MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Code No. 004443
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND Grade 23
CLASS SPECIFICATION
AUDIOVISUAL PRODUCTION SPECIALIST
DEFINITION OF CLASS:
This is professional journalistic and media relations work that involve the production
of videotaped and live television programs; including live and prerecorded radio
broadcasts; broadcast type closed circuit teleconferences; and other productions,
such as slide shows with sound accompaniments. Television is used to communicate
public information to the audience to assist in training and education; to disseminate
technical information to professional and technical groups; to document unit operations;
and to record scientific, technical, and engineering events, tests, and experiments.
Government use of television ranges from news features, public service announcements,
documentation of public hearings and interactive videodisc productions, to training
and informational videotapes on virtually any topic. Personal contacts include
individuals and groups from outside the agency on matters for which there is no
routine working relationship already established; County Government managers,
supervisors and key staff to exchange information and provide advice to them about
audio-visual products and; employees in the same agency but outside the audiovisual
production organization. These employees may work in different functions or program
areas or at other organizational levels within the agency. Contacts also include
representatives of print and broadcast media to obtain or request information
needed to produce audio-visual products; to plan, coordinate, or advise on work
efforts or to resolve technical problems by influencing individuals or groups
who are working toward mutual goals and are basically cooperative. While this
class of work occasionally requires employees to meet with or speak before the
general public and citizen groups, it does not require employees to provide direct
public service or assistance on a one-to-one basis.
An employee in this class is fully skilled to plan, organize, and direct the
work of writers, editors, actors, narrators, musicians, set designers, audio
and lighting technicians, camera operators, and other associated technical personnel
to produce, select, and arrange the actions, sounds, and visual effects required
for the finished productions, including live broadcasts. Producers, Directors
and Editors develop and prepare a variety of informational and promotional materials
concerning the operations, programs, and services of County Government departments
and agencies for dissemination to the public. Employees have full technical
responsibility for their work, and plan and carry out the work in accordance
with the television and motion picture industry, applicable laws and regulations
and established policies and procedures. In many situations the subject is a
"live recording" providing final decision situation on the work. Completed
work is reviewed for compatibility with the desired result and effectiveness
in meeting program objectives. Guidelines are available in the form of policies,
procedures and precedents as well as laws and regulations. The subject to be
depicted is presented only in conceptual terms and guidelines are limited to
general agency policy. Employees in this class use initiative and resourcefulness
in researching the topic to be presented, planning the most effective means
of communicating the information desired, and deviating from standard methods
to achieve unusual visual or dramatic effects designed to attract and hold the
attention of the audience. The complexity of the work of this class involves
producing a wide range of audiovisual products using many different production
methods and techniques. The employee serves as a project manager with responsibility
for actively participating with the clients in exploring new means of presenting
information in audiovisual formats. Productions are usually intended for mass
viewing and are required to be of the same level of technical and aesthetic
quality as those produced by the large commercial production companies. Matters
are further complicated by the need to make adjustments in live broadcasts when
the need to compensate for an absent guest arises. The scope of the work is
to plan the audiovisual coverage of critical County issues, news stories or
important public information or educational features. Work is primarily sedentary
and is performed in an office environment, although there is some walking travel,
and carrying of lightweight equipment and materials. The Audiovisual Production
Specialist exerts light physical effort such as carrying cameras or road boxes
weighing between 20 and 50 lbs., and on very rare occasions may perform heavy
physical effort, such as lifting items weighing between 50 and 100 lbs such
as sound components or remote truck components. Employees occasionally attend
groundbreaking ceremonies which may be held outside as well as reporting to
a scene of an accident/incident. Typically, employees sit comfortably to do
their work, interspersed by periods of standing, walking, bending, and extensive
periods requiring the use of computer terminals and audiovisual equipment to
accomplish work objectives. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative only)
Employees produce a wide range of videotaped and live broadcasts programs related
to the mission of the agency or clients. Confer with clients to determine objectives,
extent of subject-matter coverage needed, and budgetary restrictions.
Works with media relations point of contact for assigned departments and agencies.
Works with department and agency representatives to plan live television coverage
for programs, services, and events. Maintains liaison with key department/agency
program directors to assess and fulfill their continuing television publicity
needs. In accomplishing audiovisual services for County agencies employees:
Research the topic;
Write the script or contract for professional scriptwriters;
Coordinates all aspects of production; such as audio and camera work, lighting,
music, timing, writing, and staging;
Develop and produce television, radio and web streaming for Montgomery County
Government;
Cover County events such as, town hall meetings, inauguration of County Executive,
press events, etc., and
Make decisions on such broad production matters such as:
The format of the program (for example, documentary or reenactment);
The manner in which specific information will be presented (e.g., through narration,
dialogue, or graphics); and
The most effective use and distribution of resources to achieve the maximum
technical quality.
Plan, organize and direct the production of radio programs, including news and
topical materials, entertainment, live and recorded interviews, and coverage
of special events. Participate in daily planning sessions to develop themes
and topics, determine production resources needed, make voice selections, and
decide what production techniques will further programming aims.
Performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: Three (3) years of professional experience in audio video television
production is required.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a
Bachelor's Degree in Television Communications and Media Productions or related
field.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may
be substituted.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Thorough knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques
and methods including alternative ways to inform and entertain via written,
oral, and visual media.
Expert knowledge of all phases of audiovisual production, programming, and editing
from inception to completion, and skill in modifying or adapting standard practices
and procedures used in producing prerecorded and live television broadcasts.
Knowledge skill and ability to apply a wide range of knowledge of television
and radio broadcast and production techniques, in rehearsing and directing the
actions of production crews and casts, and in composing complex live or prerecorded
programs with multiple visual or audio elements and other complicating features.
Considerable knowledge of the requirements of the Maryland Public Information
Act, Montgomery County Charter and other local laws and how to apply them for
successful results, such as fair and favorable coverage of non-controversial
issues.
Considerable knowledge of and skill in English usage, spelling, punctuation,
and grammar, and of writing and editing techniques.
Skill in creative, effective writing to edit and design media.
Ability to meet deadlines and to work under pressure.
Ability to effectively speak in public.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Individuals appointed or promoted to a bargaining unit position class will be
required to serve a probationary period of six months. Individuals appointed
to a non-bargaining unit position in this class will be required to serve a
probationary period of twelve months, or if promoted to a non-bargaining unit
position, will be required to serve a probationary period of six months. Performance
will be carefully evaluated during the probationary period. Continuation in
this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary
period.
MEDICAL PROTOCOL: Limited core with drug/alcohol screen.
Class Established: October 2010