Network Operations Center Technician

Job Description

Network Operations Center Technician (Temporary)
OVERVIEW

NPR seeks a highly motivated, mission driven and customer service focused Network Operations Center (NOC) Technician responsible for the daily operations of the 24/7/365 NOC transmission facilities in Washington, DC. The ideal candidate executes the daily Public Radio Satellite System (PRSS) transmission schedules while providing oversight and control over the satellite carriers on bartered satellite space. NOC Technicians are also responsible for preliminary troubleshooting, communication, and collaboration with key stakeholders of PRSS, core clients and external customers. This may include, but are not limited to, monitoring transmission equipment, foreseeing and catching operational problems, arranging for alternate routings or pursuing further intervention when needed. NOC technicians often work with departmental colleagues to escalate issues, and restore service. The ability to work as a team member is essential, as is a strong attention to detail. The NOC Technician will provide quality assurance inspections for audio files and/or services along with monitoring hardware and proactively seek out points of failure throughout the day. Additionally, the technician is responsible for attending to urgent/last minute scheduling and operations requirements.

The successful candidate will be a proactive and collaborative individual with strong communication, conflict resolution and time management skills. Teamwork, adaptability, professionalism and a growth mindset are desired skills. Multiple range of skills will be considered, however, an existing background in audio broadcast services is preferred. While this is a temporary position, the technician would be considered for future job openings, should they become available in the Network Operations Center.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Operate/modify automation schedules, switchers, routers and computers in a live and time-driven environment with the full understanding and ability to perform the daily-required SOPs within the NOC, and escalate potential equipment/off air issues to the attention of Management.
• Operate all technical equipment within the NOC, including program capture and reproduction equipment; automation switching and scheduling equipment; audio and video satellite, IP and RF transmission and monitoring equipment while maintaining a professional work environment.
• Monitor and test for audio/RF continuity and technical quality along with verifying continuity of the streamed transmissions, recorded media and file-based audio. Confirm the proper audio routing and transmission paths for events, and properly document findings.
• Coordinate with clients to ensure that services and media meet customer needs. This includes providing additional technical customer service/troubleshooting if the customer requires further assistance with their content. Take ownership of customer issues and follow through to resolution
• Perform basic preventive maintenance (daily, weekly, and monthly) to the NOC equipment, while executing basic system operational and functional tests and reporting unresolved problems to stakeholders.
• Inspect incoming audio programs and verify that pre-recorded program audio media and/or files to be transmitted meet published specifications and are available for broadcast at the specified time. Spot-check file-based programs that have been delivered through the ContentDepot system for continuity, quality, and completeness and report any discrepancies found to management and or the producer/distributor of the program. Deliver impairment messages and updates to appropriate parties via proper channels and systems while monitoring the status of the program file delivery system.
• The NOC works with the PRSS Help Desk as part of Tier 1 and Tier 2, helping stations and producers with software and hardware issues.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience preferred.

WORK LOCATION: This is an onsite role at our Washington, DC offices.

REQUIRED SKILLS
• Knowledge of standard audio testing practices with broadcast equipment, automation, and procedures. As well as familiarity with radio/broadcasting/audio and electrical engineering terminology, automated audio reproduction, recording & switching systems and RF transmission systems preferred.
• Must be able to work both independently and as a member of a team.
• Must be able to multitask and prioritize under deadline pressure.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely is desired, as is experience with escalation as needed.
• Significant troubleshooting in audio broadcast technologies.
• Demonstrated experience providing a high level of professional, courteous, and consistent interactions with clients.
• Demonstrated ability to operate digital consoles in a time sensitive on-air broadcast studio environment.
• Ability and willingness to work rotating shifts as required; including weekends, overnights, and holidays. Overtime as required.
• The Network Operations Center is a 24/7 staffed operational environment. As such, the incumbent must be able to work rotating shifts throughout the broadcast week (24 hours a day, seven days a week including holidays), as required.
• Two plus years broadcast engineering experience and Public Radio experience preferred.
• Occasional travel may be required.

This position is covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with NABET-CWA. The minimum annualized salary for this position is $82,998.

Does this sound like you? If so, we want to hear from you.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-d8m2qq-3-15-221-67-42 in your application.