Master Control Operator & Traffic Specialist

KSPS Public Television; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 33,682 - 37,470; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and Dental Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid holidays

Vacation hours

Job summary

KSPS Public Television in Spokane is seeking a diligent Master Control Operator and Traffic Specialist. This vital role involves operating technical equipment, ensuring broadcasts run smoothly, and managing logging and scheduling.

The ideal candidate is calm under pressure, technically curious, and committed to quality. The position offers a pay range of $24.45 – $27.20 per hour, and requires a flexible schedule including weekends.

Qualifications

• Prior broadcast experience is a plus, but training is available.
• Basic computer proficiency is required.
• Familiarity with broadcast equipment is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Operate Master Control equipment.
• Review and adjust on-air play and record lists.
• Maintain program and transmitter logs.

Skills

Technical curiosity

Calm under pressure

Attention to detail

Strong communication skills

Education

Advanced studies in Broadcast Communications

Tools

Adobe Premiere Pro

BroadStream Automation

Myers ProTrack

Job description

Full-Time Master Control Operator and Traffic Specialist

Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are exactly alike? Can you stay calm, focused, and sharp when the pressure is on and multiple things are happening at once? If so, we want to hear from you.

KSPS PBS - Spokane’s trusted public media station - is looking for a part‑time Master Control Operator / Traffic Specialist to join our operations team. This is a vital, behind-the-scenes role that keeps our broadcast running across four on‑air program streams and three cable channels. Nothing gets on the air without the people in this position. You’ll be part of a team that takes real pride in what it does and why it does it: serving our community through trusted, quality public media.

Why Work for KSPS PBS? We are a mission‑driven, community‑focused organization that has served the Inland Northwest for decades. We care about our team and offer a supportive work environment where your skills, experience, and perspective are valued. You’ll work alongside passionate, experienced colleagues and have the opportunity to be part of something bigger than a broadcast – you’ll be part of the stories that connect our audience to the community they love.

Plus, you’ll get to do all of this in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, with access to mountains, lakes, and outdoor recreation right in your backyard.

Each shift in master control is a dynamic mix of technical precision, problem‑solving, and attention to detail. You’ll be responsible for keeping our broadcast on the air and on schedule, including:

• Operate Master Control equipment, including BroadStream Oasys Automation and Playout Server, MassTech Asset Management, Apantac Monitor Wall systems, Burke Transmitter Remote Control, XDCAM, DVCPRO and Beta VTRs, Kumulate Tape Archive, and Premiere Pro Mac Editor.
• Review, monitor, and adjust on‑air play and record lists in the BroadStream Automation System as needed.
• Monitor network (sIX) file downloads and satellite program feeds and prepare all network programming for on‑air use.
• Operate the BroadStream Maker Server to record on‑air programming into playout servers for multiple services, including KSPS 7.1, KSPS World, KSPS Create, KSPS Kids, and Ch‑17 (District 81).
• Operate and monitor the station’s Satellite Downlink System, including fixed and steerable dishes, and monitor Classic Arts and DirecTV feeds.
• Maintain program and transmitter logs; operate and monitor SAGE EAS equipment; perform EAS tests and announcements in accordance with station policy and FCC rules.
• Monitor all program streams during station breaks and document on program logs that scheduled content is airing correctly, with proper audio/video levels, Closed Captions, and DVI Audio present.
• Use Myers/ProTrack Traffic Software and BroadStream Oasys Automation to build and generate program logs and automation playlists for up to five channels, including scheduling interstitial content, station bugs, pledge graphics, and automated commands.
• Export program logs to create automated playlists; use Oasys Designer to verify and update program data and content durations across multiple sources.
• Perform program FTP file transfers as requested by Traffic or Programming.
• Monitor MyPBS Advisories and Refeeds for notifications of impaired or re‑fed network programming.
• Write clear Discrepancy, Equipment Malfunction, FCC Closed Caption Compliance, and EAS Evaluation Reports as required for FCC compliance and troubleshooting.

Job Qualifications

We’re looking for someone who is technically curious, calm under pressure, and committed to quality. Prior broadcast experience is a plus, but we’re willing to train the right person. What matters most is that you bring the right foundation:

Education & Experience

• Advanced studies in Broadcast Communications preferred but not required.
• Prior experience in a television operating environment involving daily operations, scheduling, and logging is a plus.

Technical Skills

• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Premiere Pro, Myers ProTrack, and BroadStream Automation preferred.
• Familiarity with television production and broadcast equipment, including video/audio monitors, graphics systems, video playback devices, and switchers.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions, manage competing priorities, and stay focused under pressure.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Dependable, with the ability to follow written and verbal instructions and meet deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to read and interpret technical, business, and regulatory materials and prepare clear reports.
• Excellent motor coordination for precise technical tasks and demonstrated problem‑solving ability.
• Commitment to accuracy, quality, and continuous improvement.

Salary & Benefits

Pay Range: $24.45 – $27.20 per hour, depending on qualifications.

This is a full‑time, non‑exempt hourly -40 hours per week. The regular schedule includes 12‑hour shifts on weekends (Saturday and Sunday, 12:15 p.m. – 12:15 a.m.), with remaining hours scheduled during normal business hours for traffic and administrative duties. This position is considered a fill‑in role; flexibility to work fill‑in shifts as required is expected – but we are also willing to work with you for the hours during normal business hours. This is an in‑office position.

• Turnaround pay at time and a half when scheduled to work back‑to‑back shifts with less than 10 hours between shifts.
• Up to 11 paid holidays, or time and a half when working on the actual holiday.
• 96 hours of vacation in accordance with organizational policy, prorated in employees first year.
• Medical and Dental Insurance for employees and optionally their families.
• Life Insurance.
• Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – once eligible, Friends of KSPS contributes 3% annually.