BROADCAST TECHNICIAN JOB DESCRIPTION

A Broadcast Technician keeps signals on air. The role owns the monitoring, switching, and troubleshooting of live and non-live transmissions across linear, satellite, and streaming distribution chains, typically operating within a 24/7 master control or network operations environment. Where most adjacent engineering titles define infrastructure, this role executes against it in real time - responding to incidents, qualifying transmission performance, and coordinating with MVPDs, affiliates, and traffic teams to protect on-air continuity. Sporting event blackout compliance and MPEG transport stream integrity are two recurring technical standards that shape daily decisions in this seat.

As the Broadcast Technician, you monitor and maintain signal distribution across satellite, fiber, and streaming platforms, ensuring on-air programming reaches linear and digital audiences without interruption. You work within broadcast operations alongside master control, engineering, and traffic teams, reporting incidents through formal ticketing systems and escalating technical faults to senior engineers as required.

Career Impact: Deep hands-on experience with satellite uplink systems, IRD configuration, and DVB and SMPTE standards builds the kind of operational credibility that advances careers toward Broadcast Engineer and Transmission Engineer roles.

Business Impact: When live event switching fails or a satellite feed degrades, viewers lose programming and MVPD agreements face breach risk - this role is the first line of defense that prevents those outcomes.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to MPEG-2 transport stream analysis, Video Over IP, and CDN delivery management gives technicians working knowledge across both legacy and emerging distribution formats, expanding their market value significantly.

• Monitor live and non-live on-air programming across linear, satellite, and streaming distribution platforms to detect signal anomalies early.
• Execute distribution switching for regional sports networks and other channels following broadcast rules and timed event schedules.
• Troubleshoot and isolate faults in satellite and terrestrial fiber transmission equipment during live events and standard operations.
• Coordinate outage response with master control, engineering, traffic, and MVPD headend teams to restore service within defined timeframes.
• Document technical incidents, maintenance work orders, and corrective actions through formal trouble ticket and shift log systems.
• Configure and qualify uplink systems, video compression hardware, and satellite receivers to confirm end-to-end transmission performance.
• Ingest, transfer, and manage media content across storage, satellite, and file transfer systems to support programming workflows.
• Maintain engineering logs, knowledge base procedures, and discrepancy reports to support audit readiness and process improvement.

• Associate degree in Electronics, Broadcasting, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of experience in live television broadcast, satellite operations, or cable headend environments, with demonstrated shift-based availability.
• Knowledge of video signal delivery, channel distribution switching, and broadcast workflows including MVPD and RSN distribution structures.
• Understanding of satellite transmission principles including RF carrier parameters, modulation, FEC, symbol rates, and DVB and MPEG standards.
• Ability to analyze MPEG-2 transport streams and audio and video baseband signals using standard test and analysis equipment.
• Experience tracking and documenting technical issues from initial report through final resolution in a structured ticketing environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce incident reports, shift logs, and procedural documentation.
• Ability to work rotating shifts in a 24/7 operation including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Experience with satellite transponder loading, SATCOM operations, or commercial uplink systems in a live broadcast context.
• Familiarity with IP video distribution methods including multicast delivery, IGMP, and Video Over IP architectures.
• Knowledge of CDN behavior including edge caching, origin services, and streaming format standards such as HLS and DASH.
• Prior exposure to broadcast automation platforms or playout systems in a master control or network operations environment.

• Signal uptime percentage across managed linear and satellite channels during scheduled broadcast windows.
• Mean time to resolution for transmission faults escalated through the trouble ticket system.
• Incident documentation completion rate, measured by shift log entries per operator per week.
• Switching execution accuracy during live events, tracked against scheduled event run sheets.
• Transport stream error rate per monitored channel, assessed against ETR 101 290 compliance thresholds.
• Typical tools: Satellite monitoring and analysis platforms (commonly Synamedia and LTN Crystal); broadcast automation systems (commonly Imagine playout and ADC automation).

• Base Salary Range: $48,000 to $72,000 per year depending on experience and market
• Bonus: annual discretionary bonus of 3 to 8 percent based on performance
• Equity: not typically offered at this level in broadcasting
• Health Benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage with employer contribution
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually plus standard federal holidays
• Common Perks: Shift differentials for overnight and weekend work, on-call stipends, and broadcast industry training support

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background checks, including verification of prior broadcast and technical employment, are a standard condition of hire for this role. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process upon request. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States prior to the start of employment.

