Smithsonian Folkways Recordings is seeking an experienced professional to fill the role of Audio Engineer. This is an exciting opportunity for a specialist to oversee the audio quality of the mastering of all recordings for the nonprofit label and collaborate with colleagues to evaluate the audio reproduction needs and equipment of the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives, both of which are situated within the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage at the Smithsonian Institution. Ideal candidates bring knowledge of both analog and digital audio technologies gained through experience in the field, understanding of archival and productions standards for preservation and dissemination of audio recordings, supervisory experience, and the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. The position is based in Washington, DC and is not eligible for remote work.

Applications are due September 16 to the link below.

Major duties:

• Oversees the audio quality of the mastering of all Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, including remote recording where required, the evaluation of the sound quality of submitted prerecorded projects, digital editing with the producer or curator, mastering the final project (or supervising the work in a mastering lab), mixing tracks from 24 track to 2 track masters, transferring from older recordings (both analog and digital) into new formats and improving sound through careful digital manipulation, and the use of digital mastering systems to master recordings evaluating the reference copies provided by studios and manufacturers, and other work related to the audio productions of Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.
• Oversees the audio reproduction work of the Folkways custom CD operation, reviewing procedures and evaluating final products.
• Prepares an annual budget estimate for Folkways maintenance and purchase of audio equipment.
• Oversees contractors who perform regular maintenance of the audio equipment off-site and ensures that proper repairs are made when required.
• Researches developments in audio technology, consults with audio engineer colleagues outside CFCH and recommends equipment purchases and format changes to the supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the technical field of audio engineering to produce audio recordings in a studio environment, gained through experience.
• Ability to mix tracks from 24 track to 2 track masters transferring from older recordings into new formats, and improving sound through careful digital manipulation, and the use of digital mastering systems to master recordings, gained through experience.
• Knowledge of both analog and digital audio technologies to evaluate audio reproduction needs, gained through experience.
• Knowledge of archival and productions standards for preservation and dissemination of audio recordings.
• Ability to supervise interns and contractors and ensure their contributions are relevant and effective.
• Ability to create a final audio product that is balanced and equalized to be suitable for listening by the average listener, or distributed via a commercial medium (cassette, CD, LP, streaming) containing music from many different musical traditions that originate in different parts of the world.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally by giving presentations or presenting verbal analyses to artists, producers, curators, engineers, and colleagues to produce the best possible projects in a timely fashion.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing by developing written presentations and presenting written plans to artists, producers, curators, engineers, and colleagues to produce the best possible projects in a timely fashion.
• Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree related to this position may be substituted to meet the experience requirements.

Salary: The annual salary is based on the GS-11 level of the federal General Schedule (GS) pay system with a salary range of $84,601 - $109,975.

For benefits, please consult information on Smithsonian OHR website.

To learn more and apply please visit this site.