Broadcast IT Engineer

Job Description:

Nebraska Public Media is hiring a Broadcast IT Engineer through the State of Nebraska to support the systems that power our statewide radio and television networks. In this role, you will maintain, troubleshoot, and enhance broadcast and IT infrastructure to ensure reliable, high-quality content delivery across multiple platforms. This is an opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in a collaborative, mission-driven environment serving communities across Nebraska.

Under limited supervision, performs work in one or more of the following IT areas: hardware and software support, network support, development efforts for multiple processing platform automated operations, special applications or projects, performs computer room design, application of network communications regulations and principles, the use of precision instruments and technical equipment, and the installation, diagnosis, repair, and calibration of communications equipment, systems administration, research, procurement, and/or training; performs related work as assigned.

Minimum Hiring Rate: $25.218/hr. Pay rate will be commensurate with education and experience, if approved.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned.)

Hardware and Software Support:

• Assembles and tests equipment (including peripherals)

• Repairs equipment

• Performs preventative maintenance

• Limited site inspection/review

• Minimal VM/CMS user support

• Determines hardware/software configuration requirements to satisfy client needs

• Resolves hardware/software problems

• Plans/oversees hardware/software installation

• Responsible for agency hardware/software inventory

• Provides assistance to clients on all hardware/software, including PC operations systems

• Customize software parameters

• Research computer operation hardware requirements

• Develop hardware installation plans to include floor plans, installation schedules, back-up plans

• Investigating impact of implementing new hardware devices in operations environment

• Monitor and maintain computer operations software

• Codes and tests operations software programs

• Investigating impact of implementing new software products in operations environment

• Prepare special forms overlays used by laser printers

• Organize information for report distribution and archival process

• Install implement and update computer distribution and archival process

Network Support:

• Installs, maintains, repairs cabling

• Troubleshoots data communication problems

• Installs/maintains/repairs network components (hubs/cau/mau…)

• Monitors network performance

• Vendor contact for maintenance/repair

• Plans/oversees site network preparation

• Coordinates and maintains daily and on-going operations and maintenance of the state government/statewide communication network system by installing, programming, upgrading, repairing, configuring, and modifying components to optimize network performance. Calibrates network/system equipment*. Assists in Government wide/Statewide network/system planning and design.

• Schedules installations and service orders. Coordinates installation and maintenance services with agency staff, vendors, and as needed assigned workers. Initiates service requests to install and remove lines, change features, and maintains database.

• Assists in the installation of new or enhanced communication software, particularly upgrades such as communication software (modem), paging software, videoconferencing software, test equipment software (micro test and fluke).

• Makes recommendations and coordinates changes in communication requirements caused by changes in the business needs of agencies, such as upgrading systems and features.

• Resolves the majority of routine change orders or operating problems in all areas of the communication network/system. Provides technical support to other network/system administrators. Submits work orders to outside contractors or vendors and follows up on service provided to ensure service needs were met.

• Provides technical support for a state government/state-wide communication network/system. Serves as a consultant and/or technical troubleshooter for network/system equipment, facilities, and peripherals to customers to address their operational and technical needs. Answers questions regarding communications problems or network/system capabilities.

• Identifies potential system failures and operating problems, initiates repair or replacement of failed components. Evaluates and tests network/system equipment* to determine if repairs are cost effective or surplus/disposal is warranted.

• Schedules and trains customers and other workers on proper use and operation of existing, new, or upgraded products. Consults with customers to determine system needs and interests. Provides technical support to other agency network/system administrators.

• Advises technician level network staff or customers, when needed, to trouble shoot and diagnose network/system equipment* using specialized network/system diagnostic equipment**

System Administration:

• System back-ups

• Maintains user Ids and authorizations

• Plans and monitors system backups

• Recovers/rebuilds user files

• Monitors system performance

• Installs server hardware/software products on the server under direction

• Manages system disk space

• Distributes and manages client software via the network

• Troubleshoots and maintains network servers hardware

• Participates in the collection and maintenance of databases of inventory of network/system equipment*, supplies, and materials.

• Advises technician level network staff or customers, when needed, to ensure federal and state regulatory and statutory requirements are met and maintained.

• Collects and records equipment inventory information.

• Assigns and schedules work of assigned staff or other agency staff and/or contractors for communication equipment installation projects or specific components

Procurement and Research:

• Upon request, provides research on technical products

• Tests new hardware/software for possible deployment

• Receives ordered software

• Monitor outstanding purchase orders

• Evaluate vendor performance

• Reviews purchasing paperwork

• Vendor contact for active orders

• Participates in the evaluation process of bids and/or requests for proposals, evaluates and tests new and existing network products, documents findings. Research hardware and software market and pricing for services and equipment.

• Verifies billing charges and passes information onto financial staff for appropriate rebilling.

• Arranges for or coordinates the pickup, delivery, and acceptance of deliveries of vendor supplied network/system equipment*, materials and supplies.

• Attends in-service training programs, technical/professional workshops/conferences; reviews/research technical journals/books/literature, and shares information with peers and other technical experts to learn/keep informed about modified procedures or techniques and new advances in a field of study and to identify available best practices, technologies, methodologies, and equipment pertinent to work assigned.

Network/System Design and Implementation:

• Provides technical assistance, information, and advice to agency staff, coworkers and others on the installation and operation of network/system equipment* and services.

• Reads and interprets network/system diagrams, verbal, or written communications orders, building blueprints and floor plans, and technical specifications to perform the installation and diagnosis of network/system equipment*.

• Plans and coordinates installations and other hands-on work done by technician level workers to ensure provision of quality and timely completion of communication operations or projects.

Problem/Change Management:

• Report and documents problems with problem management system

• Submit documentation to change management system

• Research and resolve operation change and problem management issues

Minimum Qualifications: Associate degree in computer science and two years of related technical and business experience. Two years of related technical and business experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis. OR Post high school coursework in computer science and three years of related technical and business experience. Any equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.