Closed Captioning Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the contemporary era of digital communication, the role of Closed Captioning Specialists has become increasingly vital.

As technology continues to evolve, the demand for skilled individuals who can accurately translate, transcribe, and synchronize our digital content grows ever stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Closed Captioning Specialist?

Whether you are:

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

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Closed Captioning Specialist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Closed Captioning Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Closed Captioning Specialists are primarily tasked with creating written versions of the spoken word in television programs, films, or video clips to assist those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Transcribing dialogue, sound effects, and musical cues from audio to text
• Ensuring accuracy of transcriptions by proofreading and editing captions
• Syncing captions with corresponding audio and visual elements of a production
• Adhering to specific style guides and captioning rules and regulations
• Ensuring that captions are readable, concise, and meaningful for viewers
• Working closely with video editors and producers to coordinate caption delivery
• Meeting strict deadlines and managing multiple captioning projects simultaneously
• Using specialized captioning software and equipment
• Updating and maintaining a glossary of commonly used terms and phrases for consistency across projects
• Conducting research to accurately caption specialized terminology or dialects

 

Closed Captioning Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented Closed Captioning Specialist to provide accurate and timely captions for our multimedia content.

The responsibilities include transcribing audio, proofreading transcriptions, and synchronizing captions with the corresponding audio-visual content.

An ideal candidate will have excellent listening skills, fast and accurate typing skills, and a thorough understanding of the English language, including grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Ultimately, the role of the Closed Captioning Specialist is to ensure our content is accessible to all, including those with hearing impairments.

 

Responsibilities

• Transcribe audio content of video programming into written captions
• Edit and proofread transcriptions for accuracy
• Ensure captions sync accurately with corresponding audio-visual content
• Adapt to different content genres and styles
• Maintain quality and consistency across all projects
• Adhere to captioning guidelines and legal requirements
• Manage time and workload effectively to meet all project deadlines

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Closed Captioning Specialist or similar role
• Excellent listening skills and attention to detail
• Fast and accurate typing skills
• Strong knowledge of the English language, including grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Familiarity with captioning software and transcription services
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• High School diploma or equivalent; further training or certification in captioning or transcription is a plus

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Closed Captioning Specialist
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Closed Captioning Supervisor or Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $55,000 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 Closed Captioning Specialist Do?

Closed Captioning Specialists primarily work for television stations, online video platforms, film companies, or as freelancers.

They can also work in live event settings such as theaters, conferences, or sports events.

Their main responsibility is to transcribe the spoken dialogue, sound effects, and musical cues in video content into written form.

These written words, known as captions, are displayed on-screen to allow individuals with hearing impairments or those who prefer to read along with the video content to follow the storyline.

Closed Captioning Specialists must be able to accurately and efficiently transcribe dialogue and sounds, ensuring the spelling and punctuation are correct, and the captions synchronise perfectly with the audio.

They also need to have a strong understanding of the content, including the context and nuances, to accurately represent the tone, humor, or emotion in the captions.

In addition, they may be required to edit or revise captions, to ensure clarity and readability.

When working in a live setting, they transcribe the spoken content in real time.

This requires excellent listening skills, fast typing speed, and the ability to work under pressure.

Overall, the Closed Captioning Specialist plays a crucial role in making media content accessible to a wider audience.

 

Closed Captioning Specialist Qualifications and Skills

Closed Captioning Specialists require a mix of technical and soft skills to ensure video content is accurately and effectively transcribed, including:

• Proficiency in language and grammar skills to accurately transcribe audio into written text, and to ensure spelling, punctuation, and grammar are correct.
• Typing skills with a high word-per-minute (WPM) rate and accuracy to keep pace with spoken content and to deliver real-time closed captions.
• Listening skills and attention to detail to accurately interpret and transcribe spoken words, background noises, and other relevant sounds.
• Technical skills to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain captioning software and hardware.
• Awareness of accessibility laws and guidelines to ensure captions meet regulatory standards.
• Time management skills to work on multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Communication skills to collaborate with production teams and to clarify any unclear dialogues or phrases.
• Knowledge of different cultures, idioms, and slang to accurately transcribe conversations and dialogues for a diverse audience.

