AV Systems Designer

Job Summary

The Audio-Visual Systems Designer provides consultancy and technical leadership in the development and application of broad Faculty of Medicine audio-visual design standards, and the design and implementation of audio visual systems to support classroom learning, collaboration, interaction at distance and communication to large audiences, as well as to support UBC Faculty of Medicine administrative and research objectives. The AV Designer has design authority, oversees and is accountable for the implementation of AV specifications as they relate to individual projects and overall standards.

Organizational Status
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. Since 1915, UBC’s entrepreneurial spirit has embraced innovation and challenged the status quo. UBC encourages its students, staff and faculty to challenge convention, lead discovery and explore new ways of learning. At UBC, bold thinking is given a place to develop into ideas that can change the world.

Our Vision: To Transform Health for Everyone

Ranked among the world’s top medical schools with the fifth-largest MD enrollment in North America, the UBC Faculty of Medicine is a leader in both the science and the practice of medicine. Across British Columbia, more than 12,000 faculty and staff are training the next generation of doctors and health care professionals, making remarkable discoveries, and helping to create the pathways to better health for our communities at home and around the world.

The Faculty of Medicine —comprised of approximately 2,600 administrative support, technical/research and management and professional staff, as well approximately 620 full-time academic and over 14,000 clinical faculty members—is composed of 19 academic basic science and/or clinical departments, 3 schools, and 26 research centres and institutes. Together with its University and Health Authority partners, the Faculty of Medicine delivers innovative programs and conducts research in the areas of health and life sciences. Faculty, staff and trainees are located at university campuses, clinical academic campuses in hospital settings and other regionally based centres across the province.

The UBC Vancouver Campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people. The City of Vancouver is located on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations territory.

Interacts directly with other University technology professionals, faculty and staff project stakeholders. Reports to the Associate Director, Research & Core Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Digital Solutions.

Work Performed
Designs complex audio-visual systems based on requirements and develops and compiles the specification documentation for tender packages.

• Develops and maintains wide reaching standards for audio visual design, applicable to a broad cross section of applications that ensure a repeatable level of quality and user experience is met for all audio-visual designs.
• Develops and maintains the AV design practice ensuring processes and tools are in place and kept current. Acts as a point of escalation for solutions to chronic or high impact technical problems and takes action to resolve.
• Oversees and creates processes related to AV system testing/commissioning, and other quality control processes. Acts as the client representative with regards to final acceptance of work delivered.
• Interpret and communicate complex requirements, performance standards and end-solution details to AV designers, project managers, consultants and construction trades.
• Provide technical guidance to technical support staff on use of new facilities, design factors, new and changed equipment standards, methods for troubleshooting, maintenance and support. Partners with operational leaders to define the parameters of performance and use.
• Consults with end-users (faculty, staff, instructors, and students) and leads requirements-gathering and development of use-cases requiring AV technology enablement. Translates needs into technical requirements for inclusion in detailed design documents and conducts feasibility studies, draft proposals for evaluation, and conduct pilots with end-users and stakeholders incorporating modifications into final product. Oversees final testing against client standards.
• Ensures AV services provided by vendors meet design specifications for new facilities, including active participation on commissioning of AV systems upon project completion.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching and mentoring to AV system design resources.
• Develop and maintain relationships in order to sustain the integrity of the design process from concept to implementation. Will often need to exert influence to effect change and gain buy-in to successfully implement AV standard designs to new and refurbished facilities.
• Has final decision approval on selection and procurement of audio-visual services and products and related hardware, software and network equipment.
• Reviews and approves AV system design related materials, such as shop drawings and as-built documentation.
• Drafts and communicates Contemplated Change Orders (CCO s), responds to Request for Information (RFI s), issues site inspection reports and other project transmittals.
• Researches emerging technologies and AV designs used by other higher education institutions, analyzes options and incorporates lessons learned into design standards.
• Develops and delivers formal training to technical and non-technical groups on AV designs standards, methodology, and end product usage.
• Lead consultation with clients, facilities representatives, project teams and AV design consultants
• Represents the university in public competitive procurement process including leading site visits, providing technical specifications, and acts as a subject matter expert to advise the evaluation process for AV system proposals ensuring client requirements are appropriately represented in bid responses.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Information Technology plays a key role in enabling the University to achieve its goal of becoming one of the world’s leading universities. The AV Systems Designer plays a significant role in the planning and design of AV technology and video conference systems. In addition, the AV Systems Designer is responsible for maintaining the technical standards that all AV system design decisions are based upon. Should these projects not be completed successfully or the results not support the activities of the University, this would compromise the University’ s ability to achieve its strategic goals and vision. Inability of systems to support the University s needs could seriously compromise daily business and activities at the University. This position assumes responsibility for project decisions and the setting of standards that could result in significant cost the University.

Supervision Received
Reports to the Associate Director, Research & Core Technology, and works closely with and also receives day to day direction from Team Lead, AV Infrastructure. Works with latitude within general policies and an administrative framework. Work is reviewed in terms of achievement of overall and long-term project objectives.

Supervision Given
The position is a senior advisory role within the Collaboration Team, providing AV design direction and guidance to support the successful delivery of AV systems, standards, and related initiatives. Monitors and documents the progress of assigned work and coordinates activities to ensure deadlines, quality standards, and established best practices are consistently met.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. In-depth knowledge of applications and the business requirements supporting them. Minimum of five years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Video routing systems, video standards, conversion and integration techniques
• Audio routing systems, audio processing and advanced effects such as echo-cancellation, and voice activation
• Automation/control systems, integration with audio and video devices, programming, interface design and troubleshooting
• In-depth understanding of networking, including routing, private and public IP spaces, firewall configuration concepts, VLAN configurations, multicast and unicast, etc.
• Proficient in the use of software tools such as AutoCAD, Microsoft Visio, Microsoft Excel, EASE, and SketchUP to produce AV system designs, floorplans, and schematics and environment models
• Proficient in the use of standard Microsoft Office software, including Word and Excel to develop complex and detailed specification documents Expert level of practical experience in AV and Video Conference standards and design considerations.
• An understanding of building and facility considerations (HVAC, electrical, construction - conduit, wall structures, acoustics, etc.). and how they relate to AV design and implementation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of industry best practice, and of emerging technologies and their impact on video conference technology.
• An understanding of how pedagogy impacts room design, and ramifications of an evolving pedagogy.
• An understanding of key trends and players in the Audio-Visual industry, particularly with respect to, digital systems, videoconferencing systems and digital media applications.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective presentations and workshops.
• Ability to conduct needs analyses, plan, organize, manage, monitor, complete, and evaluate projects within allocated time and resources.
• Ability to mentor and coach staff..
• Effective leadership, negotiation and team-building skills.
• Ability to effectively facilitate groups to achieve appropriate outcome.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships with customers, and potential customers, tradespeople and vendors.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to resolve conflicts at all levels.