Live Event Captioner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of live events, the need for live event captioners has never been greater.

As the accessibility of live events continue to expand, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can transcribe, interpret, and ensure that our communication remains barrier-free.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from a live event captioner?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of live event captioning,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable live event captioner job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Live Event Captioner Duties and Responsibilities

Live Event Captioners provide real-time transcription for live events, including speeches, conferences, and broadcasts.

They use specialized equipment to convert spoken language into written captions, which are displayed onscreen for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Listening carefully to live audio feeds and accurately transcribing spoken words into written form
• Using shorthand typing and other specialized techniques to keep pace with the speed of live conversations
• Reviewing and correcting captions for accuracy and coherence in real-time
• Working closely with the event organizers to understand specific terminology and jargon related to the event
• Adapting to changes in the speed or content of the event and ensuring the captions match the spoken dialogue
• Maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of all information encountered during the course of work
• Performing technical tasks such as setting up and operating captioning software and equipment
• Coordinating with the technical team to troubleshoot any issues with the audio feed or the display of captions

 

Live Event Captioner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Live Event Captioner to provide real-time captioning for various events.

The candidate will be responsible for converting live spoken words into written text ensuring accuracy, completeness, and readability.

The ideal candidate should have excellent listening and typing skills, with a strong understanding of grammar and punctuation rules.

Familiarity with industry-specific terminology and the ability to work under tight deadlines are also essential for this role.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide real-time closed captioning for various live events
• Transcribe spoken dialogue accurately and quickly
• Edit captions for clarity, readability, and grammar
• Ensure the correct identification of speakers and proper annotation of sound effects
• Coordinate with the technical team to ensure smooth broadcast
• Resolve captioning issues promptly to ensure continuity
• Keep updated with linguistic and cultural trends
• Prepare and maintain a dictionary of industry-specific terms
• Ensure compliance with accessibility laws and regulations

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a live event captioner or similar role
• Proficient typing skills (200+ words per minute)
• Excellent listening skills and a keen attention to detail
• Strong understanding of grammar and punctuation rules
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Knowledge of industry-specific terminology
• Technical aptitude to manage broadcast equipment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• A certificate in court reporting, captioning or a related field is preferred

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Live Event Captioner
• Work Environment: This role is primarily remote, with occasional on-site work as needed for specific events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Live Event Captioning Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time or Part-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 Live Event Captioner Do?

Live Event Captioners, also known as stenocaptioners, provide real-time transcription services at a variety of events.

They work for television broadcasters, conference centers, educational institutions, courtrooms, and other event venues.

They use specialized equipment, such as a stenotype machine, computer, and specialized software to transcribe spoken words into written text that appears instantly on a screen.

This is crucial for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, as well as for those who may not understand the speaker’s language fluently.

Their job involves listening carefully to the live dialogue, speeches or performances, and accurately transcribing them into readable text.

They also ensure that the captions follow correct grammar rules and that they match the tone of the speaker.

Live Event Captioners may also be responsible for adding descriptions of non-dialogue audio, such as music or sound effects, that are important to understanding the event.

They must be able to work quickly and accurately, often under pressure, to provide live captions that keep up with the pace of the event.

Some Live Event Captioners also provide post-event services, such as editing and refining the transcripts for accuracy, and ensuring that any post-production captions match the final edited version of the event.

 

Live Event Captioner Qualifications and Skills

A proficient live event captioner should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Exceptional listening skills and the ability to accurately transcribe spoken words, accents, and nuances in real-time
• Advanced typing speed and accuracy to keep up with fast-paced live dialogue
• Excellent understanding of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary in the language(s) they are captioning
• Knowledge of captioning software and related technologies used in live event broadcasting
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain composure during live events
• Awareness and understanding of different cultures and dialects to accurately caption context and meaning
• Knowledge of the subject matter to accurately caption specialized terminology and jargon
• Strong multitasking abilities to listen, understand, transcribe, and correct errors simultaneously
• Professionalism and reliability, being punctual and prepared for live events
• Ability to maintain confidentiality where required

 

Live Event Captioner Experience Requirements

Live Event Captioners are typically required to have a few years of experience in a related field, such as transcription, court reporting, or broadcast captioning, to develop their speed and accuracy in typing.

