Alpha Media, Portland
Alpha Media, Portland is looking for a full-time Studio/Broadcast Engineer with a passion for broadcasting and music. This position will be responsible for Engineer duties related to station broadcasting as well as assisting with recordings and sound production for our Live Performance Lounge located in downtown Portland, OR. Reporting to the Chief Engineer, the Studio/Broadcast Engineer will assist with the maintenance of equipment, maintaining broadcast systems and technologies, build-out projects, and ensuring FCC compliance.
Alpha Media’s original Live Performance Lounge located in downtown Portland, Oregon, has hosted more than 200 live events in a given year including music performances, content creation, conferences, broadcasts, screenings, viewing parties, comedy, and more. With capabilities to stream internationally, and by leveraging Alpha Media’s robust broadcast media connections, the Live Performance Lounge has hosted performances by world-class artists like Ed Sheeran, Portugal. The Man, Shawn Mendes, Jason Aldean, Maren Morris, Graham Nash, Adele, and many others.
Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Alpha Media owns or operates over 200 live broadcast radio stations and digital properties covering all formats serving 44 markets across the United States. In addition to our over-the-air broadcasts, Alpha audio products can be heard across multiple platforms, including all major smart devices. Strong relationships with our listeners and clients in the communities where we live and work keep Alpha Media true to its local-first heritage.
Broadcast Engineer’s responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:
The successful candidate will be familiar with radio-related technologies including, but not limited to, networking and IT, PC/software maintenance and repair, AM and FM transmitter repair and installation, VHF and UHF radio technology, digital and analog audio, EAS equipment, and broadcast studio equipment maintenance.
- Installs and performs maintenance on control consoles, boards, recording equipment, microphones, digital audio systems, transmitters, controls, remote equipment, etc.
- Performs necessary measurements of equipment performance.
- May have responsibilities relating to IT.
LPL Studio Engineer’s responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Lead event AV setups from start to finish.
- Operate A/V equipment in a live show setting.
- Responsible for setting up FOH soundboard, lights and stage plots, and inputs for performances and presentations.
- Responsible for managing booth sound to ensure high-quality audio is captured and edited during performances, optimized for live stream, radio clips, and video content.
- Must have a proficient understanding of camera (video and photo) operation as well as a deep understanding of live-stream programs in order to efficiently oversee part-time staff during events and ensure a successful online experience for fans.
- Must have experience with stage/event lighting and be willing to program and assist during events.
- Manages technology inventory to ensure everything is functioning and stored properly to include camera equipment, stage lighting, house lighting, soundboards, speaker systems, hard drive storage, and miscellaneous A/V equipment.
- Coordinate with Lounge Manager to hire and/or partner with outside technical support for events.
- Must have experience projecting multiple presentations for a large-scale event and/or conference.
- Will have creative services duties to produce and edit audio and/or video content for Alpha Media during lounge downtimes.
- Ability to work varied and changing schedules (nights, weekends, and early mornings included).
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge of all applicable FCC rules and regulations.
- Technical knowledge of electronics and electromechanics.
- Experience with cluster-wide studio equipment and operations, audio routing, AES and AoIP protocols, digital audio delivery and radio automation systems, EAS, studio telephone, and engineering IT systems.
- Knowledge of electrical systems, UPS, and standby generators and recordkeeping.
- Knowledge of telephone systems and protocols including POTS, 1A2, ISDN, T1, DSL, VoIP, and PRI circuits.
- IT skills including PC/server troubleshooting and repair and knowledge of TCP/IP, UDP, and local area networking.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent problem-solving ability and skill in prioritizing.
- Interact with management and staff at all levels in a personable and professional manner.
- Ability to multi-task and handle pressures and deadlines.
Education and Licensing Requirements:
- Associates or technical degree in Broadcasting Engineering Technology or related field or equivalent level of experience.
- SBE Certifications are a plus.
