Live Events Captioner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of live entertainment, the role of live events captioners has never been more vital.

As live events become more accessible, the demand for skilled professionals who can accurately and effectively provide captions intensifies.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking to find the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the behind-the-scenes of live event captioning,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable live events captioner job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Live Events Captioner Duties and Responsibilities

Live Events Captioners provide real-time transcriptions for live events such as conferences, presentations, webinars, or broadcasts.

Their job is to ensure that the information presented is accessible to all participants, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Live Events Captioners have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Transcribe spoken content in real-time during live events
• Ensure the accurate representation of complex information, including technical or specialized vocabulary
• Edit transcriptions for clarity, grammar, and spelling errors in real-time or post-event
• Collaborate with event organizers to understand the context and specific requirements of the event
• Work with audio-visual teams to ensure optimal sound quality for transcription
• Keep up-to-date with language trends and slang to ensure accurate representation
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional ethics regarding sensitive information
• Continuously improve speed and accuracy of captioning skills through regular practice and professional development
• Ensure the accessibility of live events for all participants, taking into account the needs of people with different types of hearing loss

 

Live Events Captioner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a talented and dedicated Live Events Captioner to provide real-time captioning for various events.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent listening skills, have a fast typing speed, and possess a strong understanding of grammar and spelling.

A Live Events Captioner’s responsibilities include transcribing spoken words into readable text, ensuring accuracy and timeliness, and providing captions for various live events, such as conferences, seminars, and webinars.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide real-time captioning for live events.
• Transcribe spoken words into readable and accurate text.
• Ensure captions are timed correctly with the spoken words.
• Correct spelling and grammar errors in real-time.
• Work closely with event organizers to understand the event schedule and specific requirements.
• Use specialized software and equipment to deliver captions.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and legal guidelines.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Live Events Captioner or similar role.
• Fast typing speed with high accuracy.
• Excellent listening skills and strong attention to detail.
• Strong understanding of grammar and spelling.
• Knowledge of specialized captioning software.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle live events.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with a team.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Live Events Captioner
• Work Environment: This role involves working at live events, which may require travel and non-standard working hours.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Event Manager or other designated authority.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 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 Live Events Captioner Do?

Live Events Captioners are professionals who provide real-time captions for live events.

They primarily work for media organizations, event management firms, or as independent contractors.

Their main responsibility is to transcribe spoken words, sounds, and descriptions of actions into written text for live events like speeches, conferences, webinars, and sports events.

This provides accessibility to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Live Events Captioners should be able to accurately capture and convey every spoken word, emotional tone, and important contextual information, using accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

They are also responsible for ensuring that the captions align with the spoken words in terms of timing.

They may use specialized captioning software and must be able to quickly correct any errors that occur during the live event.

Many Live Events Captioners also provide services for broadcasts on television or online, ensuring that live programs are fully accessible to all viewers.

In addition to these tasks, they may also be involved in the planning and coordinating stages of the events to ensure that all technical requirements for captioning are met.

 

Live Events Captioner Qualifications and Skills

Live Events Captioners are required to have a distinct set of skills and qualifications to effectively perform their job role, such as:

• Exceptional listening skills to understand and accurately transcribe live events in real time.
• Fast and accurate typing skills, with a speed of at least 200-225 words per minute for real-time captioning.
• Strong language skills, including grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary, to provide accurate and coherent captions.
• Proficiency in using captioning software and technology to facilitate quick and seamless delivery of captions.
• An understanding of the subject matter to be able to transcribe technical terms, jargon, and colloquialisms accurately.
• Ability to handle pressure and multi-task, as live events captioning requires immediate transcription and the ability to handle unexpected changes.
• Good communication skills to collaborate with team members and to clarify any doubts related to the content being transcribed.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure the accuracy and quality of captions.

 

Live Events Captioner Experience Requirements

Live Events Captioners usually have a background in communications or a similar field and may have gained 1 to 2 years of experience in transcription services, subtitling or real-time captioning.

