Junior Camera Operator (JCO), Landmark Series, BBC Studios NHU

BBC Group and Public Services; London; On-site; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The BBC is seeking a Junior Camera Operator (JCO) for its renowned Natural History Unit to assist in groundbreaking wildlife programming. This role offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge filming techniques and requires a passion for natural history and plants. Successful candidates will develop their skills in a dynamic environment while working alongside industry experts.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Flexible 35-hour working week

26 days holiday plus additional days

Parental leave with full pay for new parents

Defined contribution pension scheme

Excellent career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Proficient camerawork supported by broadcast or corporate credits.
• Experience with UHD filming and complex production technology.
• Strong interest in new filming equipment and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Capture high-quality UHD footage and support in production.
• Assist in prepping equipment and filming in various environments.
• Work in the field for extended periods to document natural history.

Skills

Camerawork proficiency

Interest in filming technology

Timelapse photography

Research and planning

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Junior Camera Operator (JCO), Landmark Series, BBC Studios NHU Press Tab to Move to Skip to Content Link

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Language Log in to Profile BBC Employee Login Job Description CREATE JOB ALERT Job Title: Junior Camera Operator (JCO), Landmark Series, BBC Studios NHU Junior Camera Operator (JCO), Landmark Series, BBC Studios NHU Technical Operations Fixed Term - Full Time Job Closing Date: 1/6/25

THE ROLE

ABOUT BBC STUDIOS

BBC Studios is a world-renowned content studio and channels & streaming business, powered by British creativity, with a reach that touches audiences in every corner of the globe.

We work with outstanding creative talent who are responsible for platform-defining shows from Strictly Come Dancing to Eastenders, Prehistoric Planet to Planet Earth III.

The range and quality of our content is unsurpassed, creating critical and commercial successes and global phenomena.

From BAFTAs to RTS Awards, BBC Studios is Britain’s most awarded production company and the only producer with Four of the top Ten shows on IMDB; we’re the home of bbc.com, the widest-read English language news website in the world; and the UK’s largest distributor of British content.

ABOUT BBC STUDIOS NHU

BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit (NHU) is the leading producer of wildlife programming, creating award-winning content with a world class reputation.

Our output ranges from ambitious landmarks (Planet Earth III and Dynasties) to children’s programming (Deadly Dinosaurs and Andy’s Adventures), as well as ground-breaking travel, adventure, formatted, presenter led and event programming such as Prehistoric Planet for Apple TV+ and the BAFTA winning Springwatch for the BBC.

BBC Studios NHU is embarking on a second ambitious Landmark plant-based series focussing on the remarkable relationships between plants and animals. The first series broke new ground with timelapse robotic technology that allowed us to travel into the plants’ world on their own timescale. This series picks up where the first series left off, developing that technology further to take the viewer deep into the battle grounds and partnerships between plants and animals.

THE ROLE

BBC Studios NHU runs a JCO scheme that aims to develop emerging camera operators by providing experience for them to operate alongside existing experts in their field and increasing their ability to operate at the very highest level of natural history filming.

We are looking for a JCO to embed with the production team of this new landmark series. Capturing in UHD and making use of cutting edge camera technologies, this is an exciting opportunity to learn about the latest wildlife production and photographic processes as well as preparing work in the production offices, advising, testing and prepping kit as well as providing assistance/shooting in the field..

Though the JCO role will be on a Fixed Term Contract basis there are no BBC Studios staff positions in this category. Most natural history cinematography is undertaken by freelance operators. The placement could potentially be extended, depending on business need, and on completion the aim is that the successful candidate will be ready to compete in the freelance market for work, either from the NHU or elsewhere.

This opportunity is aimed at those with sufficient relevant skills and experience to enable rapid progress to full professional competence.

Please note the role will include regular travel around the world for weeks at a time. You will need to be Bristol-based when not away filming.

You will need to include a link to your showreel as part of your application. In addition to this, complete sequences will be advantageous.

*Please note if you do not include a link to your showreel we will not be able to consider your application*

WHAT DOES IT TAKE?

Essential Criteria:

• A passion for natural history and plants in particular.

• You must be able to provide evidence of highly proficient camerawork, ideally illustrated by broadcast or corporate credits. We are looking for someone with a gifted eye who has the potential to compose exquisite images.

• We are keen to hear from anyone who is already shooting at 4k. You must have a solid understanding of complex production technology and filming kit, and demonstrate a strong interest in new filming equipment and techniques. Knowledge of managing media on location and post production workflows is also of value.

• In particular we are looking for junior camera operators with experience of and a passion for timelapse photography, especially of plants as well as landscapes, cityscapes and hyperlapses.

• Ideally you will be Bristol-based and, when not abroad filming, be embedded in production team and work regular office hours.

• Strong research, planning and organisational skills as well as experience in setting up animal behavioural sequences will be of value. Importantly, you must have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure. You will be able to demonstrate a proven ability to build strong relationships with contributors and work effectively within a team.

• You will need to have experience of, or be willing to spend prolonged periods of time in the field and of building strong sequences through images, rather than just shooting scenics.

• You must have the right to work in the UKand a clean driving license is required.

Desirable Criteria:

• The ability to fly drones and explore their potential to be used for aerial timelapses.

• A knowledge and experience of use of movi / ronin and motion control.

• Foreign languages are an advantage.
  

LIFE AT BBC STUDIOS

We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are important to us. Please make sure you’ve read about our values and behaviours here .

The BBC is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce, that represents the audiences we serve, and encourages applications from candidates from any background, especially people from diverse communities. Equity of opportunity is important to us, and we endeavour to make our processes equal, fair and meritocratic for everybody. More information on our D&I plan can be found here .

BBC Studios puts sustainability at the heart of everything we do both onscreen and offscreen, including delivering against the BBC Group’s science-based Net Zero targets. More information on sustainability at BBC Studios can be found here .

We are proud to share that we are a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer and if you require any reasonable adjustments in order to apply please contact us on [e-mail].

WHAT WILL YOU GAIN FROM WORKING AT BBC STUDIOS?

• We offer a competitive salary package.

• Flexible 35-hour working week for work-life balance.

• 26 days holiday (plus an additional day which is a Corporation Day) with the option to buy an extra 5 days.

• Parental leave for new parents, regardless of gender, of up to a year with 18 weeks fully paid.

• A defined contribution pension scheme with employer contributions up to 10%; and life assurance (at 4 times annual salary), eligibility for discounted dental, health care, gym and much more through salary sacrifice.

• Excellent career progression – access to courses, webinars, workshops and the opportunity to work in different areas of the organisation.

Package Description

Job Requisition:23989

Band: B

Contract type: Fixed term, 12 months

Salary:£31,500

Working Pattern: Office based when not on location

Start date: 14th July 2025

Interviews will be held from 9th June 2025.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

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