This is advanced technical broadcast engineering work in the design and installation of TV broadcast systems in a county department or agency.

Employees in this class are responsible for the operation and maintenance of cable television equipment and related broadcasting systems; researching, designing, documenting and installing TV broadcast systems; operating and maintaining audio-visual production and editing equipment for live tape cable television productions; maintaining the operational capabilities and readiness of the broadcast television equipment and operating systems continuously; and training employees on the use of the equipment. Duties include planning of systems modifications and upgrades; assisting in the preparation of RFP's; purchasing of equipment; designing, configuring and installing of edit and production systems; preparing equipment for transmission of signals over the airwaves; ensuring the integrity of the microwave signal; providing technical support to cable production staff; troubleshooting and preventative and corrective maintenance. Incumbent exercises considerable independent judgment in the application of broadcast engineering knowledge to design, operation and maintenance of production and edit systems. General supervision is received from an administrative superior who reviews work for satisfactory operation and maintenance of equipment and for quality cable television productions.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Researches, designs, documents and installs analog and digital audio-visual signal distribution systems, linear and non-linear editing systems, broadcast quality production control rooms, transmission systems, on-air file server systems, graphics sub-systems, engineering computer work station, audio-visual duplication systems, satellite downlinks, robotic camera control systems, and other related equipment used in the production and broadcast of live and pre-recorded programmed material. Identifies production equipment needs and insures that system components are compatible and interchangeable.

Installs, calibrates, synchronizes and maintains audio-visual production equipment for live, taped and on-location telecast; wires, modifies and repairs electronic transmission equipment, ensures the integrity of the microwave signal from the studio to the main distribution facility.

Builds, maintains and troubleshoots video production equipment for studio, edit suites, dubbing system and audiovisual processing.

Assures proper maintenance and repair of video production equipment.

Provides technical training and support to cable production staff and other departments concerning production equipment and techniques; coordinates special projects such as broadcast of elections results, teleconferences and live call-in programs.

Keeps abreast of developments in the cable television industry by attending seminars and conferences, and reading technical publications and journals.

Represents the Communications Department in meetings with other county departments, manufacturers and regulatory agencies as needed.

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Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of cable television production and broadcast engineering.

Thorough knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of audio-visual production and edit systems.

Considerable knowledge of technical specifications and service contracts for cable television systems and related broadcasting equipment.

Knowledge of the codes and regulations governing the cable television industry.

Knowledge of current developments, literature and information concerning cable television and broadcast engineering.

Ability to operate and direct the basic operations of audio-visual production and edit systems.

Ability to analyze equipment needs and prepare detailed technical specifications.

Ability to build, maintain and install audio-visual production and edit systems.

Ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with department directors and representatives, industry contacts, the media and members of the public.

NEW 09/05