Audio Technician

WETA; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

WETA, based in Arlington, VA, seeks an experienced audio technician to support PBS NewsHour and related productions. The role focuses on control room audio for live and taped network programming, with emphasis on high-quality signal optimization and field audio knowledge, under the IBEW union contract.

Ideal candidates bring lead audio experience, familiarity with LAWO/SSL consoles, intercom systems, and the ability to troubleshoot in fast-paced studio settings.

Qualifications

• Minimum seven years of experience as an audio broadcast technician in live production.
• Thorough knowledge of audio signals and optimization.
• Experience with field audio acquisition and technologies.
• Proficiency with studio intercom systems and related tech.

Responsibilities

• Audio console operator for live and taped studio productions using LAWO and SSL consoles.
• Validate remote guests from multiple technology platforms.
• Modify AZedit using RTS ADAM Intercom.
• Knowledge of current field audio gear and recording techniques.
• Collaborate with technical team, producers, show directors and WETA/NewsHour staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned under union jurisdiction.

Skills

Lead Audio Tech

LAWO Console

SSL Console

IFB Intercom

Audio signal optimization

Tools

LAWO Console

SSL Console

RTS ADAM Intercom

AZedit

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Perform on a daily, ongoing basis a variety of audio technician and related IBEW technician duties to support WETA, PBS NewsHour and other productions as needed. Primary responsibilities include, but not limited to, control room board audio for live and taped network productions in the studio. Thorough knowledge of audio signals and optimization. Knowledge of field audio acquisition and technologies. This position is covered by the IBEW union contract.

Brief Description

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Perform on a daily, ongoing basis a variety of audio technician and related IBEW technician duties to support WETA, PBS NewsHour and other productions as needed. Primary responsibilities include, but not limited to, control room board audio for live and taped network productions in the studio. Thorough knowledge of audio signals and optimization. Knowledge of field audio acquisition and technologies. This position is covered by the IBEW union contract.

Primary Responsibilities

• Audio console operator for both live and taped multiple format studio productions using LAWO and SSL audio consoles.
• Validate remote guests from a variety of technology platforms.
• Expertise with RTS ADAM Intercom and proven experience making modifications/adjustments in AZedit.
• Comprehensive knowledge of current state of the art field audio gear and recording techniques.
• Work collaboratively, effectively and professionally with the technical team, producers, show directors and WETA/NewsHour employees.
• Performs other duties, as assigned in accordance with union jurisdiction.

Core Competencies

• Experienced in all aspects of audio production in both controlled and uncontrolled environments, especially as the lead audio technician (A-1).
• Familiar with the operation of LAWO and SSL audio consoles.
• Familiar with the operation of television production intercom systems and software including IFB’s and telephone interfaces, and other technology/platforms utilized in broadcast production.
• Working knowledge of studio positions including; Studio and Robotic Cameras, Stage Manager and Transmission a plus.
• Must have the ability to work under pressure in live, fast-paced, ever-changing network environment. Must be able to think quickly, communicate well and keep pace with rapid-moving programming.
• The ability to quickly troubleshoot issues and make necessary modifications is required.
• Experience with AVID iNews a plus
• Must possess the skill set to discern subtleties in audio signals to maintain the highest quality control for everything related to audio and sound production.

Additional Skills And Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of television production workflows and operations.
• Experience interfacing with on-air talent and effectively managing traffic flow during productions.
• Close and detailed oriented coordination with show directors, technical and editorial teams.
• Ability to communicate proactively and collaborate effectively with producers, directors, managers, and technicians with a high degree of professionalism at all times.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work on different assignments on a daily, or even hourly basis, and to work long and sometimes irregular shifts, and work holidays and weekends as necessary.
• Must be able to lift, carry and drag heavy loads ( > 50lbs. ).

Education

• ? Minimum seven years of experience at a network, local station or equivalent as an audio broadcast technician (A-1 operator) in a live production environment.

LOCATION:

WETA and NewsHour Productions are Washington, DC established media and news organizations. We are a largely local workforce based out of the Campbell Place office in Arlington, VA. WETA and NewsHour Productions value employee flexibility when possible. Most positions based in our Arlington, VA office will be onsite or hybrid, depending upon the role.

Company Overview

WETA, the flagship public media station in the nation’s capital, produces and distributes content that informs, inspires, and enriches lives.

As the second-largest producing station for the public media system, WETA creates programming to explore history, arts, and culture, partnering with acclaimed filmmakers such as Ken Burns and Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. National WETA productions include The American Revolution and Finding Your Roots, among many others. WETA is also home to PBS News, the primary daily, breaking, and special news producer for PBS.

Its broadcast productions include PBS News Hour, Washington Week with The Atlantic, Horizons from PBS News, and Compass Points from PBS News, as well as specials, documentaries, and a robust footprint across digital platforms.

Locally, WETA serves audiences across Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland, through television, radio, and digital platforms. Audiences access WETA on broadcast channels WETA PBS, WETA UK, WETA Metro, WETA World, and WETA PBS Kids, and digitally through the free streaming platform WETA+.

Listeners tune into WETA Classical, the exclusive home for classical music in the Greater Washington area, via radio, online, and the WETA Classical app.

Benefits | WETA

Equal Employment Opportunity

WETA and NewsHour Productions are equal opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and internships. WETA and NewsHour Productions make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.