A thriving, mission-driven multimedia organization, NPR produces award-winning news, information, and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. NPR listeners value information, creativity, curiosity, and social responsibility – our employees do too. We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, from journalism and digital media to IT and development. Every day, our employees and member stations touch the lives of millions worldwide.
NPR seeks a Broadcast Recording Technician to join our audio engineering team. This position will work directly with journalists and producers across the public radio system, both at NPR and at Member Stations, to ensure the production and delivery of high quality audio in a timely and precise manner.
Primary duties include engineering live broadcasts of NPR programming, audio restoration and repair, Master Control operation, troubleshooting technical problems, and collaborating with reporters and producers in a variety of settings. Our technicians work in broadcast studios, a master control facility, and throughout the networked newsroom to provide technical support and guidance in a fast-paced, deadline driven, 24x7x365 production environment.
Our ideal candidate is a proactive, courteous, customer service focused, audio expert who is passionate and curious about technology and believes in the mission of NPR.
Essential Duties Include:
Assemble and mix complex live broadcasts and record pre-produced elements working with producers and directors in a high-pressure environment
Promote and maintain NPR’s quality standards by identifying and repairing impaired audio
Analyze, repair and mix audio on tight deadlines using common tools (equalizers, compressors, noise reduction, etc.)
QC, mix, and sweeten podcasts before publication using DAVID Systems MTE and Avid Pro Tools
Monitor inbound and outbound audio streams and associated automated play-out systems. Rectify technical outages and respond to programming schedule changes quickly and accurately
Schedule, connect, and route audio transmissions (IP, ISDN, T1, etc.)
Test and ensure preparedness of in-house and remote broadcast and production systems
Consult, train, and support journalists in the use of NPR technical facilities and remote recording and transmission equipment
Teach and encourage best production practices and workflows
Provide technical support for remote events including site assessment and venue coordination
Troubleshoot unexpected situations confidently, calmly, and effectively
Communicate clearly with both editorial and technical colleagues
Keep abreast of current and emerging audio broadcast equipment, systems, and workflows
Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in audio engineering or the equivalent combination of education and experience. A Master’s degree is preferred.
Five years’ technical experience with audio production (broadcast, live sound reinforcement, music recording, theatre, post production, ENG)
Proven ability to identify and correct audio impairments and mix audio to established loudness standards
Professional and courteous demeanor supporting a varied and demanding client base
Exceptional oral and written communication skills and ability to author training guides and operating procedures
Proven multitasking capabilities for fast approaching deadlines
Preferred skills and experience:
Professional broadcast experience, preferably within public media
Mixing while taking live direction from editorial staff (broadcast, sound reinforcement, etc.)
Advanced computer troubleshooting, networking, or software development abilities
ISDN, IP, satellite, and smartphone audio transmission techniques
Familiarity with Lawo, DAVID Systems, and iZotope products
Operation of scheduling and audio routing automation tools
Remote transmission and field recording proficiency
Music recording, mixing, and mastering expertise
Audio for video, post-production, and sound design competence
Training and/or facilitation experience
What else?
This is a union position (NABET)
Broadcast Recording Technicians are required to work rotating shifts that include early mornings, late nights, overnights, weekends, and holidays
The onboarding process for new hires includes substantial training and opportunities to shadow our audio engineering staff on a variety of shifts
Does this sound like you? If so, we want to hear from you. All applications must include a resume and cover letter to be considered.
NPR offers a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package including health and wellness benefits, retirement, and work/life balance programs, as well as opportunities for career growth and development.
NPR is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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