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Broadcast Engineering Specialist

Category: Exempt
Pay Grade: E23 
Job Code: 07572 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.  

JOB SUMMARY 

The primary duties of this position are to act as a technical expert for management and to design and implement computer- and network-based systems for a wide range of broadcast and audiovisual solutions. The position exercises a high level of independent judgment in selecting and implementing solutions that enable the County to conduct public meetings and make them accessible by broadcast and the internet.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (examples, not all inclusive) 

  • Leads the department’s efforts to development and implement technology systems, including: meeting control for the BCC Assembly Room; master control and systems for television broadcasts; control room and systems for the video production studio (Studio A); control room and systems for the BCC Work Session Room; control room and systems for the Emergency Operations Center (used for broadcasting and streaming press conferences in an emergency activation as well as the Pinellas County Sheriff’s press conferences); offsite meeting and event A/V capabilities, such as live broadcasting BCC meetings held in various locations; video storage solutions; and videographer workstations and equipment. These systems are a combination of traditional A/V systems such as audio sound boards and specialized appliances, and Windows OS and Mac OS computers used to record, edit, schedule, broadcast, live stream, produce and archive live and pre-recorded video productions;
  • Takes leadership role and recommends changes for the department on the development and implementation of technologies to administer a variety of activities, such as meeting control for the BCC Assembly Room, master control and systems for television broadcasts, control room and systems for the video production studio (Studio A), control room and systems for the BCC Work Session Room, control room and systems for the Emergency Operations Center;
  • Plans and implements steps required for broadcasting and streaming press conferences in emergency activation situations as well as for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s press conferences; offsite meetings and event A/V capabilities for live broadcasting BCC meetings not held in the normal locations as well as miscellaneous videographer workstations and equipment to support the department and to support other county related organizations;
  • Works with videographers and BTS staff to maintain existing computer systems that are used for live meeting broadcast and video editing;
  • Gathers business requirements, researches solutions, and designs system upgrades or new systems to address changing needs or to incorporate new features/functionality;
  • Develops new systems to add functionality or to upgrade or replace aging systems;
  • Documents all system changes;
  • Supports other county departments with audiovisual needs, including countywide projects such as develop meeting room AV standards, reassessing the video technology at the Public Safety Complex, and other locations;
  • Directs live programs or assists with the live direction and streaming of meetings (support tasks, such as, operating a camera, monitoring the stream/broadcast, handling audio, and related);
  • Trains master control specialist and videographers to use systems such as video asset management system, cable TV scheduling system, VMIX live direction software and related technologies;
  • Performs other related job duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Education and Experience: 

Eight (8) years of technical and professional experience in Audio Video broadcast and streaming engineering technology, or Associate’s degree in Electro-Mechanical engineering design technology, computer science, computer technology or related field and six (6) years of experience as described above; or a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics technology, computer science, computer technology or related field and four (4) years of experience as described above; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.

Special Qualifications (May be required depending on area of assignment): 

  • Florida Driver’s License or Florida Commercial Driver’s License and endorsement, if any. 
  • Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations. 
  • Other knowledge, skills, abilities, and credentials required for a specific position. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

  • Knowledge of equipment, television production, and television broadcasting/streaming techniques;
  • Knowledge of the operation and the preventive maintenance of video production equipment;
  • Skill in the operation and maintenance of video production systems;
  • Ability to analyze complex business needs and design and build Windows-based hardware and software video production and broadcast solutions to meet those needs;
  • Ability to assist co-workers with training to apply new technologies;
  • Ability to configure systems to communicate on an IP network (e.g., control robotic cameras remotely, route video feeds across a network, etc.);
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with peers and others;
  • Ability to communicate with tact, patience, and courtesy at all levels of the organization;
  • Ability to design and build computer workstations and network attached storage servers to support a video production team;
  • Ability to design and build video routing solutions;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships, both inside and outside of the work section;
  • Ability to identify, to take ownership of, and to troubleshoot and solve complex problems;
  • Ability to learn new hardware and software to keep up with fast-paced changes in the video and broadcast industry;
  • Ability to maintain timing and alignment of live video production and editing systems;
  • Ability to mentor teammates, lead teams, and facilitate groups to achieve success through others;
  • Ability to operate video production equipment such as cameras, switchers, audio mixers, and encoders;
  • Ability to provide highly specialized troubleshooting and digital/technical solutions under high-stress/high-risk scenarios with minimal room for errors;
  • Ability to self-develop relevant job-related skill(s) for current and future roles;
  • Ability to summarize complex information to guide decision making;
  • Ability to troubleshoot, maintain, and repair, recording, editing, and broadcast systems;
  • Ability to use diplomacy in dealing with difficult customers and delivery of services.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS 

The work is light work which requires exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.  Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

  • Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
  • Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
  • Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand.
  • Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
  • Visual ability: Sufficient to effectively operate office equipment including copier, computer, etc.; and to read and write reports, correspondence, instructions, etc.
  • Hearing ability: Sufficient to hold a conversation with other individuals both in person and over a telephone; and to hear recording on transcription device.
  • Speaking ability: Sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person and over a telephone.
  • Mental acuity: Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
  • Talking:  Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
  • Repetitive motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
  • Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
  • Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.