- Must possess a valid state driver’s license, a clean driving record, and proof of insurance.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift and/or move loads up to 75lbs.
- Ability to climb ladders and work on elevated surfaces.
- Ability to be on 24 x 7 x 365 callout for after-hours emergencies or routine maintenance as needed.
BENEFITS
Alpha Media invests in people who invest in themselves and offers employees a competitive package of health and welfare benefits.
- Employer-sponsored medical, dental & vision insurance with a variety of coverage options.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for full-time and part-time employees as well as all household members at no cost.
- 401(k) with discretionary employer matching.
- Paid vacation, company holidays, and a birthday day for you to use during your birthday month.
- Alpha Cares – paid volunteer hours.
- Pet adoption subsidy.
Alpha Media is a diverse multimedia company that merges the attributes of broadcast media and digital media to serve our clients and communities. We hire and retain top talent who are unique, innovative, and vibrant, and we provide them with a culture of support to help each person achieve their professional goals.
Alpha values Integrity, a Can Do Attitude, Passion, Competitive
Alpha Media is an equal opportunity employer and participates in E-Verify.
Oregon Public Broadcasting
Assistant Chief Engineer, Central Region
Application instructions for this and all current OPB employment opportunities are available at OPB’s careers page.
About OPB
OPB is a leader in public media, serving diverse communities of the Northwest with fact-based, in-depth news and information about politics, the environment, science, arts, history, and cultures; business, education and more. Powered by the generous support of members, OPB seeks out a variety of voices in our communities and lifts up authentic stories of the people, places, events and issues of the region, providing context and a deeper understanding. OPB’s independent journalism and programs are available at opb.org, on OPB Radio and OPB TV. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.
The Opportunity
OPB is pleased to announce a newly created position! We are hiring an Assistant Chief Engineer to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who has broadcasting engineering experience and is seeking a path to transition into a management position. This position will have some influence in building the team of engineers in central Oregon.
A fun perk of the job is working outdoors and traveling. We have 34 sites and occasionally this position will travel from central Oregon to as far as the Oregon/Idaho border. If your approach to work is to be conscientious, methodical but also innovative, the Assistant Chief Engineer position may be just the opportunity you’re looking for!
Position Details
The Assistant Chief Engineer works under the direction of the Chief Engineer to provide leadership and technical ability to keep OPB broadcast operations in the Central region running smoothly. Works in conjunction with Chief Engineers and Bend-based Engineers to ensure coordination between Central region and other work groups; also works with Chief Technology Officer, Sr. Director of Technology, and Technology Operations Manager to ensure smooth communication and standardization within the department. Assists with managing three field engineers to form a productive team dedicated to the achievement of OPB’s goals. When the Chief is unavailable this position fulfills the duties of the chief and serves as FCC-designated Acting Chief Operator for transmitter sites in the Central region.
Supervises
- Assists chief with providing guidance and supervision for 3 Engineers.
- Leads team as directed.
- Provides input into hiring, performance reviews and compensation changes.
Responsibilities
40% – Technical
- Maintains a working knowledge of RF and distribution networks.
- Travels to remote sites for routine or emergency maintenance.
- Develops appropriate routine and preventative maintenance programs.
- Researches new technologies as they may apply to the Engineering Department and their advantages to OPB.
- Recommends, plans, designs and implements technical and equipment changes as appropriate to maintain OPB’s technical leadership.
- Actively participates in hard and soft skill enhancement opportunities for self and team.
- Functions as a resource and liaison between Engineering and other departments.
- Keeps up to date on federal, state, and local regulations and ensures compliance.
30% – Administration – Assist Chief Engineer with:
- Oversees procurement of equipment.
- Gathers data to be used in reports and for plans ongoing and future technical and human resource needs.
- Project manages technical projects for assigned area including developing and staying on budget, designating resources, establishing and tracking timeline, keeping stakeholders informed and completing in alignment with department goals.
