Broadcast Engineer, Broadcast Media/School of Journalism

University of Montana; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance package

Mandatory retirement plan

Partial tuition waiver

Wellness program

Job summary

The University of Montana's Broadcast Media division invites applications for a Broadcast Engineer to support MontanaPBS, Montana Public Radio, and SOJ operations. You will maintain, troubleshoot, repair, install, and support studio, field, and transmitter systems.

The role covers remote productions and equipment across cameras, video switchers, routers, servers, and AoIP networks; supervision of student staff and travel to remote sites may be required.

Qualifications

• Two years of post-secondary technical training in broadcast engineering or related field plus three years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) experience.
• Valid Montana driver's license by start date with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair broadcast equipment to component level using test equipment.
• Working knowledge of HD-SDI video and AoIP technologies (AES67, Livewire+, Dante).
• Experience supporting studio and remote live Digital TV and Radio production.
• Intermediate soldering and basic fabrication skills.
• Working knowledge of computer systems, networking, and non-linear video editing software.
• Ability to operate snowmobiles, 4WD trucks and tow a trailer; hike or ski to remote sites; travel in extreme weather.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and install broadcast, audio, video, and related systems.
• Support television, radio, studio, field, remote, and transmission operations.
• Perform preventive maintenance and ensure equipment meets industry and regulatory standards.
• Install, upgrade, and integrate broadcast, computer, networking, and related technology systems.
• Provide technical support to productions, staff, faculty, students, and other users.
• Collaborate with technical and IT teams on projects, troubleshooting, system improvements, and technology planning.
• Supervise and provide technical guidance to student employees, interns, and contractors as assigned.
• Provide field support and travel to remote and geographically challenging broadcast sites as required.

Skills

Broadcast engineering

HD-SDI video

AoIP (AES67 Livewire+ Dante)

Troubleshooting

IT & networking proficiency

Soldering

Field travel

Remote production

Education

Technical training in broadcast/related field

Tools

Multimeters

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Test equipment

Job description

Sector

Salary: $28.64 Hourly

Location: Missoula Mountain Campus

Job Type: Salaried Staff Full-time

Job Number: 202400792

Sector

Department: Broadcast Media, University of Montana

Closing Date: 10/18/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA: Determined by Position

Description

Bargaining Unit

Broadcast Media and The School of Journalism (SOJ) invite applications for a Broadcast Engineer to support the technical operations of MontanaPBS, Montana Public Radio (MTPR), and SOJ academic and broadcast production environments. Under the direction of the Broadcast Media Technical Director and SOJ Director, the Broadcast Engineer will maintain, troubleshoot, repair, install, and support television and radio studio, field, production, and transmission systems. The position supports both studio and remote productions and works with a broad range of electronic, audio, video, computer, networking, and broadcast systems.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and install broadcast, audio, video, and related technical systems
• Support television, radio, studio, field, remote, and transmission operations
• Perform preventive maintenance and ensure equipment meets industry and regulatory standards
• Install, upgrade, and integrate broadcast, computer, networking, and related technology systems
• Provide technical support to productions, staff, faculty, students, and other users
• Collaborate with technical and IT teams on projects, troubleshooting, system improvements, and technology planning
• Supervise and provide technical guidance to student employees, interns, and contractors as assigned
• Provide field support and travel to remote and geographically challenging broadcast sites as required

Minimum Qualifications

• Two (2) years of post-secondary technical training specializing in broadcast engineering, information technology, electronic communications, or closely related field plus three (3) years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) experience in one of the above fields or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
• Currently possess or be eligible to obtain a valid Montana driver's license by start date and possess an acceptable driving record (less than 10 points)
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair broadcast equipment to the component level, using multimeters, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and other general test equipment
• Working knowledge of HD-SDI video and audio quality control, including signal levels and timing, as well as Audio over IP (AoIP) technologies such as AES67, Livewire+, and Dante
• Demonstrated experience supporting studio and remote live Digital TV and Radio production, with familiarity across the technical operations of modern broadcast facilities and equipment, including cameras, video switchers, routers, servers, intercom systems, and recording devices
• Intermediate soldering and basic fabrication skills, with the ability to perform technical work at studio, remote production, and transmitter sites
• Working knowledge of computer systems, networking, and troubleshooting, particularly as applied to non-linear video editing systems, along with proficiency in common word processing, spreadsheet, and technical drawing applications
• Ability to operate snowmobiles, 4WD trucks and tow a trailer safely
• Ability to hike or ski to remote sites
• Ability to travel and work in extreme weather conditions

Preferred Qualifications

• Broadcast engineering experience, including studio, remote, and live digital television production and modern broadcast facility operations
• Technical troubleshooting and installation skills, including equipment repair, cabling, soldering, fabrication, test equipment, schematics, and system diagrams
• IT and networking proficiency, with experience supporting computer, network, and broadcast technology systems
• Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) certification or equivalent professional certification
• Field service capability, including the ability to safely work at remote and geographically challenging sites
• Demonstrated experience, skills & ability to access geographically challenging sites via 4WD vehicle, snowmobile, skiing, or snowshoes

Physical Requirements

• Lifting: Ground to 30 inches, up to 75 pounds;
• Carrying: Front carry up to 75 pounds for 10 feet or less.
• Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching with your body, arms, and/or legs in all directions.
• Working in various positions (standing, squatting, kneeling, crouching, and crawling).
• Static forward bending from a standing, crouching or kneeling position while using tools.
• Trunk rotation from a standing position.
• Balancing when climbing and working on a ladder or scaffold.

(Qualified candidates must be able to meet minimum requirements and perform the primary functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.)

Physical Screen will be administered prior to a final offer of employment.

Additional Information

Compensation Title: Electrical Equipment Technician II

Bargaining Unit: FOCUS-MFPE

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 12 months/year

Probationary Period: Six (6) months minimum

Benefits Include

• Insurance package
• mandatory retirement plan
• partial tuition waiver
• wellness program

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter: addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position
• Detailed Resume: listing education and describing work experience
• Three (3) Professional References: names and contact information

The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of "mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Must be eligible to work in the United States upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation)

is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM's non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans' or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Background check is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to background investigations per UM's policy and procedure.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.

Testing: Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.