Empire State Realty Trust seeks a Service Desk & AV Support Intern to gain hands-on experience across front-line IT service desk support and audiovisual systems support at the Empire State Building Observatory (ESBO) and portfolio amenity spaces. Working alongside and under the guidance of the Service Desk and AV teams, the intern will assist with end-user technology support, identity and endpoint tasks, and AV operations for events, meetings, and Observatory exhibits. This is a 20-hour-per-week position with a schedule built around the intern’s academic commitments, with the expectation of full participation in the team’s on-call and holiday coverage rotation as business needs require.
RESPONSIBILITIES
SERVICE DESK SUPPORT:
- Provide on-site and remote technology support for ESRT, ESBO, and building staff (Property Management Office, Building Engineers, Maintenance, Security, and Front Desk) under the guidance of senior team members
- Assist with white-glove, executive-level support for ESRT and ESBO senior leadership, including rapid response for high-visibility incidents
- Support workplace technology in conference rooms, offices, and shared spaces, including conferencing PCs, displays, docking stations, printers, peripherals, and Teams/Zoom meeting readiness
- Assist with end-user computing tasks including Windows 11 imaging/patching support, Microsoft 365, Adobe, and remote access, alongside endpoint management platforms such as Intune, PDQ Deploy/Inventory, and Qualys
- Support Active Directory and identity tasks under supervision, including password resets, group membership updates, and onboarding/offboarding assistance
- Assist with mobile device support (Windows/Android/iOS), including setup, troubleshooting, and asset tracking
- Maintain accurate ticket documentation in the helpdesk/ticketing system (including Salesforce) and track workstreams in Monday.com
- Support vendor coordination and IT asset inventory documentation; help maintain SOPs, runbooks, and knowledge articles
- Apply cybersecurity best practices in all work and support PCI/SOX compliance requirements for the Observatory
AV & OBSERVATORY SUPPORT:
- Assist with operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting AV systems (Crestron, Biamp Tesira, Shure, PTZ cameras, projectors, BrightSign) under the direction of the AV team
- Support Dante audio networking configuration and basic AV-over-IP troubleshooting
- Provide technical support for hybrid meetings and live events (Teams/Zoom), including room readiness and post-event follow-up
- Support Observatory exhibit hardware (turnstiles, kiosks, exhibits, ticketing systems) and assist with preventive maintenance schedules, including ladder-based work as directed and supervised
- Perform daily AV and exhibit system monitoring checks, verifying integrity and availability of hardware and connected systems
- Assist with a range of ESBO events (e.g., movie night, lighting ceremonies) and support preparation of conference rooms and town halls
- Explore and help evaluate emerging technologies, including AI, to improve team workflows
AV SKILLSET EXPOSURE:
This role is designed to build the following AV competencies through hands-on mentorship rather than requiring prior mastery:
- Control Systems: exposure to Crestron control system basics
- Audio DSP: introduction to Biamp Tesira and/or Q-SYS configuration
- Microphones & RF: assisting with Shure wireless microphone setup and coordination
- Networking: foundational exposure to Dante audio networking and AV-over-IP concepts
- Video Conferencing: Teams & Zoom meeting support
- Digital Signage: BrightSign player setup and content publishing basics
- Exhibit Support: assisting with exhibit maintenance and coordination with fabricators/installers
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Foundational understanding of PC hardware, Windows OS, and Microsoft 365; basic AV/audiovisual interest or coursework a plus
- Strong customer service orientation and clear, professional communication skills
- Ability to follow established procedures, escalate appropriately, and work well under supervision
- Comfort learning new systems quickly and adapting to varied tasks across IT and AV disciplines
- Detail-oriented with good organizational habits and reliable follow-through on assigned tasks
- Ability to remain calm, courteous, and professional in fast-paced or high-visibility situations
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Currently enrolled in a four-year or five-year undergraduate program in the graduating class of 2027 pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field
- Relevant coursework, campus IT/help desk experience, or personal AV/technology projects
- Customer service experience (retail, hospitality, or similar) is a plus
- Certifications a plus (not required): A+, Network+, Security+, CTS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- Ability to work at heights using ladders
- Ability to move between offices and Observatory spaces
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
- Adaptable – you are a self-starter who’s able to quickly digest and execute new processes to work both collaboratively and independently
- Dynamic – you are solutions-oriented, aim to improve processes and implement efficiency, and offer insightful feedback to improve ESRT
- Dependable – you take a strong sense of ownership and accountability over your work
- Passionate – you keep up with industry trends and are excited about the potential to propel the industry forward with a “roll-up-your-sleeves” attitude
- Curious – you consistently look for new ways to work smarter, not just harder
- Ethical – you treat others with respect, act with integrity in how you perform your work, and embrace our collaborative culture
- Positive – you possess a service-oriented attitude with excellent follow through
WELL-BEING
- Generous paid time off.
- Flex Summer Fridays.
- Employee engagement programs.
- Volunteer time off.
- Continuing education.
- Complimentary Empire State Building Observatory access.
- Complimentary gym membership and other wellness benefits.
- Employee Discount Programs.