Captioning Equipment Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of technology and communication, the need for Captioning Equipment Technicians is at an all-time high.

As technology evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can manage, maintain, and troubleshoot our captioning equipment continues to grow.

But let’s dig deeper: What exactly is required from a Captioning Equipment Technician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of captioning equipment maintenance,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable Captioning Equipment Technician job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Captioning Equipment Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Captioning Equipment Technicians are responsible for providing technical assistance to the operation of captioning and subtitling equipment and ensuring its optimal functionality.

They also perform maintenance tasks and provide support during live broadcasts or recording sessions.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Set up and operate captioning and subtitling equipment
• Perform routine maintenance on captioning equipment to ensure optimal operation
• Assist in troubleshooting any technical problems that may arise during the captioning process
• Coordinate with the production team to ensure accurate and timely captions or subtitles
• Monitor the quality of captioning output and make adjustments as necessary
• Keep up-to-date with the latest technology and techniques in the field of captioning
• Work closely with caption writers to ensure accurate captions are available for broadcasts and recordings
• Document technical issues and solutions for future reference
• Provide training and support to new team members on the use of captioning equipment

 

Captioning Equipment Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a skilled Captioning Equipment Technician to join our team.

The prospective candidate will be responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing captioning equipment.

The job role involves understanding the technical aspects of the equipment, providing support to the users, and ensuring that the captioning process operates seamlessly.

Our ideal candidate is one who is detail-oriented, has good problem-solving skills, and is familiar with various types of captioning equipment.

 

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and repair various types of captioning equipment
• Analyze equipment problems and troubleshoot issues
• Provide user support and guidance
• Test and verify system performance
• Maintain equipment logs and documentation
• Stay updated with the latest technologies and updates in captioning equipment
• Coordinate with vendors for equipment servicing and parts replacement
• Perform regular inspections to ensure the equipment is in good working condition
• Comply with safety and quality standards

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Captioning Equipment Technician or similar role
• Knowledge of various types of captioning equipment and technology
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• High school diploma or equivalent; further technical training will be an advantage

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Captioning Equipment Technician
• Work Environment: This role may require working in different settings including offices, studios, or at client locations. Some travel may be required for equipment installations or repairs.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Technical Supervisor or Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Captioning Equipment Technician Do?

Captioning Equipment Technicians are specialized professionals who manage and maintain equipment used in creating captions for video or television programming.

Their main responsibility is to ensure that the captioning equipment is functioning correctly and efficiently.

This includes troubleshooting any technical issues, performing regular maintenance, and conducting system tests to verify performance levels.

They often work in control rooms where they monitor live broadcasts, using their specialized equipment to add real-time captions.

Captioning Equipment Technicians may also be responsible for creating and editing caption files for pre-recorded content.

This involves listening to the audio and accurately transcribing the spoken words into written captions.

They work closely with producers, video editors, and other broadcast technicians to ensure the captions are synchronized with the video and meet the required standards for readability and accuracy.

In addition to their technical responsibilities, Captioning Equipment Technicians must also be aware of and comply with regulations related to accessibility and closed captioning.

 

Captioning Equipment Technician Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Captioning Equipment Technician should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Technical knowledge to understand and operate various captioning equipment and software applications
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate and precise captioning, which is essential for the deaf and hard of hearing community
• Proficiency in English grammar, spelling, and punctuation to provide clear and understandable captions
• Excellent listening skills to accurately transcribe spoken words and sounds
• Fast typing skills to keep up with live broadcasts or events
• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and resolve equipment or software issues
• Ability to work under pressure and manage time effectively due to the fast-paced nature of live captioning
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively with other members of the production team and accommodate requests from clients or broadcasters

 

Captioning Equipment Technician Experience Requirements

Captioning Equipment Technicians generally require a background in broadcasting, electronics, or a related field.

Many technicians start their careers as apprentices or trainees under experienced technicians, gaining hands-on experience with the equipment.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through internships or part-time roles in broadcasting or audiovisual services.

