Master Control Specialist – Weekend Overnight

American Public Media - Minnesota Public Radio
St. Paul , MN

Application Deadline: Tuesday, Sep 05, 2017

Description

Position Summary: 

The Master Control Specialist is a member of the Master Control Team that works in support of MPR’s regional network services, as well as providing around the clock master control services for APM Distribution and client stations. The Master Control Specialist will also staff and perform duties to ensure proper service and operation of the NPR Backup Network Operations Center in St. Paul.  The Master Control team works interdepartmentally to assess and anticipate technical distribution and production challenges. Incumbents in this position will work daily in Master Control to provide technical and distribution support on a 24/hour – 7 day a week basis, primarily during overnight hours. 

Application deadline is September 5, 2017

Position Responsibility: 

  • Transmit live remote programming utilizing POTS, ISDN, T-1 and i.p. codecs, microwave, equalized lines and satellite technology. Creative use of ancillary equipment to ensure that the highest audio quality possible is delivered to our distribution channels.
  • Manage audio intended to air on KNOW, KSJN and KCMP using the DALET play to air system.Operate Master Control including: recording and trimming incoming feeds, troubleshooting network and local transmission systems problems, providing helpdesk functions for digital editing systems, routing and patching signal sources, operating Content Depot, building playlists for later “on-air” program retrieval, logging transmitter readings and providing first echelon maintenance.
  • Provide technical support for MPR|APM and APM client stations.
  • Operate duplication equipment and digital archive systems.
  • Prepare audio items for the MPR archive.
  • Establish, calibrate and monitor any equipment necessary for radio broadcast and production, including ISDN and ip equipment, signal processing and various broadcast recording formats.
  • Maintain the highest standards of customer service and technical knowledge in the MPR|APM Master Control.
  • Participate in regular and ongoing staff training and readiness in support of the public radio system’s Network Operations Center backup at the MPR St. Paul, MN facility.
  • Contribute to creating and updating the Master Control standard operating procedures.
  • Provide technical support and troubleshooting to APM national distribution unit and client stations.
  • Operate and support the APM FTP client station site, Content Depot and PRX.
  • Work with APM Distribution and Master Control teams to communicate program feed information.
  • Monitor and manage MPR|APM programs, episodes and episode segments in the Content Depot, PRX, and other distribution channels, both upload for distribution and download to air.
  • Work with Manager to remain up to date on all technical and/or content changes and modifications.
  • Work at night, in the MPR|APM Master Control, 12:00 20:00 Wednesday’s, 21:00 06:00 Thursday’s, Friday’s and Saturday’s, and as the work schedule requires.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience: 

  • 2-year Associate’s degree or equivalent work experience.
  • Two or more years’ experience as a broadcast engineer or technician.
  • Knowledge and experience with computer based audio technologies, digital audio workstations, codecs, IP streaming, station automation, and Internet audio delivery systems.
  • Understanding and expertise in the Public Radio Satellite System and the Content Depot.
  • Possesses a thorough knowledge and experience of field recording, studio recording, post production, and “live” broadcast procedures and protocols.
  • Operational experience with satellite downlink equipment; rf transmission remote control gear. 

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: 

  • Solid background in electronics and basic audio wiring.
  • Knowledge of digital production systems including audio workstations and automation for ‘on-air’ program delivery.
  • Expert skills in working with ProTools, and other pro audio equipment
  • Excellent customer service skills; be able to handle phone calls in a professional manner.
  • Attention to detail and a deadline driven personality.
  • Must be well versed in the operation of audio processing equipment, microphones, consoles, audio storage devices, and telecommunications equipment including satellite downlink, ISDN, ip, phone loops, or other similar telecommunications technology.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Professional, confidential demeanor and ability to exercise judgment.
  • Work well with others. 

Preferred Skills and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • Solid skills in working with Axia, Pathfiner,  ENCO, Dalet and other broadcast delivery systems. 

Reporting to This Position:          None 

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: 

  • Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
  • Physical Demands:
    • Required to move about in an office environment
    • Required to move about in the community
    • Reach with hands and arms
    • Balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch
    • Frequent use of hands for data entry/keystrokes and simple grasping.
    • Required to lift standard audio equipment and computers up to 50 lbs.
  • Working Conditions:
    • Moderate noise level
    • Occasional exposure to prevalent weather conditions.
  • Weekend and overnight work on a regular 4 X 10 schedule as well as on holidays, as the work schedule requires.

 

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For additional information about this position, please contact: