Board Operator

GBH; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 40,800 - 52,600; Full time

Job summary

GBH in Springfield, MA, is seeking a Board Operator to manage the control room and ensure high-quality on-air sound for daily and special broadcasts. You will handle audio production, troubleshooting, and collaboration with regional partners to maintain broadcast integrity.

The role requires a strong focus on reliability, a minimum of 2–4 years’ experience, and familiarity with radio automation tools such as Zetta and Marketron.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience running a radio console and producing broadcasts.
• High school diploma required; associate degree or vocational training preferred.
• Experience with Zetta radio automation and Marketron radio traffic software is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate control room and production equipment and ensure high on-air sound.
• Maintain FCC compliance and follow policies during live broadcasts.
• Record interviews, mix sound elements, and post-produce local content.

Skills

Broadcast operations

Audio production

Live control room

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Troubleshooting

On-air standards

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in broadcasting

Tools

Zetta

Marketron

Job description

GBH enriches people's lives through programs and services that educate, inspire, and entertain, fostering citizenship and culture, the joy of learning, and the power of diverse perspectives.

At GBH, we believe in the advantages of coming together to build community, mentor and learn from colleagues, and connect more deeply with our mission. As a result, the majority of our staff are hybrid and work both from home and onsite. Our current hybrid approach requires staff to work onsite a minimum of two days each week, every Tuesday and Wednesday. Hybrid staff are also welcome to come in additional days each week or may be asked to come in on other days by their manager.

Department Overview

The Production and Operations department ensures high-quality broadcasting, technical integrity, and seamless delivery of public media content across regional and national platforms, collaborating closely with multiple newsrooms and stations including NEPM, CAI, and GBH.

Job Overview

The Board Operator independently completes routine and complex operational and technical support tasks to ensure the high technical standards of live and pre-recorded radio broadcasts, including All Things Considered, Fabulous 413, and The Rundown. Reporting to the Operations Supervisor, this role is vital to protecting the on-air sound and technical compliance of the station. The ideal candidate operates with deliberation and problem-solving skills under tight deadline pressures, showing exceptional reliability, deep technical proficiency with radio equipment, and strong team collaboration. This position requires an acute sensitivity to on-air production value and the agility to respond quickly to breaking news or system challenges.

Responsibilities

• Operate radio station control room and production equipment, including control consoles, recorders, computers, satellite receivers, transmitter control devices, EAS equipment and associated systems.
• Ensure strict technical standards and high-quality on-air sound in the live production and broadcast of daily programs and special coverage.
• Perform all aspects of audio production for daily regional programs, including recording interviews, mixing sound elements, and post-producing content for local broadcast.
• Manage routine assignments independently consistent with organizational policies, procedures, and FCC regulations.
• Accurately complete daily news scripts. Work closely with NEPM News Host and Executive Editor. Provide support to other News Team as needed.
• Collaborate closely with production units across regional partners (NEPM, CAI, GBH) to execute high-quality program elements, multi-site recordings, and seamless transitions.
• Assist with the operations, basic troubleshooting, and maintenance of radio computer automation systems and digital networks.
• Support quality control initiatives by evaluating audio feeds and recommending best practices for audio workflow and standard operating procedures.
• Project future equipment and technical needs proactively in collaboration with program producers and under the direction of the Operations Supervisor.
• Provide basic functional guidance or operational onboarding support to junior staff or interns when necessary.

Skill Set

• Proficient working knowledge of broadcast consoles, audio production workflows, and digital radio traffic software.
• Excellent ability to handle complex, live broadcast operations calmly and effectively under tight deadline pressures.
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail, reliability, and proactive follow-through.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills; ability to work cooperatively within a nimble, fast-paced team environment.
• Working knowledge of computer systems and automation networks within a modern broadcast environment (e.g., Zetta, Marketron, or similar platforms).
• Demonstrated judgment and adaptability when responding to technical emergencies or breaking news adjustments.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma required.
• Minimum of 2–4 years of related work experience running a radio console and crafting high-quality radio broadcasts.
• Associate degree or vocational training in broadcasting, media production, or a related technical field preferred. Experience with Zetta radio automation and Marketron radio traffic software is highly preferred.

Job Specifics

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, which may include early mornings, late evenings, or weekend shifts to support live programming and special broadcast coverage. Reliability is critical, including holidays.
• Position requires prolonged periods of sitting/standing at a broadcast console and high visual/auditory acuity. Remote or hybrid work status is generally not available for this on-site technical production role.
• Staff position

Location

44 Hampden Street, Springfield, MA 01103

Salary Range

$40,800 - $52,600

Compensation offered within this range is determined by skills, experience and internal pay equity.

GBH is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve are diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, GBH does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment, or promotion based on race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application Process Assistance

GBH will reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities who need adjustments to participate in the application or interview process. To initiate an accommodation request, contact the Human Resource department by sending an email to [e-mail] or by calling 617-300-2000.