In these roles, technicians can gain experience with a variety of captioning equipment and software, such as character generators, encoders, and captioning software.

Those with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their technical skills and troubleshooting abilities.

They may have experience with different types of captioning such as live, pre-recorded, and online captioning.

They may also have experience with different captioning formats such as closed captions, subtitles, and real-time captions.

Technicians with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience, such as supervising junior technicians or managing a team.

At this point, they may be ready for roles with higher responsibility, such as a Captioning Equipment Supervisor or Manager.

 

Captioning Equipment Technician Education and Training Requirements

Captioning Equipment Technicians typically require a high school diploma or equivalent as an entry-level educational requirement.

However, obtaining an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field such as electronics, telecommunications, or computer science can be beneficial and give a competitive edge.

Along with this, they should have a background in audio-visual technology and a thorough understanding of closed captioning devices and systems.

Training is often done on-the-job and involves understanding the technical aspects of broadcast equipment.

This includes learning how to set up, operate, maintain, and repair the equipment used for closed captioning.

Knowledge of computer systems and software, as well as proficiency in English language and grammar, is also important since captioning technicians are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and timing of captions.

In some situations, prior experience in broadcasting, transcription, or a similar field could be required or preferred.

Furthermore, certification programs are available from organizations like the Society of Broadcast Engineers, which can validate a technician’s skills and knowledge, and may enhance employment prospects.

A Captioning Equipment Technician should also be dedicated to continuous learning and updating their skills to stay current with the evolving technology and industry standards.

 

Captioning Equipment Technician Salary Expectations

A Captioning Equipment Technician can expect to earn an average salary of $51,000 (USD) annually.

The actual income can fluctuate significantly based on factors such as the individual’s specific skills, years of experience in the field, the size of the company, and the region in which they’re employed.

 

Captioning Equipment Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Captioning Equipment Technician need?

A Captioning Equipment Technician should possess strong technical skills in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting a variety of captioning equipment.

They should have keen attention to detail to ensure captions are accurate and well-timed.

In addition, they need good communication skills to interact with team members and clients, and the ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.

 

Do Captioning Equipment Technicians need a degree?

While a degree is not explicitly necessary, most Captioning Equipment Technicians have some form of post-secondary education in fields such as broadcasting, multimedia production, or related technical fields.

It’s more important to have practical experience with captioning equipment and software, as well as a solid understanding of captioning rules and standards.

 

What should you look for in a Captioning Equipment Technician resume?

A good resume for a Captioning Equipment Technician should include experience with various types of captioning equipment and software, demonstrating familiarity with different captioning techniques.

It should highlight their technical skills, attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, and any relevant certifications or training.

Any experience in a broadcast or live production environment would also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Captioning Equipment Technician?

A good Captioning Equipment Technician should be a problem-solver, able to troubleshoot issues quickly and efficiently.

They should have a keen eye for detail to ensure the accuracy of captions and a solid understanding of the technical aspects of broadcast and production equipment.

Good time management skills are also essential, as they will often be working to tight deadlines.

 

Is it difficult to hire Captioning Equipment Technicians?

The difficulty in hiring a Captioning Equipment Technician often lies in finding candidates with the right mix of technical skills, experience with specific equipment and software, and understanding of captioning standards.

As it is a specialized field, the pool of qualified candidates may be smaller, making the hiring process more challenging.

 

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap.

Today, we’ve lifted the lid on the intricacies of being a Captioning Equipment Technician.

Guess what?

It’s not all about operating the equipment.

It’s about orchestrating the seamless flow of information, one subtitle at a time.

Armed with our handy Captioning Equipment Technician job description template and real-life examples, you’re all set for your next career step.

But why draw the line here?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating precision-tailored job listings or refining your resume to achieve excellence.

Always remember:

Every subtitle is a part of the bigger narrative.

Let’s orchestrate that story. Together.

How to Become a Captioning Equipment Technician (Complete Guide)

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