The Broadcast Technician owns end-to-end distribution switching for live and non-live programming across Bally Sports RSNs, linear networks, and streaming platforms, working alongside master control, traffic, and MVPD headend teams. The role delivers reliable signal distribution by monitoring workflows, managing escalations, and maintaining satellite and uplink systems that keep sports programming on air.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and execute distribution switching for Bally Sports RSNs and other networks using various tools and systems.
• Support channel distribution and satellite receivers and IRDs located for MVPD headends.
• Work with master control, broadcast operations, linear transmission, digital, engineering, RSNs programming, traffic, TOC, MVPDs headends, and vendors.
• Execute broadcast functions and workflows, monitoring live and non-live programming.
• Report incidents and manage escalations as required.
• Perform other duties based on business needs.
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Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in live television broadcast or satellite and cable headend.
• Basic understanding of television broadcast and MVPD distribution workflows.
• Knowledge of video signal delivery, broadcast systems, channel distribution, and switching following sports leagues broadcast rules.
• Experience in live event broadcasting supporting linear and streaming distribution.
• Experience in tracking and documenting technical issues from first reporting through final resolution.
• Experience using transmission encoders and satellite uplink systems including Synamedia, LTN Crystal, Imagine playout, and ADC automation.
• Ability to work varying shifts in a 24/7 environment including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Embedded within broadcast operations, the Broadcast Technician monitors on-air programming across local, national, and international broadcasters while managing customer complaint intake and signal quality escalations. Working closely with management teams, affiliates, and external providers, the role enables consistent network uptime by coordinating outage response and tracking discrepancies across distribution channels.

Core Functions

• Monitor on-air programming of local, national, and international broadcasters.
• Answer multiple phone calls and manage email correspondence.
• Respond to customer complaints from the call center.
• Identify, document, and escalate signal quality issues and incidents.
• Support communication with management teams, affiliates, and third party partners.
• Coordinate with internal teams and outside providers to determine cause of outages.
• Track and report discrepancies.

Qualifications and Experience

• Associate degree or 2 years of experience and training in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2 years of experience with Google G-Suite and Microsoft Office with advanced computer skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure documents.
• Strong prioritization and attention to detail skills in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to type accurately between 35 and 40 WPM.
• Ability to monitor services that include adult content without objections.
• Ability to work any schedule as assigned to meet the needs of a 24/7 business.

Reporting to the broadcast operations team, the Broadcast Technician supports material transfer, satellite feed acquisition, and media ingest across CBC locations. Partnering with journalists, videographers, and on-air presentation teams, the role ensures timely and accurate content delivery that keeps live programming running without disruption.

Primary Duties

• Assist with transferring material to various storage mediums and electronically transferring to and from other CBC locations.
• Take audio and video feeds from various locations via satellite.
• Clip items and send them to on-air presentation systems.
• Ingest material from journalists and videographers into the Avid Interplay system.
• Monitor and resolve issues affecting various file transfer systems.

• Skills and Qualifications
• Community college diploma in Applied Television Arts or a relevant alternative program, or equivalent industry experience.
• Minimum 1 year of directly related experience working as a TV technician in the broadcast industry.
• Knowledge of Avid Assist, Access, and iNews.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple competing priorities.
• Ability to work as a team member or independently across various shift patterns including overtime and weekends.
• Ability to deal with a live environment with tight time constraints while maintaining a professional attitude.

Sitting at the intersection of satellite operations and terrestrial fiber infrastructure, the Broadcast Technician operates and troubleshoots multiple transmission systems while maintaining accurate logs and escalating outages to engineering teams. Operating across SATCOM, MPEG transport stream analysis, and IP video distribution, the role safeguards signal integrity for live events and ongoing network operations.