This experience can be accumulated through internships, part-time roles or by freelancing.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience typically have honed their listening skills and increased their typing speed, which are crucial for efficient live captioning.

Experience in roles such as Transcriptionist, Subtitle Writer, or Closed Caption Editor could be especially valuable.

For those with over 5 years of experience, they may have had exposure to a wide variety of content, including sports, concerts, conferences, and live broadcasts.

These individuals may also have experience in quality control, team coordination, or training new hires.

Proficiency in multiple languages can be an added advantage in this field.

Additionally, candidates should keep abreast of the latest technologies and software used for live captioning.

Regular practice and continuous learning are key in this profession, as accuracy and speed are paramount.

Some companies may require a Certified Realtime Captioner (CRC) certification, which further testifies to a candidate’s skills and experience in the field.

 

Live Events Captioner Education and Training Requirements

To become a Live Events Captioner, individuals typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

An important part of the training required for this role includes a high proficiency in shorthand and typing, with a speed of at least 180 to 200 words per minute being ideal.

Potential captioners may consider enrolling in a court reporting or captioning program, which can lead to an associate degree or a certification upon completion.

These programs often include courses in English grammar and phonetics, legal procedures, and transcription.

They also need to be familiar with specialized captioning software and equipment, which is often covered in these educational programs.

Additionally, certification from the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or similar organization is highly desirable.

These certifications require passing a written and skills test, demonstrating a high level of proficiency in live captioning.

Continued education is also important for staying updated with the latest technology and techniques in the industry.

Therefore, participating in workshops or seminars can be beneficial.

Fluency in more than one language can also be beneficial in this role, although not required.

 

Live Events Captioner Salary Expectations

A Live Events Captioner earns an average salary of $60,000 (USD) per year.

This amount may vary depending on the level of experience, the complexity of the event, and the geographical location.

Extra skills like knowledge of multiple languages could also contribute to a higher salary.

 

Live Events Captioner Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Live Events Captioner need?

Live Events Captioners should have excellent typing speed and accuracy, as they must capture live dialogue accurately and in real-time.

They should also have strong listening skills, a good understanding of grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and the ability to comprehend diverse accents and dialects.

Knowledge of the subject matter of the event can be beneficial to understand the context and provide accurate captions.

 

Do Live Events Captioners need any specific qualifications?

While a degree is not mandatory, a certification in captioning or court reporting can be beneficial.

Some companies may require a minimum typing speed or experience in a similar role.

Knowledge of the industry-specific terminology used in the event can also be an advantage.

 

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

Look for evidence of previous experience in captioning, particularly in live environments.

Certifications in captioning or court reporting can also be a plus.

You should also consider their typing speed and accuracy, as well as their language skills and familiarity with different accents and dialects.

Knowledge of specific industries or subjects can also be beneficial, depending on the nature of the events they will be captioning.

 

What qualities make a good Live Events Captioner?

A good Live Events Captioner should have a keen attention to detail to ensure accurate and error-free captions.

They should also be adaptable, as they may need to adjust their pace depending on the speed of the dialogue.

They should have good listening skills and the ability to understand and transcribe different accents and dialects.

A calm demeanor is also important, as they need to remain focused and composed even in high-pressure live event situations.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Live Events Captioner?

Hiring a Live Events Captioner can be challenging because the role requires a unique set of skills.

The ideal candidate should not only have a fast typing speed and excellent language skills, but also the ability to handle the pressure of live events.

It can be difficult to find candidates with the right combination of these skills and relevant experience.

However, you can increase your chances of finding the right candidate by offering competitive pay and opportunities for professional growth.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a live events captioner.

And you know what?

It’s not just about fast typing.

It’s about capturing the energy of the moment, one word at a time.

With our comprehensive live events captioner job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into the spotlight.

But don’t just stop there.

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every word you transcribe adds to the vibrancy of the event.

Let’s create memorable experiences. Together.

How to Become a Live Events Captioner (Complete Guide)

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