- Develops and manages operational and capital budgets for Central and Eastern region.
- Leads team and projects in alignment with OPB’s equity work and partners
- Serves as FCC-designated Acting Chief Operator for transmitter sites in the Central and Eastern region.
- Prioritizes safety in the field keeps all staff up to date and trained on safety protocols.
20% – Development
- Actively participates in knowledge transfer and documentation of Chief’s expertise and experience with 34 remote sites, for both site/outdoor conditions and installed technologies.
10% – Supervision and Leadership – Assist Chief Engineer with:
- Develops skills to help lead team that fosters an environment of belonging where diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas and work styles are valued.
- Supervises, schedules and reviews team to ensure coordinated efforts regarding maintenance activities, personnel, and day-to-day activities, including equipment maintenance.
- Supports the growth and development of team members offering coaching, recognition, and feedback to optimize performance and employee engagement.
- Ensures team understands their work priorities, responsibilities and contributions and how they align with department goals, organizational strategies and mission.
Working Conditions
Working conditions vary widely, ranging from the office environment to arduous travel, and significant hands-on activity outdoors at 34 remote transmission sites. The position may be required to work varying hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. May be required to be on-call to respond to technical and production emergencies.
Travel and work at remote sites will require the operation of (and possibly the need to perform, in the field, basic emergency mechanical repairs to) 4-wheel drive vehicles and tracked snow vehicles. Exposure to very high voltages and RF non-ionizing radiation is possible at most sites. The work may require challenging physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds and moving up to 75 pounds, working in inclement weather, walking or hiking around 2 miles (possibly in snowshoes), and possible tower climbing.
Minimum Qualifications
- Five (5) years television or radio experience
- Experience in high power RF, fiber distribution, and remote site management.
- Detail-oriented and organized
- Excellent interpersonal skills, engages with colleagues, stakeholders and contractors in a manner that is tactful and solution oriented.
- Possesses knowledge of planning, technical design, construction maintenance and operation of a wide variety of RF systems, including transmitters, microwave systems and fiber distribution network
- Experience with IP-based networking, VPN, and Windows OS management.
- Experience operating 4WD off-road vehicles, including knowledge of safe operation on unimproved, muddy, or snowy roads.
- Knowledge of outdoor safety and best practices when working in challenging remote conditions, including cold weather survival and wilderness first aid.
- Knowledge of and adherence to FCC regulations governing broadcasting.
- Ability to promote a strategic mindset amongst the team with the ability to drive both strategic and tactical efforts in alignment with Chief’s direction.
- Champions collaborative efforts, anticipates the impact of problems and provides options for contingency solutions in relation to business and service needs.
- Enthusiasm for the mission of OPB and commitment to furthering OPB’s equity work.
Preferred Qualifications
- Eight (8) years combined broadcast experience, education, maintenance and supervisory experience.
- Experience operating tracked vehicles and other heavy equipment.
- Experience complying with regulations enforced by federal, state, and local government agencies such FAA, FEMA, BLM, ODOT, WSP, and others.
- Tower climbing experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in related field such as Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or IT.
Additional Information
- This position reports to Central/Eastern Region Chief Engineer and is benefits eligible.
- The probable hiring range for this exempt position is between $87,500 and $97,500 annually, depending on qualifications.
- For the safety of our employees, the contractors/vendors we work with, and the public we serve, OPB has a mandatory COVID vaccination policy and all employees are required to show proof of vaccination.
- This position requires a valid driver’s license and will requires consent to OPB conducting a driving record check. Employees will not be allowed to use a company or personal vehicle for work purposes without completion and satisfactory results of this check.
How to Apply
For application instructions, please visit OPB’s careers page. You will be asked to create an account, upload your cover letter and resume and answer a few position related questions. Once you click “submit” you cannot make changes to your application.
Your application materials are due by 8:59 PM Pacific Time on June 2, 2022.
OPB is an Equal Opportunity Employer.