Broadcast Systems Technician

American University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university seeks a Broadcast Systems Technician to support WAMU's broadcast operations. The role involves maintaining both technical and creative aspects of broadcasting, including studio facilities and remote broadcasts, while ensuring optimal operational standards. Successful candidates will manage equipment, support productions, and provide training to colleagues, all within a vibrant educational environment.

Benefits

200% matching retirement plan

Tuition benefits for full-time staff and families

Leadership development certificates

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of relevant experience.
• Basic knowledge of analog and digital audio equipment.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for building, testing, and maintaining studio facilities.
• Troubleshoots system anomalies and supports remote broadcasts.
• Works closely with the Broadcast IT Systems Manager to maintain infrastructure.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Broadcast Operations

Maintenance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Vocational College experience

Tools

Audio consoles

Broadcast IT systems

Transmission systems

Job description

Broadcast Systems Technician page is loaded

Broadcast Systems Technician

Apply locations 4401 Connecticut Campus (Washington, DC) time type Full time posted on Posted 30+ Days Ago job requisition id R2529

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

Broadcast Engineering

Time Type:

Full time

Job Type:

Regular

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Work Modality:

Full On Campus Presence

Union:

Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).

Job Description:

Summary:

The Broadcast Systems Technician supports the broadcast operations and infrastructure for WAMU under the direction of the Director of Broadcast Engineering. The focus of this position is the maintenance, evolution, and proper operation of the things that keep WAMU on the air – transmitters, control systems, studios, playout systems, remote technology and content creation systems. The position is directed by the Director of Broadcast Engineering to ensure all broadcast operations infrastructure is operating optimally and meeting the needs of on-air staff. This position partners with the Broadcast IT Systems Manager to maintain, expand, and refine the AoIP (Axia and Pathfinder) and network infrastructure that is the backbone of a modern media facility. This position is also responsible for coordinating technical setup and QC involving remote broadcasts outside the station.

Essential Functions:

1.) Broadcast Operations and Maintenance

• Responsible for building, testing, troubleshooting, maintaining, and upgrading WAMU’s studio facilities.

• Studio furniture, playout (WideOrbit and Burli systems), capture equipment, audio consoles, Axia equipment, and all associated cabling.

• Under the guidance of the Director of Broadcast Engineering, responsible for transmission systems maintenance at the Main Transmitter site on AU’s main campus, and the Auxiliary Transmitter site in Arlington, VA.

• Installing new equipment, testing, troubleshooting, maintaining, and upgrading the audio airchain and all transmission related equipment.

• A regular maintenance rotation for these sites is expected.

• Performs broadcast equipment repair when possible, and works with manufacturers and vendors for RMA service when in-house repair is not possible.

• Performs proactive and preventative maintenance on broadcast infrastructure.

• In partnership with IT staff, helps maintain the Audiovisual equipment and manages updates and improvements.

• Works closely with the Broadcast IT Systems Manager to test, troubleshoot, maintain, and update the broadcast network infrastructure.

2.) Operations Management and Support

• Troubleshoots system anomalies and corrects directly or assigns to coworkers.

• Performs user training on studio use, content production, and broadcast operations computer systems.

• Supports the production needs of special internal or external events and remote broadcasts.

• Provides WAMU on-air and content creation staff direct support as an active member of the Broadcast Operations team.

• Responds to calls for help and acts on trouble tickets promptly.

• Work will occur at DC and Virginia facilities, and potentially offsite at various field broadcasts.

• Coordinate, transport, configure, and monitor remote broadcast equipment during live remote broadcasts.

3.) Project Implementation

• Works with other members of technology team and stakeholders throughout WAMU to design and identify systems and platforms responsive to the content production, playout, and facilities control needs of the organization.

• Provides support to the Director of Broadcast Engineering on projects.

• Identifies vendors and products to become key components of the WAMU production suite.

• Designs and leads training programs for end-users and plays a leadership role in assessing the efficacy of content production and studio use in the organization (examples include studio equipment, studio configurations, field production, program transport, content storage and management, and audio quality).

• Under the direction of the Director of Engineering, deploys strategies to exceed 99.999% uptime of the WAMU broadcast signals and production systems on an annual basis.

4.) Initiative Support

• Works with other station departments to support technical requirements of on-air membership drives, special events, breaking news, and everyday needs. Ensures the department always meets the operational needs of the station.

5.) Other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Championing Customer Needs.

• Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.

• Driving Continuous Improvement.

• Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.

• Building and Supporting Teams.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-Time.

• 35 hours per week.

• This is an essential role at WAMU that will frequently be on-call 24-7.

• Must be able to work remotely in the event assistance is required after-hours or during inclement weather.

• Required to monitor and reply to essential email after-hours.

• After-hours work required for scheduled and unscheduled broadcast infrastructure maintenance, special broadcasts and emergency repair.

• Work Modality: Full Presence.

Salary Range:

• $40.06-$41.21 per hour.

Required Educationand Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Vocational College or prior experience in working with broadcast IT and audio systems.

• 1-3 years of relevant experience.

• Basic knowledge of analog and digital audio equipment, contribution links, and satellite systems.

• Willingness and ability to communicate effectively across the organization.

• Ability to be a mentor and teacher to technical staff and patient teacher of non-technical staff.

• Ability to develop training programs as needed and ensure effective implementation of systems through training.

• Must have a reliable method for getting to all WAMU worksites, including the studio and DC area transmitter facilities, within a reasonable amount of time (typically within 2 hours of notification).

• Must have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, differentiate colors, climb ladders, hear sound and distinguish audio quality, type on a QWERTY keyboard or touch screen, read schematics and fine text, and effectively communicate with others using both written and spoken word.

• The incumbent must also be able to follow broadcast industry standard safety guidelines for working with electricity and Radio-Frequency generating equipment, periodically work in confined spaces, and communicate safety information to others.

Preferred Educationand Experience:

• Associate's degree or equivalent.

• 2-4 years of relevant experience.

• One or more years of broadcast technical experience, including function of broadcast studios, audio, and/or transmission or RF systems, as well as audio transport and remote control systems.

• Experience in managing a digital audio routing and distribution system (AoIP, LiveWire,Wheatnet, Ravenna, Dante, or TDM).

• Knowledge of FM transmitters and Studio-to-Transmitter links a plus.

• Familiarity with National Public Radio, its satellite system, and public broadcasting in general is a plus.

• Preferably, passionate about WAMU and the mission of public media.

Travel Required:

• Local Travel Required.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite.Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log intoWorkdayand select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [e-mail] .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

About Us

American University is a student centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world.