Studio and Production Operations Technician 4

United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM); Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 62,000 - 84,000; Part time

Job summary

The United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) is seeking a broadcast production professional to manage on-air programs, including live interviews and coverage of special events, in a fast-paced control room environment.

You will apply sound production techniques, coordinate with executive producers, and operate production automation systems such as OverDrive to ensure smooth live broadcasts. Solid knowledge of video and audio formats, QC, and camera framing is essential.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and directs on air the production of programs including topical material, entertainment, live and recorded interviews, and coverage of special events
• Applies sound production techniques to program elements and integrates them into a complete, professional production
• Works with executive producers and supervisors to develop specific ideas on how to best present the subject
• Directs live tightly integrated airshows using production automation or manual systems to cue in audio, video, and effects
• Has deep working knowledge of broadcast technology in an automated control environment and manages quality control and routing of video feeds
• Formats and operates Ross Overdrive or similar technology to plan, adjust, and execute programs live on the air
• As needed, serves as audio operator/backup Overdrive operator to adjust on the air
• Logs and conducts data entry and other functions connected with VOAs digital asset management system
• Prepares production elements of programs for broadcast and/or web and social media
• Performs technical functions related to studio control room operation in production and broadcast of service programs
• Works in the field to record and transmit live programming, operating field video camera and sound equipment, lights, etc.
• Adjusts lighting equipment to provide proper light levels
• Serves as floor director or teleprompter operator, as needed
• Performs sophisticated editing of voiceovers, soundcuts, packages from taped material, and color correction
• Integrates the program segments and stays abreast of latest technology
• Researches, gathers, and logs video and audio feeds
• Coordinates on-air telephone calls, Skype, Teradek, and remotes
• Operates computers
• Completes tasks accurately and independently prior to deadline, and works as a team member
• Serves as a team leader, assigning work and coaching team members

Job description

Job Details

Salary Range: $53.11 - $53.11 Hourly,

• Plans, organizes, and directs on air the production of programs including topical material, entertainment, live and recorded interviews, and coverage of special events
• Applies sound production techniques to program elements and integrates them into a complete, professional production
• Works with executive producers and supervisors to develop specific ideas on how to best present the subject
• Directs live tightly integrated airshows using production automation or manual systems to cue in audio, video, and effects. Frames camera shots for maximum effectiveness and provides quality control on productions as they air.
• Have in depth working knowledge of all broadcast technology needed for television production in an automated control environment with periodic manual override, and manage the quality control and routing of incoming video feeds and duplication of video programs on a variety of media
• Formats and operates Ross Overdrive or similar technology to plan, adjust, and individually execute programs live on the air
• As needed, simultaneously serves as audio operator/backup Overdrive operator to make adjustments on the air so that a changing program airs smoothly
• Have working knowledge of all broadcast technology needed for television production in an automated control environment with periodic manual override, and manage the quality control and routing of incoming video feeds and duplication of video programs on a variety of media
• Logs and conducts data entry and other functions connected with VOAs digital asset management system
• Prepares production elements of programs and content for broadcast and/or web and social media, and contributes finished products meeting standards to production elements of programs and content for broadcast and/or web and social media
• As needed, performs technical functions related to studio control room operation in the production and broadcast of service programs, including audio, video, switchers, recording and playback equipment, mixers, filters, patch panels, and other equipment
• Works in the field to record and/or transmit live programming, either alone or under direction. Professionally operates field video camera and sound equipment, lights, and associated equipment, both from a tripod and hand-held. Shoots in a logical sequence of well-composed wide, medium, and tight shots that follow action. Frames and lights subjects well and adjusts sound to neither overmodulate nor undermodulate.
• Adjusts and places lighting equipment as needed to provide proper light levels for productions, including changing bulbs and relocating lighting fixtures
• Serves as floor director or teleprompter operator, as needed
• Performs sophisticated editing of voiceovers, soundcuts, and packages from taped material, including high end video and color correction, and production of static graphics, as assigned. Monitors recordings for format and technical quality. Deletes portions to meet required program length. Adjusts pauses to ensure proper timing and pacing. Removes extraneous noises and video errors and corrects sound quality and levels as required, and supplies both color correction and color grading. Video packages are edited so that color, scope, and spectrum match from shot to shot and that shots are edited in a logical editorial/production sequence
• Integrates the program segments
• Stays abreast of the latest/new technology
• Researches, gathers, and logs video and audio feeds
• Coordinates on-air telephone calls, Skype, Teradek, and other remotes
• Operates computers
• Completes tasks accurately and independently prior to deadline, in accordance with editorial and production priorities
• Functions as effective member of a team
• Serves as a team leader, assigning work and coaching team members and reporting to management on their performance
• Other related duties as assigned

About the Agency

The United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) is an exciting, multi-media, multi-cultural, global media agency that carries out all United States civilian international broadcasting. Our media networks complement and reinforce one another in a shared mission vital to U.S. national interests: to inform, engage, and connect people around the world in support of freedom and democracy. Our staff of dedicated professionals serve as an example of a free and independent media, bringing news, information, and relevant discussions to a weekly audience of over 278 million people worldwide in over 60 languages via radio, television, Internet, and social media.

USAGM networks include the Voice of America and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (Radio and TV Marti) and three grantee organizations: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (Alhurra TV and Radio Sawa), and Radio Free Asia.

This is not an announcement for a federal job. This position is for employment as a personal services contractor with VOA News and may include eligibility for health, dental, vision, and life insurance, overtime, paid time off, sick leave, and the possibility of performance-based bonuses. All personal service contractors must pass a thorough background check.

U.S. citizenship is not required for this job and visa sponsorship is possible for the right candidates.