Television Broadcast Technician

JOB DESCRIPTION

Television Broadcast Technician

Department: Engineering

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Vice President of Engineering

JOB SUMMARY

A Television Broadcast Technician is responsible for maintaining, operating, and troubleshooting technical equipment used in television production and broadcasting. This includes ensuring smooth transmission of live and recorded programming, managing audio and video feeds, setting up and maintaining studio and remote equipment, and ensuring compliance with broadcast standards and regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Set up and test broadcast equipment, including cameras, microphones, servers, control systems, and switchers.
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on broadcast equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Troubleshoot technical issues with equipment, signals, and software systems during live broadcasts.
• Operate control room equipment during live broadcasts, ensuring correct switching of video feeds, audio levels, and other technical aspects.
• Monitor video and audio signals to detect problems and rectify them immediately to maintain broadcast quality.
• Ensure synchronization of video, audio, and graphics during live broadcasts or recorded content.
• Provide on-site technical support for live broadcasts and studio productions, including sports events, news programs, and entertainment shows.
• Work closely with production teams to implement technical solutions for seamless broadcasting.
• Respond to urgent technical issues during broadcasts, often working under time pressure.
• Manage signal routing, transmission, and distribution for local, national, and international broadcasts.
• Ensure proper encoding, decoding, and compression of video and audio signals.
• Monitor the quality of signal transmission to prevent interruptions or broadcast delays.
• Set up and operate equipment for both studio and remote broadcast settings.
• Travel to external locations to manage the technical aspects of live remote broadcasts or field productions.
• Collaborate with directors, producers, and engineers to ensure technical requirements are met.
• Ensure that broadcasts comply with industry standards, FCC regulations, and copyright laws.
• Maintain safety standards in all technical operations, especially when working with heavy equipment, electrical systems, and cables.
• Maintain accurate records of equipment performance, maintenance schedules, and technical issues.
• Provide detailed reports on any technical failures or incidents during live broadcasts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Technology, Electronics, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Strong technical knowledge of television production and broadcast equipment, including cameras, switchers, sound systems, and transmission technologies.
• Proficiency in using broadcast software and systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve complex technical problems quickly and efficiently.
• Knowledge of video and audio signal formats, encoding, and compression.
• Ability to work in high-pressure environments and adapt to changes quickly.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Valid driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Work can take place in control rooms.
• May require evening, weekend, and holiday shifts, particularly for live events or news broadcasting.
• Physical demands may include siting for long periods, lifting and moving equipment, and working in confined spaces.
• This position requires the ability to be on-call as needed to respond to urgent issues or support requests.