Broadcast technician Job Description: Duties, Education, Training and Certification Requirements, Job Outlook and Salary
Submitted by: Gypsy Santiago
Job Overview: A broadcast technician is responsible for setting up, operating and maintaining equipments, which are used in regulating the signal clarity, strength, colors and sounds of television or radio broadcasts. They make sure that shows that are put on air pass industry standards and comply to company guidelines.
Education, Training and Knowledge Requirements: To become a certified technician, one must obtain an associate degree in electronics, computer networking or broadcast technology. Courses in physics, electronics, algebra and trigonometry are extremely helpful. Technicians should then obtain certification from the Society of Broadcast Engineers and possess a restricted radiotelephone operator permit from the FCC. Those with engineering backgrounds usually land managerial positions, but others start from entry-level positions or small stations, then move on to larger networks with experience.
Skills & Abilities: To be successful in this field, one should have effective written and verbal communication skills, excellent programming skills, advanced computer knowledge, analytical and problem-solving skills as well as organization and management skills, among others. He/she must also be detail-oriented, extremely observant and work well under pressure.
Duties: Broadcast technicians are responsible for maintaining programming logs; controlling volume and sound quality of audio equipments used in TV and radio broadcasts; regulating brightness, contrast, strength and clarity of outgoing and incoming signals; adjusting broadcasting equipments to ensure quality; regulating fidelity, contrast and brightness of video transmissions; observing monitors while communicating with station personnel to check accurate video and audio levels; previewing scheduled programs; as well as selecting which programming will be received and through which programming will be transmitted.
The job of a technician also includes reporting and solving equipment problems when necessary; recording sound to film or tape and making adjustments needed before broadcast; aligning antennae of receiving dishes; substituting programs should signals fail; teaching and instructing trainees on equipment use and maintenance; giving technical directions or assistance to staff while filming;
editing broadcast materials using computer programs; setting up and operating portable transmission equipments for outdoor filming; as well as designing and modifying equipments to meet employer/client specifications, among others.
Earnings & Job Outlook: Competition for broadcast technician positions is keen since most job openings are the result of technicians leaving the job. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment to increase as fast as average through 2016. Jobs for entry-level technicians can be found in small cities. The median annual earnings for technicians in 2007 are at $32,200.
Gypsy Santiago is a professional resume writer and career search strategy/career branding coach with years of experience in assisting job seekers prepare for the job market. She helps create career-targeted resumes, provides useful tips about career transition, offers future career ideas and guide jobseekers about effective job search techniques.
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