At the entry-level, candidates may start out as transcriptionists or closed-caption editors, working in media or with businesses to refine their skills.

This on-the-job experience allows these professionals to become familiar with the technology and software used in live event captioning, as well as the pace and demands of the job.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience may move into roles such as a Live Captioner for television broadcasts or online media.

This requires the ability to transcribe live events with speed and accuracy, while also managing the technology and software used for live captioning.

Those with more than 5 years of experience or a higher degree of skill may be considered for roles as a senior live event captioner or caption editor, where they may be responsible for supervising a team of captioners, editing captions for accuracy, and managing technical issues during live broadcasts.

Additionally, a degree in English, Communications, or a related field may be beneficial, as is a certification from a professional organization such as the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or the Certified Realtime Captioner (CRC) credential.

 

Live Event Captioner Education and Training Requirements

A Live Event Captioner typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a field like communications, English, or another related field.

Some may even have a degree in court reporting, as the skills required can be quite similar.

They need to have excellent typing skills, often needing to be able to type over 200 words per minute accurately.

This high speed is required because Live Event Captioners have to keep pace with the live event and often don’t have the luxury of pausing or rewinding.

Training in stenography or captioning software is often a requirement, as Live Event Captioners need to be able to create captions in real-time during live events.

This training helps them become proficient in using specialized equipment used in captioning.

A certification from a recognized organization, such as the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or the National Captioning Institute (NCI), is highly beneficial.

These certifications can show proficiency in captioning and a dedication to the field.

Furthermore, they should have excellent language skills, a strong understanding of grammar, and an extensive vocabulary.

They must also be capable of understanding different accents, dialects, and slangs.

Continuing education is also important in this field to keep up with the advances in technology and changes in language use.

Additionally, work experience in fields that require fast and accurate typing or stenography can be beneficial.

Some positions may require prior experience with live event captioning.

 

Live Event Captioner Salary Expectations

A Live Event Captioner earns an average salary of $52,275 (USD) per year.

This salary can fluctuate depending on experience, the complexity of the events being captioned, and the location of the job.

Other factors such as the employing company or organization can also affect the earning potential of this role.

 

Live Event Captioner Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Live Event Captioner need?

Live Event Captioners should have excellent listening skills, fast and accurate typing skills, and a strong command of the English language.

They also need a good understanding of grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

The ability to handle pressure and work in a fast-paced environment is crucial, as they must provide real-time captions for live events.

 

Do Live Event Captioners need a degree?

There are no specific degree requirements to become a Live Event Captioner, but a bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, or a related field can be beneficial.

Most importantly, captioners need to complete a certified training program that teaches them about the specialized equipment and software used in this profession.

 

What should you look for in a Live Event Captioner resume?

Look for evidence of fast typing speed, ideally above 200 words per minute, and high accuracy rates.

Relevant experience in captioning, particularly in the context of live events, is also important.

Certifications from recognized organizations in the field can be another good sign of a potential candidate’s qualifications.

 

What qualities make a good Live Event Captioner?

A good Live Event Captioner is detail-oriented and has the ability to concentrate for long periods.

They should also be able to handle stress effectively as live captioning can be a high-pressure job.

Good research skills are also important to understand context, industry-specific terms, and the correct spelling of names or places that might come up in the event.

 

Is it difficult to hire Live Event Captioners?

Finding qualified Live Event Captioners can be challenging due to the high level of skill and concentration required for the role.

It’s important to offer competitive pay, flexible schedules, and a supportive work environment to attract and retain these professionals.

Additionally, providing opportunities for continuing education and professional development can help attract top talent in the field.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a behind-the-scenes look at what being a live event captioner truly entails.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about transcribing words.

It’s about bridging the gap between the event and those who rely on captions, one line of text at a time.

With our comprehensive live event captioner job description template and real-world examples, you’re more than ready to jumpstart your career.

But why end the journey here?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate guide to precision-tailored job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every line of text you caption becomes part of a bigger story.

Let’s shape that story. Together.

How to Become a Live Event Captioner (Complete Guide)

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