Broadcast Operations Technician

Hearst Magazines; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Hearst Television's WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh seeks an experienced Broadcast Operations Technician to join our Engineering team. You will deliver and monitor on-air signals from content acquisition through distribution and support both in-studio and remote productions, reporting to the Assistant Chief Engineer.

Responsibilities include managing file-based workflows, operating master control and broadcast automation, ensuring precise playlists and timing, and maintaining video/audio quality during

Qualifications

• Experience operating and managing file-based broadcast workflows.
• Ability to staff and operate master control and control room equipment.
• Familiarity with ENPS, playback systems, and broadcast automation.
• Strong communication with anchors, producers, and engineers.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Operate and manage file-based broadcast workflows, including media preparation, playlist management, recording schedules, and robotic camera shot recall.
• Staff the master control room to operate and monitor studio and transmission equipment, including: Broadcast automation systems, robotic cameras, satellite downlinks, HD video servers.
• Ensure the accurate execution of on-air playlists, commercial breaks, and programming.
• Perform floor directing duties during live and recorded productions, communicating with anchors, reporters, and on-air talent.
• Operate and monitor news automation systems to ensure clean newscast execution.
• Monitor video and audio quality using waveform monitors, vectorscopes and other QC equipment.
• Identify technical issues quickly and communicate problems to Engineering staff to minimize disruptions.
• Support station operations during live broadcasts, special events, and remote productions.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving under pressure

Proficient with computers

Broadcast technologies knowledge

ENPS / video playback familiarity

Flexible schedule

Education

Broadcast Communications / Electronics training

Technical School degree

SBE Certification

Tools

Broadcast automation systems

Robotic cameras

HD video servers

Waveform monitors

Satellite downlinks

Job description

WTAE-TV, the ABC affiliate in Pittsburgh, PA, is seeking an experienced Broadcast Operations Technician to join our Engineering team. This position is responsible for delivering and monitoring the station’s on-air signals from content acquisition through distribution. The successful candidate will support both in-studio and remote production operations and report directly to the Assistant Chief Engineer.

Responsibilities

• Operate and manage file-based broadcast workflows, including media preparation, playlist management, recording schedules, and robotic camera shot recall.

• Provide creative input and work with newscast producers and production crew.

• Staff the master control room to operate and monitor studio and transmission equipment, including:

  • Broadcast automation systems

  • Robotic cameras

  • Satellite downlinks

  • HD video servers

• Ensure the accurate execution of on-air playlists, commercial breaks, and programming.

• Perform floor directing duties during live and recorded productions, communicating effectively with anchors, reporters, and other on-air talent to ensure seamless coordination between the production control room and the studio.

• Operate and monitor news automation systems to ensure clean technical execution of the newscast.

• Monitor video and audio quality using waveform monitors, vectorscopes, and other quality control equipment to ensure broadcast standards are met.

• Quickly identify technical issues and communicate equipment problems promptly to Engineering staff to minimize operational disruptions.

• Support station operations during live broadcasts, special events, and remote productions.

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.

• Strong decision-making skills with the ability to troubleshoot issues and respond effectively under time-sensitive conditions.

• Highly proficient with computers and comfortable learning new software and broadcast technologies.

• Understanding of newsroom ENPS and video playback systems.

• Technical know-how to resolve existing issues and to work around problems that arise during live newscasts.

• Experience with file-based media workflows and modern broadcast automation systems is strongly preferred.

• Reliable, punctual, and able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and dependable transportation.

• Able to stand for long periods of time.

• Able to lift and carry 50 lbs.

Preferred Experience

• Television control room and studio operations experience.

• Education or training in Broadcast Communications, Electronics, or a related technical field.

• Technical School degree, Electronics Certification, and/or Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Certification.

• Military technical experience is welcomed and will be considered.

Values in Action

At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. That’s why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization that fosters collaboration and open communication, ensuring that the content we create is authentic, accurate, and connected to the communities we serve.