What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Engineering and Tech position at Mountain Lake PBS?
Summary Of Job
The Director of Engineering & Technical Services is a key member of the leadership team and requires knowledge
and experience in broadcast and content technology. This position is pivotal in managing operational resources
and ensuring the technical excellence and success of MLPBS across various platforms, including broadcast,
multimedia, and online platforms. The Director of Engineering and Technical Services is responsible for managing
our technical infrastructure, including one transmitter, three translators, a studio facility with control room, offsite
Master Control, editing and field acquisition, and automated content storage and retrieval systems. The Director
will stay updated on industry trends and contribute to the organization's strategic vision.
Essential Duties And Responsibilties
Note: This position is classified as essential and as Director of Engineering & Technical Services, working on state
and federal holidays and during times of emergency may be required.
TECHNICAL
Oversee and maintain all technical/physical plant facilities for studio, transmitter, translator, and
microwave to highest attainable quality standards.
Demonstrate proficient IT skills related to networking, communication systems and modern broadcast
automation, encoding, and video play-out systems. Work closely with Joint Master Control team in
Syracuse to ensure reliable transmission.
Proactively ensure MLPBS carriage by alternate distribution mediums e.g.: cable, direct broadcast
satellites, and internet.
Keep informed and implement new technologies to keep MLPBS current, competitive, and indispensable
to the community.
MANAGERIAL
Supervise the engineering department within budget allocations and station policies, actively
contributing to the Executive staff management team. Assume responsibility for the station's
engineering strategic planning and goals.
Collaborate with the CEO to handle hiring, discipline, termination, advancement, and promotion of
employees in the Engineering Department.
Plan budgets relevant to the technical and staffing needs of MLPBS. Oversee bid specifications and
budgeting for government grants.
Exhibit strong communication and interpersonal skills, regularly collaborating with senior staff, clients,
contractors, and members of the viewing audience. Manage through difficult and stressful situations
and work effectively under deadline pressure.
Ensure compliance with all FCC regulations.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum 5 years of experience in broadcast engineering at a broadcast, video production or cable television
facility, performing hands on work on productions and live events, maintaining and updating infrastructure.
Minimum of 3 years of experience managing technical staff and projects including part-time and contract staff
with demonstrated ability to improve performance, output, and quality.
IT skills related to modern automation, encoding, and video play-out systems.
Experience with TV transmitter facilities and traditional microwave links.
Skilled in project management with ability to plan and execute strategically.
Knowledgeable of FCC Broadcast rules and regulations.
Experience with live studio and field production.
Strong PC computer skills, including Microsoft 365.
Be available, on call, for station emergencies.
Preferred Qualifications
Education & Training:
B.S. degree in electrical engineering specializing in television broadcasting or an equivalent level of work
experience. Management degree desirable. Good mechanical aptitude.
Work-Related Experience
Knowledgeable about digital transmission and production and computer network systems as they pertain to
broadcasting. General knowledge and ability to perform basic carpentry, plumbing and electrical tasks as needed.
The Director of Engineering & Technical Services is a key member of the leadership team and requires knowledge
and experience in broadcast and content technology. This position is pivotal in managing operational resources
and ensuring the technical excellence and success of MLPBS across various platforms, including broadcast,
multimedia, and online platforms. The Director of Engineering and Technical Services is responsible for managing
our technical infrastructure, including one transmitter, three translators, a studio facility with control room, offsite
Master Control, editing and field acquisition, and automated content storage and retrieval systems. The Director
will stay updated on industry trends and contribute to the organization's strategic vision.
Essential Duties And Responsibilties
Note: This position is classified as essential and as Director of Engineering & Technical Services, working on state
and federal holidays and during times of emergency may be required.
TECHNICAL
Oversee and maintain all technical/physical plant facilities for studio, transmitter, translator, and
microwave to highest attainable quality standards.
Demonstrate proficient IT skills related to networking, communication systems and modern broadcast
automation, encoding, and video play-out systems. Work closely with Joint Master Control team in
Syracuse to ensure reliable transmission.
Proactively ensure MLPBS carriage by alternate distribution mediums e.g.: cable, direct broadcast
satellites, and internet.
Keep informed and implement new technologies to keep MLPBS current, competitive, and indispensable
to the community.
MANAGERIAL
Supervise the engineering department within budget allocations and station policies, actively
contributing to the Executive staff management team. Assume responsibility for the station's
engineering strategic planning and goals.
Collaborate with the CEO to handle hiring, discipline, termination, advancement, and promotion of
employees in the Engineering Department.
Plan budgets relevant to the technical and staffing needs of MLPBS. Oversee bid specifications and
budgeting for government grants.
Exhibit strong communication and interpersonal skills, regularly collaborating with senior staff, clients,
contractors, and members of the viewing audience. Manage through difficult and stressful situations
and work effectively under deadline pressure.
Ensure compliance with all FCC regulations.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum 5 years of experience in broadcast engineering at a broadcast, video production or cable television
facility, performing hands on work on productions and live events, maintaining and updating infrastructure.
Minimum of 3 years of experience managing technical staff and projects including part-time and contract staff
with demonstrated ability to improve performance, output, and quality.
IT skills related to modern automation, encoding, and video play-out systems.
Experience with TV transmitter facilities and traditional microwave links.
Skilled in project management with ability to plan and execute strategically.
Knowledgeable of FCC Broadcast rules and regulations.
Experience with live studio and field production.
Strong PC computer skills, including Microsoft 365.
Be available, on call, for station emergencies.
Preferred Qualifications
Education & Training:
B.S. degree in electrical engineering specializing in television broadcasting or an equivalent level of work
experience. Management degree desirable. Good mechanical aptitude.
Work-Related Experience
Knowledgeable about digital transmission and production and computer network systems as they pertain to
broadcasting. General knowledge and ability to perform basic carpentry, plumbing and electrical tasks as needed.