Operations Technician - PT

Hearst; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 31,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Hearst Television’s WBAL in Baltimore seeks an experienced operations technician to support the station’s broadcast operations. The role involves hands-on work with robotic cameras, audio, control room systems, and studio lighting, requiring flexibility to work early mornings, weekends, and holidays.

Applicants should have 2+ years in a commercial TV operations role and a solid background in broadcast equipment operation. Union membership is required.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience as an operations technician at a commercial television station.
• Solid background in operation of broadcast television systems and equipment.
• IBEW union membership is required.
• Related military experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Operate robotic cameras, audio console and related systems.
• Perform technical directing including switcher, graphics and media playout.
• Handle master control duties including automation ingest and playout.
• Studio floor directing and prop/set handling.
• Maintain studio lighting and climb ladders to service fixtures.
• Assist with remote and in-house production.
• Participate in regular system reboots and tier 1 troubleshooting.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure

Positive attitude

Tools

Broadcast equipment

Graphics systems

Job description

WBAL is a multi-platform local media leader, Baltimore’s NBC Affiliate, and has been on the air over 75 years. Our passionate team members serve our viewers and clients with world-class content and advertising solutions seen by tens of thousands of consumers every day. Our engineering team enjoys world-class technology and understands how it supports our overall mission to inform, entertain, and support our local communities. The WBAL team also cares deeply about their friends and neighbors. Every year their collective work raises millions of dollars for local charitable causes. As part of the global Hearst team, based in Baltimore, Maryland, our resources to serve our viewers, clients and employees are best‑in‑class. The salary range is $22.45 - $26.38 per hour depending on experience as outlined in the IBEW Collective Bargaining Agreement. This position is scheduled for an average of twenty‑nine (29) hours per week. Actual hours may vary from week to week based on operational, staffing, and business needs. This is an IBEW Union position and requires union membership.

What you'll do
Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Operating robotic cameras; operating audio console and all related audio systems including wireless equipment
• Technical directing duties including switcher operation, graphics systems and media playout systems
• Master control duties including automation ingest and playout, following FCC compliance rules and graphics system operations
• Studio floor directing, including moving, maintaining appearance of and handling of props, sets and floors
• Maintain and operate studio lighting system with ability to climb ladders to maintain fixtures
• Assisting with remote and in‑house production
• Participate in regular system reboots and tier 1 troubleshooting of control room and studio equipment
• Other duties as assigned

A thorough knowledge, understanding, and familiarity of the essential job functions must be the primary goal within the first 120-180 days. An ongoing effort to gain a holistic overview of broadcast operations, systems, operations, and workflow is essential. Must be willing to work any shift assigned including early mornings, late evenings, weekends and holidays. Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

What you'll need

• Candidates should work well in a team environment, communicate effectively, professionally and respectfully while maintaining a positive attitude in high pressure situations
• A strong attention to detail, computer literate, should possess good technical understanding of equipment, and be able to work under pressure in a fast‑paced environment with constant deadlines while adhering to corporate standards, policies and procedures
• Related experience and/or training considered as well as a combination of education and experience

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience working as an operations technician at a commercial television station with experience operating different broadcast equipment
• Must have a solid background in operation of broadcast television systems and equipment
• This is an IBEW Union position and requires union membership.
• Related military experience will be considered

Values in Action

At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. That's why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization as diverse and varied as the audience we reach, ensuring that the content we create is more compassionate, and more representative of the communities we serve.

Benefits

Hearst's benefit programs are modern, flexible and designed to focus on you. As a Hearst employee, you will have access to the following benefits. Paid Time Off is one hour of sick and safe leave for every 30 hours worked and prorated vacation.

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.

WBAL is a multi-platform local media leader, Baltimore’s NBC Affiliate, and has been on the air over 75 years. Our passionate team members serve our viewers and clients with world-class content and advertising solutions seen by tens of thousands of consumers every day.