Broadcast Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Broadcast Engineer - Transmitter

Department: Engineering & Technology

Reports To: Chief Engineer, Transmission

Classification: Regular Full-Time

FLSA Status: Bargaining Unit Non-Exempt

Work Location: Vermont, this is not a remote position.

Cellular Phone Reimbursement Eligible: Yes

Prepared Date: September 2024

Compensation: $37.93/hour and up

Summary

A broadcast engineer performs a variety of functions related to transmitter construction, transmitter maintenance, regulatory compliance, and property management. This position requires a broad range of knowledge and experience in radio frequency transmission, computer and networking technologies, general electronics, property and vehicle maintenance, and safety issues. Knowledge and experience in FCC rules and regulations are essential. This position requires extensive travel throughout Vermont, and some travel outside the state. The broadcast engineer usually works alone without direct supervision and must exercise independent judgment with respect to high priority Vermont Public’s needs and assets.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs routine transmitter maintenance to ensure safe and reliable operation of Vermont Public’s transmission facilities. This includes transmitters, studio-to-transmitter links, remote control systems, and monitoring systems. Keeps Vermont Public’s staff informed of unusual circumstances.

• Establishes maintenance schedule for transmitter sites in accordance with FCC requirements.

• Ensures that transmitters and related equipment are operated within legal requirements. Arranges for frequency coordination. Maintains records and documentation of transmitter sites.

• Property management

  • Coordinates contractors who perform construction, maintenance and repairs at Vermont Public’s sites, or on Vermont Public’s equipment. This includes transmitter equipment, antennas and towers, buildings and grounds, and vehicles. Also manages contractors and consultants who do measurements and testing for legal compliance.

  • Deals with property owners or managers,

  • Monitor sites to ensure tenants follow the terms of their leases.

• Regulatory compliance, Contractor management, Planning and logistics

• Assists in budget preparation and execution.

• Mentors new employees and/or interns to learn industry and required skills. Works to ensure a smooth transition/succession within the department and specifically in the area of expertise.

• Stays current with new technologies.

• Other duties as assigned.

EXCELLENCE IN THIS ORGANIZATION

• A high level of commitment and dedication to the mission of the organization and public media.

• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with co-workers and audience, supporting and enhancing a culture of belonging.

• Preserving confidentiality appropriately.

• Serving as an excellent ambassador for the organization, both formally and informally. Helping audience and potential audience members, donors, and potential donors connect with the organization.

• Facilitating excellent communications across departments, among employees, and with the public. Fostering open and candid relationships with Vermont Public audience and donors. Managing conflict constructively.

• Demonstrating a commitment to the continuous improvement of the organization’s ability to fulfill its mission and vision.

• Demonstrating and encouraging creativity and enthusiasm for this work.

• Expressing consistent, high-performance expectations for themselves, their department, the leadership, and the organization itself.

• Developing a broad understanding of the organization’s departments, programs, and services to assist donors, collaborate effectively with peers, ensure respectful communication and teamwork among departments.

• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Position Requirements

Education and Experience

At least 3 years of relevant experience in transmitter maintenance or related technical fields. Also desirable is an Associate’s degree or comparable formal training in electrical or computer related study, SBE (Society of Broadcast Engineers) certification or licensed amateur radio operator. Strong organizational, communications (written and verbal), and interpersonal skills required. Ability to work alone at isolated transmitter sites, as well as the ability to work with listeners, vendors, contractors, and regulators is required. Must hold a valid driver’s license to drive on various work sites.

Working Conditions

Work is normally performed with moderate noise levels (fans, computers, telephones, etc.). Working conditions may vary outside the office and for jobs in production, maintenance, and engineering.

Physical Demands

Work involves standing and walking for brief periods, bending, lifting, ability to work on ladders and occasional working in confined areas. There is potential for eyestrain from reading detailed materials on a computer screen. Deadlines, workloads during peak periods, and changing priorities may cause increased stress levels. Work requires finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination to operate computer keyboards at a moderate skill level.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus and the ability to distinguish colors. The work environment is usually remote transmitter sites which typically have high noise levels and may be unusually hot or cold. The employee must be able to operate off-road vehicles including four-wheel drive vehicles, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles. Travel is sometimes required in severe weather and/or under hazardous conditions. The employee will usually work alone and may be required to drive up to 300 miles in a day.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please note: This is not an all-encompassing statement of this position’s responsibilities. While it attempts to be comprehensive, new responsibilities may be assigned to this position at any time.

Vermont Public is a proud equal-opportunity employer. We work diligently to recruit a broad pool of candidates and to hire and promote qualified individuals whose personal experiences, characteristics, and talents reasonably reflect the diversity of the communities served by Vermont Public. Our equal employment opportunities apply to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. We encourage applications from women, minority groups, veterans, and people with disabilities.

All potential candidates should read through the following details of this job with care before making an application.