Broadcast Technicians :: Job Description

ExistingUsers

User Name:

Password:

Forgot your password?
Click here

NewUsers

FeaturedResources

Broadcast Technicians

Careers / Broadcast Technicians

Summary Description


	Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs. Control audio equipment to regulate volume level and quality of sound during radio and television broadcasts. Operate transmitter to broadcast radio or television programs.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Access Coordinator

2.	Assistant Engineer

3.	Audio Engineer

4.	Audio Operator

5.	Audio Technician

6.	Audio/Video Technician

7.	Board Operator

8.	Broadcast Engineer

9.	Broadcast Field Supervisor

10.	Broadcast Maintenance Engineer

11.	Broadcast Maintenance Technician

12.	Broadcast Operations Engineer

13.	Broadcast Operations Technician

14.	Broadcast Technician

15.	Cable Television Access Coordinator

16.	Chyron Operator

17.	Color Technician

18.	Computer Engineer

19.	Control Engineer

20.	Control Operator

21.	Control Room Operator

22.	Control Room Technician

23.	Control Supervisor

24.	Custom Studio Coordinator

25.	Electronics Technician

26.	Engineer

27.	Engineering and Operations Director

28.	Engineering Director

29.	Engineering Operator

30.	Engineering Technician

31.	Facsimile Operator

32.	Field Engineer

33.	Field Technician

34.	Maintenance Engineer

35.	Master Control Engineer

36.	Master Control Operator (MCO)

37.	Master Control Supervisor

38.	Microphone Operator

39.	Mixer Operator

40.	Newcast Director

41.	News Gathering Technician

42.	Operating Engineer

43.	Operations Manager

44.	Operations Technician

45.	Operator Technician

46.	Production Assistant

47.	Production Editor

48.	Production Manager

49.	Program Clerk

50.	Program Scheduler

51.	Projection Engineer

52.	Radio Board Operator

53.	Radio Engineer

54.	Radio Station Audio Engineer

55.	Radio Station Engineer

56.	Radio Technician

57.	Radio/TV Technician (Radio/Television Technician)

58.	Records and Tape Recordings Engineer

59.	Reliability Technicians

60.	Remote Broadcast Engineer

61.	Remote Broadcast Technician

62.	Signal Engineer

63.	Sound Controller

64.	Sound Effects Manager

65.	Sound Effects Technician

66.	Sound Mixer

67.	Sound Person

68.	Sound Technician

69.	Special Effects Technician

70.	Staff Engineer

71.	Station Engineer

72.	Studio Control Operator

73.	Studio Coordinator

74.	Studio Engineer

75.	Studio Operation Engineer

76.	Studio Technician

77.	Technical Director

78.	Technical Operator

79.	Technical Testing Engineer

80.	Telecasting Engineer

81.	Telecasting Technician

82.	Telecine Operator

83.	Television Audio Engineer

84.	Television Engineer

85.	Television Operator

86.	Television Technician

87.	Transmission Engineer

88.	Transmission Operator

89.	Transmitter Engineer

90.	Transmitter Operator

91.	Transmitter Supervisor

92.	Video Control Engineer

93.	Video Operator

94.	Videographer

95.	Videotape Operator

96.	Wire Photo Operator

Job Tasks

	Maintain programming logs as required by station management and the Federal Communications Commission. Maintain logs of production activities.

	Regulate the fidelity, brightness, and contrast of video transmissions, using video console control panels. Operate control consoles for sound, lighting or video.

	Select sources from which programming will be received or through which programming will be transmitted. Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.

	Monitor strength, clarity, and reliability of incoming and outgoing signals and adjust equipment as necessary to maintain quality broadcasts. Monitor broadcasting operations to ensure proper functioning. Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.

	Observe monitors and converse with station personnel to determine audio and video levels and to ascertain that programs are airing. Monitor broadcasting operations to ensure proper functioning.

	Monitor and log transmitter readings. Maintain logs of production activities.

	Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible. Maintain recording or broadcasting equipment. Notify others of equipment problems.

	Play and record broadcast programs using automation systems. Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.

	Control audio equipment to regulate the volume and sound quality during radio and television broadcasts. Operate control consoles for sound, lighting or video.

	Set up, operate, and maintain broadcast station computers and networks. Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.

	Schedule programming or read television programming logs to determine which programs are to be recorded or aired.

	Install broadcast equipment, troubleshoot equipment problems, and perform maintenance or minor repairs, using hand tools. Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment. Maintain recording or broadcasting equipment.

	Preview scheduled programs to ensure that signals are functioning and programs are ready for transmission. Monitor broadcasting operations to ensure proper functioning.

	Substitute programs in cases where signals fail. Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.

	Align antennae with receiving dishes to obtain the clearest signal for transmission of broadcasts from field locations. Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.

	Prepare reports outlining past and future programs, including content. Maintain logs of production activities.

	Record sound onto tape or film for radio or television, checking its quality and making adjustments where necessary. Operate audio recording equipment.

	Instruct trainees in how to use television production equipment, how to film events, and how to copy and edit graphics or sound onto videotape. Train others on work processes.

	Edit broadcast material electronically, using computers. Edit audio or video recordings.

	Give technical directions to other personnel during filming. Coordinate activities of production personnel.

	Make commercial dubs. Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.

	Develop employee work schedules. Coordinate activities of production personnel.

	Design and modify equipment to employer specifications.

	Determine the number, type, and approximate location of microphones needed for best sound recording or transmission quality and position them appropriately. Determine technical requirements of productions or projects.

	Produce graphics for broadcasts. Create computer-generated graphics or animation.

	Organize recording sessions and prepare areas, such as radio booths and television stations, for recording. Direct productions or performances.

	Set up and operate portable field transmission equipment outside the studio. Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.

	Discuss production requirements with clients. Confer with clients to determine needs.

	Produce educational and training films and videotapes by performing activities, such as selecting equipment and preparing scripts. Train others on work processes.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians
	Broadcast and sound engineering technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electrical equipment for radio programs, television broadcasts, concerts, sound recordings, and movies.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians
	Broadcast and sound engineering technicians typically work indoors in radio, television, movie, and recording studios. They can also work in hotels, arenas, or in offices and school buildings.

	Read More >>

<< Previous Page

Next Page >>

Interesting Fact

The state with the largest agricultural industry is California, which has a production more than double the second-place state.

Did you know...

The MyPlan.com Interest Inventory Test scores and ranks 900 different careers based on how well they match your interests!