Broadcast Engineer

Job Description

This role is anchored in the station’s continuous pursuit of excellence in broadcasting and its commitment to community service, regulatory compliance, technological advancement, and educational support.

It works to ensure that WAER remains on the cutting edge of broadcast technology, operates within all required FCC and federal regulations, and provides an educational platform for staff and students alike.

Given the rapidly evolving nature of broadcast technology and the increasing complexity of regulatory requirements, the role of a Broadcast Engineer is critical to navigating these challenges effectively.

The WAER Engineer will be in charge of supporting all aspects of radio broadcasting, digital broadcasting including HD channels, studio spaces and other digital infrastructure.

Maintenance, service, repairs and suggestions for upgrades are all part of the job. WAER is part of Syracuse University’s S.

I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and or 3-5 year of relevant IT support / broadcast engineering is required.
• Technical Expertise : Deep understanding of broadcast engineering principles, including FCC regulations, signal transmission, and audio / video equipment operation.
• Problem-Solving Skills : Ability to quickly diagnose and resolve technical issues at transmitter, in studios and other equipment to minimize downtime and maintain broadcast quality.
• Digital Infrastructure : Knowledge of and ability to support digital broadcasting and studio equipment and systems.
• Technical Training : Experience in training others on the use of broadcast equipment and software, enhancing team skills and operational efficiency.

Job Specific Qualifications

• Documentation Skills : Proficiency in documenting technical operations and procedures, ensuring accurate records for maintenance, compliance, and training purposes.
• Research and Development : Commitment to researching and implementing new technologies to support the station’s growth and improve broadcast capabilities.
• Communication Skills : Effective communication abilities for collaborating with team members, conducting training, and coordinating with external vendors or contractors.

Responsibilities

Ensure WAER is on the air and operating within FCC guidelines and licenses along with state and federal regulations : Accomplished by conducting EAS tests, training on-air staff, maintaining compliance, and monitoring programming signals.

This is critical to ensure that the station remains operational and adheres to regulatory standards.

Install and update equipment as needed : Overseeing the installation and updating of broadcast equipment, ensuring the station’s technology remains current and functional, including equipment troubleshooting and repair.

This includes planning for future expansions, such as adding outboard servers or integrating with external studios.

Document technical details of station construction and operations : Keeping detailed records of daily and weekly tasks necessary for maintaining technical operations.

Documentation supports the ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting efforts, providing a valuable reference for current and future technical needs.

Train on-air staff, students and faculty in technical operation : Conducting training sessions for staff, faculty and students on the setup and use of broadcast equipment, studio and podcast engineering.

This includes preparing dome and sideline gear for live broadcasts, enhancing the team’s capability to produce high-quality content.

Research technologies needed to expand and improve our technical facility : Engaging in continuous research to identify and recommend new technologies or upgrades that will enhance the station’s capabilities.

This ongoing task involves evaluating new equipment and systems that can improve broadcast quality and efficiency.

Physical Requirements Not Applicable Tools / Equipment Not Applicable