Chief Broadcast Engineer

The Chief Broadcast Engineer oversees the day-to-day technical operations of WGCU TV and FM and is responsible for maintaining the integrity of all technical systems. This role is responsible for maintaining seamless on-air operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and leading the implementation of emerging technologies.

WGCU is Southwest Florida’s source for PBS and NPR. A member-supported service of Florida Gulf Coast University, WGCU provides educational programming that inspires, informs and engages our community. Serving all or part of 12 counties in south and Southwest Florida, with five distinct digital TV channels, two FM radio channels, two HD radio channels, and multiple websites, WGCU delivers national and international programming, and develops, produces and delivers relevant, informative and educational local programs to the region.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Maintain and optimize TV and radio transmission systems, including microwave STL systems, audio/video over IP, satellite downlinks, and audio and video encoding systems
• Ensure station operations comply with FCC rules and regulations, including the maintenance of technical logs, filings, EAS equipment, and public files
• Manage studio operations including radio and television automation systems, servers, mixing consoles, routing systems, video switchers, cameras, and networking infrastructure
• Coordinate routine testing, system backups, and disaster recovery procedures
• Manage and monitor signal quality for both over-the-air and digital platforms.
• Manage and coordinate with external vendors for equipment installations, studio facility repairs and projects, and transmitter site projects and maintenance
• Respond to equipment outages, malfunctions, and related technical problems at studio and transmitter facilities.
• Serve as administrator to station production network, and manage cybersecurity and user access policies
• Assists with short and long-term technology strategy as well as the research, selection, and acquisition of equipment.
• Establish and maintain operational technical standards policies.
• Train and educate staff to understand all relevant systems.

Other Duties:

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• This position requires either 8 years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and four years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Professional full-time experience in radio and TV engineering operations.
• Valid driver's license.
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with MacOS and associated post-production editing workflows.
• Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Certification.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of all applicable FCC rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of studio analog and digital audio systems.
• Knowledge of digital audio and video formats.
• Knowledge of satellite, microwave, and fiber transmission technologies.
• Knowledge of LAN/WAN networking, VPN, Video over IP, Audio Over IP technologies.
• Knowledge of analog and digital transmission systems.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity in a broadcast environment.
• Knowledge of broadcast automation systems such as Crispin and RCS Zetta.
• Knowledge of television production systems, including playout servers, switchers, cameras, teleprompters, and studio lighting systems.
• Familiarity with high and low powered FM and TV transmission systems.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work overnights and weekends as needed.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build strategic relations with colleagues, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organizational structure.
• Ability to manage a budget and work within the constraints of that budget.
• Strong organizational skills and an ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects within deadlines.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures consistently.
• Ability to effectively manage the work of others by providing information, guidance, and motivation.
• Ability to read technical drawings/documentation.

Pay Grade 18