Broadcast Production & Sound Engineer

University of Kansas•Lawrence, KS

About The Position

The Broadcast Production & Sound Engineer supports the production, recording, editing, and distribution of audio and video content for Kansas Public Radio (KPR) and provides technical support for Audio-Reader services. The role combines broadcast production, field recording, equipment maintenance, listener support, and broadcast engineering assistance. The incumbent communicates professionally with artists, venue personnel, community partners, and KPR staff, and helps maintain reliable broadcast and assistive listening equipment. The position requires multimedia production expertise or the ability to develop it, familiarity with broadcast systems and software, strong troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work independently in studio, field, and transmitter-site environments. The employee must organize projects, prioritize tasks, and meet production deadlines. The work is performed across office, studio, event venue, workshop, and outdoor environments, with frequent travel between locations. Evening and weekend work may be required for live performance recordings and special events, and the employee may need to respond to after-hours emergencies. The position includes work at transmitter sites in varying weather conditions, in transmitter buildings and confined spaces, and at elevated locations such as rooftops. Physical duties include lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and climbing ladders, with or without accommodation. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional weekend work. A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required.

Requirements

Associate or technical degree in Broadcasting, Engineering, Electronic Technology, or a related field; OR a high school diploma or equivalent and two years of related experience.
At least one year of full-time experience, or equivalent, using professional audio editing software such as Adobe Audition, Nuendo, Pro Tools, or similar applications.
At least one year of experience working with operating systems, digital media production software, and web-based technologies.
At least six months of experience performing basic electrical or electronic repair work.
Experience troubleshooting electronic, audio, and broadcast equipment.
Experience with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, as evidenced by application materials and work history.
Demonstrated initiative, dependability, and strong work ethic, as evidenced by application materials and work history.
Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
Excellent visual acuity, with or without corrective lenses, including the ability to distinguish colors.
Ability to hear the full range of human-detectable sound without electronic assistance, as assessed during the interview process.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without accommodation.
Ability to climb ladders and work at elevated locations, including rooftops, with or without accommodation.
Willingness to work in transmitter buildings and confined spaces.
Ability to operate tools and technical equipment safely and effectively.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends and respond to after-hours emergencies as needed.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in broadcasting, audio production, engineering, telecommunications, or a related field.
Experience in broadcast engineering, including high-power and low-power FM transmission systems.
Experience with industrial electrical systems, including three-phase power and conduit installations.
Experience troubleshooting and repairing broadcast equipment and radio receivers at the component level.
Experience with video production, editing, and multimedia content distribution.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as evidenced by application materials.
Knowledge of broadcast audio production techniques, standards, and workflows.
Proficiency with digital audio workstations and audio editing software.
Knowledge of video production and post-production techniques.

Responsibilities

Record live musical performances and special events for radio broadcast and digital distribution through KPR platforms, including YouTube and social media.
Set up, operate, and troubleshoot audio and video recording equipment in studio and remote environments.
Produce audio and video content to public radio broadcast standards.
Edit, mix, master, and quality-check content using professional digital media production software.
Record weekly live performances at regional venues, including locations such as Johnson County Community College.
Edit and prepare recorded content for regularly scheduled broadcast programming.
Publish finalized content for radio, web, social media, and digital platforms.
Maintain organized archives of recorded programming and production assets.
Process shipping and receiving of Audio-Reader sub-carrier radio receivers.
Maintain receiver inventory records and equipment tracking systems.
Re-program, re-crystal, repair, refurbish, and test radio receivers for redistribution.
Monitor broadcast quality in coordination with the Program Director and Outreach Coordinator.
Diagnose and resolve listener reception issues in coordination with the Outreach Coordinator.
Respond to listener questions about equipment operation and signal reception.
Maintain receiver readiness and quality standards for deployed equipment.
Assist the Director of Engineering with maintenance, repair, and operation of KPR and Audio-Reader broadcast systems.
Maintain and troubleshoot studio equipment and support technical infrastructure.
Accompany the Director of Engineering on visits to transmitter and remote broadcast facilities.
Assist with equipment installations, repairs, upgrades, and preventive maintenance.
Maintain equipment inventories and asset records.
Evaluate and recommend equipment purchases and technical improvements.
Perform minor repairs on office equipment and technical systems.
Assist with moving and installing equipment, furniture, and other physical assets.
Represent KPR and Audio-Reader at community outreach and public engagement events.
Participate in special projects and engineering initiatives as assigned.
Serve in an on-call capacity to support operational continuity and emergency response needs.
Provide technical support for fundraising activities.
Perform other related duties as assigned.