Chief Engineer NW Region

Oregon Public Broadcasting•Portland, OR

1d•$98,000 - $110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

OPB is seeking to hire a NW Region Chief Engineer to lead the team responsible for maintaining the infrastructure that supports content creation and distribution in their network center in Portland and at 17 remote transmission sites. This includes maintaining existing systems and equipment (microphones, cameras, transmitters, etc.), while envisioning and implementing new infrastructure to fulfill OPB’s needs in the future. The candidate will supervise a team of 5 Maintenance Engineers and have the opportunity to learn from and connect with peers who are also Chief Engineers for other regions. The ideal candidate will enjoy mentoring staff and sharing knowledge. The job consists of a blend of IT and traditional broadcast tasks, and as such requires an agile mind and an innate curiosity. This is an exciting time - as the technological landscape continually changes, OPB adapts its infrastructure to help better support content creation and to better serve its audience. Position Summary: Oversees the maintenance and repair of audio and video systems across the Network Center and OPB’s Northwest region, while driving efforts to modernize and improve system resilience in alignment with OPB’s strategic goals. Serves as the designated Chief Operator for the Northwest regional sites, ensuring full compliance with FCC regulations.

Requirements

Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience, including education, training and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position (such as broadcast, video, audio or experience with large IP networks, etc.).
Minimum of one (1) year strong supervisory and management experience
Ability to maintain existing systems and equipment while envisioning and implementing new systems, equipment, etc. to meet changing needs of organization
Ability to lead and teach others through the challenges of equipment management (installation, repair, maintenance, working through equipment failure, etc.).
Creative thinker and problem solver with the ability to translate ideas into action.
Skilled at providing customer service, which includes the ability to explain high level technical issues to a wide variety of colleagues, stakeholders, contractors, etc.
Awareness and ability to understand federal regulations governing television and radio broadcasting.
Capacity to effectively manage complex projects, large budgets (approximately $1 million) and meet deadlines.
Familiarity working in IP including local area networking, file handling, and protocol management as it relates to the broadcast environment.
Ability to design and troubleshoot file-based workflows
Comfortable working in a rapidly changing technological environment.
Ability to appropriately and professionally represent OPB in the community and interact with co-workers and the public in a professional manner.
Strong computer skills, especially in Word and Excel, and the capacity to quickly learn new software programs.
Effective oral and written communication skills
Ability to meet working conditions and knowledge/ability to observe appropriate safety practices.
Knowledge of or ability to learn how to do basic emergency mechanical repairs
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
Enthusiasm for the mission of OPB.

Nice To Haves

Experience with content management and the development of workflow and process for a media organization.
Demonstrated experience effectively managing complex projects, large budgets, setting and accomplishing goals while managing dynamic priorities.
Experience in RF, fiber distribution and remote transmitter site management
Experience in encoding, playout, automation systems, and production systems on both radio and television
SBE certification.
Experience in Visio
Competent operation of 4-wheel drive vehicle and/or tracked vehicle.

Responsibilities

Oversee the maintenance and repair of existing installations and equipment in the Network Center and NW Region while rebuilding them to be more resilient, using technology to further OPB’s strategic goals and objectives.
Research, recommend, plan, design and implement technical and equipment changes, as appropriate, to further enable OPB’s content creation and distribution.
Oversee the procurement of equipment.
Develop and implement appropriate routine and preventative maintenance programs and emergency response plans.
When needed, perform preventative maintenance and emergency service in the Network Center and NW region.
Maintain a good working knowledge of RF (high and low power systems for radio and TV), distribution networks, and Net Center systems and operation.
Supervise, schedule and review NW region operational and maintenance staff, including day-to-day activities.
Set goals, timelines, milestones and follow progress of each project.
Develop and manage operational and technical budgets. Assist the Director in meeting organizational and departmental goals.
Gather data to be used in reports and as indicators for future planning.
Build relationships with peers at other broadcast organizations and make contacts regarding service coordination, site leases, etc.
Function as a resource and liaison between Technology and other departments (Content, Development, Marketing, etc).
Working with the Member Center, respond to viewers/listeners, cable companies, etc. regarding reception problems.