 

Closed Captioning Specialist Experience Requirements

For entry-level Closed Captioning Specialist roles, candidates may need to have at least 1-2 years of experience in transcription, editing, or a related field.

This experience could be gained through internships, part-time roles, or freelancing.

Proficiency in using captioning software and a strong understanding of grammar, spelling, and punctuation are also necessary.

Candidates for more advanced roles generally require 3-5 years of experience in closed captioning or a related field.

This experience could involve work in video editing, proofreading, transcribing, or other roles that involve meticulous attention to detail and a strong grasp of language usage.

Closed Captioning Specialists with more than 5 years of experience may be considered for managerial or supervisory roles within a closed captioning team.

By this point, they should have substantial experience in creating and editing captions, and be able to effectively manage time, meet deadlines, and lead a team.

In addition to work experience, Closed Captioning Specialists often need to have certifications from recognized industry organizations, such as the National Court Reporters Association.

They may also require specific technical skills, such as speed in typing, familiarity with different captioning styles, and proficiency in using specialized captioning software.

 

Closed Captioning Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Closed Captioning Specialists typically require a bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, or a related field.

They need to have excellent typing skills, usually over 50 words per minute, and proficient knowledge of the English language, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Many roles in this field also require proficiency in stenography, audio transcription, and familiarity with the use of captioning software and equipment.

Prior experience in transcription services or a related field can be beneficial.

Some employers prefer candidates who have experience in live captioning, which requires the ability to transcribe in real-time.

There are also specific certification programs available for Closed Captioning Specialists.

These certifications are not typically mandatory but can prove beneficial when applying for jobs as they highlight a candidate’s professional dedication and competence.

Foreign language skills can also be a significant advantage, especially for positions that require translation or captioning in multiple languages.

These professionals must also have a keen ear and high concentration levels, given the nature of their work, which often involves transcribing complex and fast-paced audio content.

Continued education in the form of workshops, courses, and training in new software technologies can be beneficial to keep up-to-date with the rapidly evolving requirements and technological advancements in the field.

 

Closed Captioning Specialist Salary Expectations

A Closed Captioning Specialist earns an average salary of $47,838 (USD) per year.

The income can vary depending on the individual’s experience, education, and the location of their work.

Furthermore, the type of content they are transcribing, such as live shows or pre-recorded programming, could also influence their earnings.

 

Closed Captioning Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Closed Captioning Specialist need?

A Closed Captioning Specialist must have excellent listening skills, attention to detail, and be able to process language quickly.

They need to have exceptional typing skills, often at speeds of 200 words per minute or more, and be proficient in grammar and punctuation.

Knowledge of multiple languages can be beneficial, as can familiarity with different subjects or topics depending on the content being captioned.

 

Do Closed Captioning Specialists need a degree?

While a degree isn’t strictly necessary to become a Closed Captioning Specialist, many employers prefer candidates who have a degree in English, Communications, or a related field.

Training or certification in closed captioning or court reporting can also be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Closed Captioning Specialist resume?

Apart from excellent typing skills, the resume of a Closed Captioning Specialist should demonstrate their experience in real-time captioning and transcription work.

It’s also beneficial to look for knowledge of captioning software and technology, as well as any specialization in certain subjects or industries.

Proficiency in multiple languages can be a bonus.

 

What qualities make a good Closed Captioning Specialist?

A good Closed Captioning Specialist should be detail-oriented, have excellent concentration, and the ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

They should be self-motivated and diligent to provide the most accurate captioning possible.

Good listening skills and a strong command over language and grammar are also essential traits.

 

What are the daily duties of a Closed Captioning Specialist?

A Closed Captioning Specialist’s daily duties include listening to and transcribing audio content, synchronizing captions with spoken dialogue, and ensuring captions are free of spelling and grammar errors.

They may also be responsible for editing and adjusting captions to fit within time constraints, and occasionally translating foreign language dialogue if they possess the necessary language skills.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricate role of a closed captioning specialist.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about typing words as they’re spoken.

It’s about bridging the gap between sound and silence, one subtitle at a time.

Armed with our closed captioning specialist job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But why halt your journey here?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting picture-perfect job listings or refining your resume to stand out.

Bear in mind:

Every subtitle adds depth to the narrative.

Let’s bridge that gap. Together.

How to Become a Closed Captioning Specialist (Complete Guide)

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