Broadcast Operations Technician

Socket.dev; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Hearst Television's WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh is seeking a Part-Time Broadcast Operations Technician to join the Engineering team. The role will deliver and monitor the station's on-air signals from content acquisition through distribution, supporting both in-studio and remote production operations under the Assistant Chief Engineer.

You will operate file-based workflows, manage playlists, handle robotic cameras, satellite downlinks, and video servers, and ensure quality control and proper broadcast

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong decision-making under time-sensitive conditions.
• Proficient with computers and learning new software.
• Experience with file-based media workflows and modern broadcast automation systems.
• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, holidays.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver's license and dependable transportation.
• Ability to stand for long periods.
• Able to lift and carry 50 lbs.
• Television control room operations experience (preferred).
• Education or training in Broadcast Communications, Electronics, or related field (preferred).
• Technical School degree, Electronics Certification, and/or SBE Certification (preferred).
• Military technical experience welcomed (considered).

Responsibilities

• Operate and manage file-based broadcast workflows, including media preparation, playlist management, recording schedules, and robotic camera shot recall.
• Operate and monitor studio and transmission equipment, including broadcast automation systems, robotic cameras, satellite downlinks, and HD video servers.
• Perform floor directing duties during live and recorded productions, communicating with anchors, reporters, and on-air talent.
• Operate and monitor broadcast automation systems to ensure accurate execution of on-air playlists and programming.
• Monitor video and audio quality using waveform monitors, vectorscopes, and other QC equipment to meet standards.
• 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

Independent work

Decision making

Computer proficiency

File-based workflows

Broadcast automation

Flexible schedule

PA driver’s license

Education

Broadcast Communications training

Electronics background

SBE Certification

Tools

Broadcast automation systems

Robotic cameras

HD video servers

Satellite downlinks

Quality control equipment

Job description

WTAE-TV, the ABC affiliate in Pittsburgh, PA, is seeking an experienced Part-Time 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.

• Operate and monitor studio and transmission equipment, including:

  • Broadcast automation systems

  • Robotic cameras

  • Satellite downlinks

  • HD video servers

• 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 control room and the studio.

• Operate and monitor broadcast automation systems to ensure accurate execution of on-air playlists, commercial breaks, and programming.

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

• Identify technical issues quickly 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.

• 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.

Hearst Television (HTV) owns and/or operates 35 television and two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching nearly 25 million U.S. television households. HTV is recognized as one of the industry's premier broadcasting companies and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. we do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national, origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.