & Certifications
Required
Driver's License
Experience
Required
2 years: Livestreaming utilizing software encoders (vMix, OBS, Wirecast, etc.) or hardware encoder systems.
2 years: Operation and management of video recording systems.
1-2 year: Broadcast or DSLR camera operation.
1-2 year: Color science and standards. Color correction and grading on digital media for consistency of image colors and shading.
1-2 year: Encoding via NDI, RTMP and SRT.
1-2 year: IT or Network systems.
1-2 year: General Understanding of XML, JSON, HTML.
2 years: Individual or combined live broadcast, theater or production education/experience.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