Duties

• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot multiple terrestrial fiber and satellite transmissions through various control systems.
• Configure uplink and access satellite via remote uplink systems based on a daily timed schedule of events.
• Qualify the performance of end-to-end satellite transmissions with appropriate test and analysis equipment.
• Define and configure video compression hardware operating parameters.
• Perform real time troubleshooting of live events and fault-isolation of satellite and broadcast communications equipment.
• Perform analysis of MPEG-2 transport streams, video, and audio baseband signals for performance and anomalies.
• Manage incident and service outage escalations to appropriate departments and senior level engineers.
• Maintain accurate daily reports and logs of network statistics, maintenance work orders, and trouble tickets.
• Document and maintain knowledge base of procedures and troubleshooting resources.
• Coordinate troubleshooting of terrestrial circuits with the Data Communications department.

Experience and Qualifications

• Competent understanding of satellite and terrestrial fiber transmission components including transmitters, IRDs, modulators, upconverters, and audio and video routers.
• Understanding of RF carrier parameters such as modulation, FEC, and symbol rates.
• Knowledge of satellite industry standards including DVB, MPEG, SMPTE, and ETR 101 290.
• General networking knowledge including subnets and IGMP V2 and V3.
• Knowledge of video distribution via multicast or Video Over IP and processes associated with occasional use satellite and terrestrial fiber transmissions.
• Experience in commercial or military SATCOM and satellite transponder loading.
• Ability to generate reports of all issues through a Trouble Ticket system and Shift Log.

A key member of the broadcast and transmission team, the Broadcast Technician schedules and facilitates live event delivery across captioning, streaming, tape op, and CDN channels for corporate and Tier 1 events. Collaborating across production, web technology, and signal QC functions, the role advances reliable end-to-end content distribution from encoding through on-demand publishing.

Functions

• Schedule and facilitate setup and running of live events with captioning, transmission, tape op, and streaming.
• Configure broadcast equipment for use, testing, and keeping gear up to date.
• Manage Content Delivery Network configuration and delivery.
• Design, diagram, and manage transmission workflows using Visio.
• Execute independent transmit and receive operations and manage resources for live events and on-demand workflows.
• Develop and deploy web technologies and services including HTML5, MMP, Azure, Flash, and DRM.
• Perform signal QC, testing, monitoring, and troubleshooting including reading scopes and correcting signals.
• Operate DDR playback software and VTR for record and playback.
• Manage broadcast playout systems and perform format conversion across frame rates, aspect ratios, and resolutions.

Technical Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of technical experience in the production industry.
• Experience with encoding codecs including VC1, H.264, and MPEG variants.
• Experience with HTML5 video, Microsoft Media Platform, Silverlight, Flash video player technologies, and Azure Media Services.
• Experience with captioning formats for live broadcast, web delivery, on-demand, and in-room displays.
• Proficient in digital media fundamentals including frame rates, bandwidth, progressive vs interlaced, aspect ratios, and timecode.
• Strong command of Content Delivery Network behavior including edge caching, token authentication, and origin services.
• Familiar with video transmission technologies including fiber encoders and decoders, satellite dishes and receivers, RTMP, and transport streams.
• Experience working with data networks and live and on-demand hosting environments.
• Proficient in digital streaming file formats including Smooth, HLS, Flash, DASH, and MP4.

Seamless live show operations depend on the Broadcast Technician, who handles safe setup and operation of lighting, sound, and entertainment equipment while maintaining guest safety and a clean working environment across indoor and outdoor venues. Based within the Entertainment Technical Services team, the role serves as a frontline point of contact for guest concerns and emergency response throughout daily park operations.

Accountabilities

• Promote the park with enthusiasm and pride while setting up equipment.
• Arrange safe handling of all equipment including lighting, microphones, and amplifiers.
• Perform basic maintenance on equipment and use tools as required.
• Move large props on and off stage as needed.
• Ensure guest safety and satisfaction throughout daily operations.
• Maintain a clean working environment in both guest view and behind the scenes.
• Resolve guest concerns and respond to emergency situations in the area.
• Cooperate with all team members and managers and complete tasks as requested by management.

Position Requirements

• Previous experience in entertainment or a related technical environment preferred.
• Basic understanding of signal flow through audio platforms and tech related vocabulary including focus, pan, tilt, auxiliary, and processing.
• Ability to troubleshoot on the fly in a fast paced environment.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills in English.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs consistently and lift and lower 10 lbs above shoulder level.
• Must be able to stand and walk for up to 6 hours at a time and walk up to 3 miles per day.
• Must be able to climb a stepladder up to 8 feet in height.
• Available to work flexible hours including nights and weekends.
• Valid state driver's license is a plus.

