Technician

Alexandria, Virginia

PBS
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Position Title:

Technician, NOC Department:

Distribution, Infrastructure & Operations
Corporate Area:

Digital & Marketing Status:

Regular, Full time NonExempt Manager Title:

Director, Distribution Operations Position Overview:

Provide operational support for the PBS distribution systems located at the PBS Technology Center in Alexandria, Virginia. Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
  • Maintain operational support of systems to meet the PBS goal of 99.95% on-air reliability.
  • Provide support for master control, ingest and Quality Control (QC) functions.
  • Monitor multiple program streams fed via satellite to PBS member stations.
  • Report issues pertaining to media transfers and missing media.
  • Respond, resolve, and escalate system issues (on air & off air).
  • Modify automation schedules (playlist and record) to accommodate last minute changes.
  • Monitor live record functions controlled by automation.
  • Monitor the technical performance of the automation system and associated devices.
  • Monitor the technical performance of the video servers and associated playout and record ports.
  • Coordinate program ingests and any last-minute schedule changes with other PBS units and departments.
  • Log operational problems by issuing an air discrepancy report or equipment trouble report.
  • Maintain transmission logs.
  • Perform technical evaluations on program submissions to determine if the material conforms to the PBS Technical Operating Specifications (TOS).
  • Write, review, and update operational SOP's.
  • Participate in meetings to review, update, or modify operational workflows or procedures.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements for success:
  • Bachelor's degree in communications or related discipline or industry experience.
  • Minimum two years of prior master control experience in a broadcast or cable television environment.
  • Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Knowledge of analog and digital television, video, audio, control, automation, video servers, switchers, routers, and other television equipment.
  • Knowledge of public television including the needs of PBS, member stations and producers.
  • Knowledge and experience with the following systems or equivalent: Imagine ADC automation, BroadView traffic system
  • Ability to work independently on assignments and report back on progress.
  • Excellent time management skills - must be able to prioritize tasks and adapt to rapidly changing system requirements with minimum supervision.
  • Excellent stress and crisis management skills - must be able to make informed and appropriate decisions under pressure.
  • Strong interpersonal and communications skills - must be able to work comfortably in highly diverse, cross departmental teams and interact effectively with member station representatives.
  • Experience in a broadcast or cable television environment is required.
  • Experience in public broadcasting preferred.
  • This position is shift based and will require evening, overnight, holiday and weekend work.
  • This position requires standing, and the ability to lift physical equipment.
PBS is an Equal Opportunity Employer in accordance with the EEOC and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Date Posted: 13 May 2025
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