As the Broadcast Technician, this role supports daily show track operations, scenic inspections, and load in and load out activities for stage productions and special events at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The Entertainment Technical Services team relies on this work to maintain safe, guest-ready performances and ensure timely repairs, equipment operation, and compliance with park safety policies throughout the season.

Key Deliverables

• Perform daily operational duties to assist the department in running assigned show tracks.
• Drive parade floats as needed during parade operating seasons.
• Perform daily inspections of all scenic elements, lighting systems, and special effects.
• Repair and correct issues quickly and safely to ensure a safe guest experience.
• Assist the technical services team in daily duties including new builds and repairs, load ins and load outs, and system maintenance.
• Communicate with stage management and production management teams on any issues or safety concerns.
• Operate various vehicles, tools, and equipment as assigned.
• Adhere to safe work practices and policies that further the safety culture of the department and park.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Education, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Previous experience in the entertainment and theme park industry preferred.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work independently and in group settings.
• Ability to work a consistent 40 hour work week with a variety of hours or shifts including weekends, evenings, and overnight shifts.
• Valid driver's license to operate company vehicles, PIT equipment, and parade floats.
• Willingness to train for other operational departments and assist during specific key periods.

Broadcast Technician manages all engineering aspects of a technical broadcast facility, encompassing studio support, post editing systems, field production, and live event transmission while coordinating with the General Manager and Chief Engineer on infrastructure projects. The work directly supports station reliability by ensuring transmission equipment performance, maintaining vehicles and systems, and enabling rapid response during breaking news and emergency situations.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Manage all engineering aspects of the technical facility including studio support, post editing systems, field production support, and transmission of live and taped events and programs.
• Step in and assist in emergency situations requiring expert knowledge of equipment, technology, and systems.
• Perform regular maintenance tasks including repairs, equipment replacement, and supplies management.
• Document and execute necessary corrective actions and maintain discrepancy logs and equipment incident reports.
• Ensure all transmission equipment is operating correctly before and during live event telecasts.
• Assist the Chief Engineer in overseeing and implementing engineering projects.
• Work closely with the General Manager and corporate leadership to implement new technologies and technical infrastructure.
• Maintain station vehicles including live satellite trucks.

Background and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• 2 to 3 years of professional or broadcast experience in engineering.
• Commanding knowledge of professional video photography equipment and techniques.
• Working knowledge of the latest operating systems software including server and desktop operating systems.
• Familiar with networking routing and IP addressing.
• Must have a clean driving record and be available for on-call services in a 24/7 environment including breaking news and severe weather situations.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to operate in high pressure situations.

The Broadcast Technician owns operation, maintenance, and repair of complex broadcasting systems within an Armed Forces Network television and radio environment, supporting broadcast engineers and end user customers across both fixed and remote production facilities. The role delivers mission-ready equipment readiness by testing and aligning new systems, maintaining engineering logs, and setting up transmission links for broadcast and point-to-point microwave operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Works primarily in Armed Forces Network television and radio broadcast environment, providing technical support to broadcast engineers and end user customers.
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair complex electronic, computer based, optical, and mechanical broadcasting systems.
• Set up and operate various broadcasting equipment including recording, video, and editing equipment and check equipment for operational readiness.
• Prepare and maintain technical records and engineering logs pertaining to broadcast equipment performance according to regulations.
• Set up, maintain, and operate remote production facilities including all engineering activities associated with remote television productions.
• Test and align new equipment prior to installation in broadcast facility.
• Set up and maintain transmission equipment for broadcast and point-to-point microwave links.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in Electronics, Broadcasting, or a related field with 2 years of experience in broadcast engineering including equipment repair and installation, or 4 years of equivalent experience, or equivalent military training in technology.
• Knowledge of broadcast rules and regulations and maintenance, usage, and design of technical broadcast equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting and repair skills for analog and digital components, power supplies, audio, and RF signals.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Must be in good physical health and able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs and work both indoors and outdoors.
• Must be able to work extended hours with short notice including late nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays.
• Position may be assigned to overseas locations with remote and uncomfortable conditions including long hours, exposure to weather, dust, and hazardous conditions.