Job Summary/Basic Function: |
Responsible, in part, for the oversight of the technical plant in Boise, Idaho; while also providing support for the statewide network of 27+ transmitters and translators. This includes the main studios, the Technical Center, the satellite downlink facility, and STL facility. Duties involve the installation, monitoring, and repair of all equipment within these facilities. The position applies standard to advanced broadcast engineering practices to ensure the highest Quality of Service (QoS) for audio and technical operations, with particular focus on NexGen Radio Automation, Telos AXIA/Livewire IP-based consoles, control rooms, and other critical broadcast hardware and software systems.
This position is not eligible for VISA Sponsorship.
This position is not eligible for hybrid/remote work schedules.
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Department Overview: |
Boise State Public Radio is Idaho’s largest nonprofit, listener-supported NPR member station, reaching the region's metropolitan and rural areas. Our radio network serves two-thirds of the population of Idaho through 28 transmitters & translators, as well as on digital platforms.
As the only sources of quality public radio news, classical music, jazz and unique cultural programming, our radio stations are distinct in their mission, their audience and their partnerships.
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Level Scope: |
Fully competent and productive professional contributor who applies acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to complete substantive assignments/projects/tasks of moderate scope and complexity. Works independently with general supervision; exercises judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action. May provide guidance and assistance to entry level professionals and/or support employees.
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Essential Functions: |
● Oversee all aspects of broadcast studios and operations: digital AOIP consoles, microphones, radio automation systems, satellite demodulators, audio streaming machines (encoders/decoders), broadcast IT systems, computers, and networks. ● Supervise and train technical staff, including professional engineers and student assistants, guiding them in equipment operation, repair, preventive maintenance, and transmitter site monitoring. ● Assist with planning, design, configuration, testing, and implementation of IT-based and broadcast systems, including servers, network infrastructure, and software applications. ● Maintain and enhance studios, control rooms, automation equipment, and technical infrastructure, ensuring proper wiring, configuration, and documentation (including virtual diagrams). Ensure optimal functionality of all broadcast network systems at studio and transmitter sites, performing necessary remediation and reporting. Actively participate in enhancement and modernization projects (e.g., IP network upgrades), and maintain field readiness of physical assets and engineering trucks. ● Serve as a daily technical resource for the Programming, Operations and News departments to meet operational goals. ● Produce high-level system status summaries and trend reports. ● Escalating urgent issues to the Chief Engineer for real-time action. ● Coordinate all EAS systems and logging activities, including troubleshooting, stakeholder coordination, and maintaining the AOIP routing system. Ensure Technical Operations Center (Data Center) readiness by monitoring HVAC, maintaining cleanliness, organizing infrastructure, and updating documentation. Provide necessary general IT support for office networks and workstations. ● Travel to transmitter sites for repairs, improvements, or vendor coordination as required by ongoing projects. ● Collaborate with the Chief Engineer on career training goals for self and staff. Actively investigate and assess new technologies focused on improving efficiency across the department. ● Provide crucial support for major station activities including events, fundraisers (e.g., audio equipment setup and board operation), and transmission tower projects. ● This position holds a rotational on-call responsibility for all studio and transmission facilities, often acting as the primary point of contact. ● May perform other duties as assigned.
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Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: |
● Operation of the following electronic test equipment: analog multimeter, digital multimeter, oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, RF Network analyzers, and Ethernet and IP analyzers to maintain and troubleshoot or repair the system, potentially to the component level. ● Knowledge of broadcast engineering principles (full-spectrum radio transmission, propagation, and reception, RF systems, AOIP, transmitters, automation, streaming, and FCC/EAS compliance). ● Ability to work with/around high voltage and high RF fields, knowledge of FM transmitters and microwave equipment. ● Knowledge of IT systems and infrastructure (servers, networking, virtualization, and software applications). Skill in troubleshooting and repairing broadcast and IT equipment in studio, transmitter, and network environments, requiring the use of computer workstation and network support skills. ● Ability to configure Cisco and Mikrotik network equipment for operation in a secure AOIP network environment. ● Ability to reimage computers and devices with various types of operating systems. ● Skill in system design, configuration, and documentation (schematics, diagrams, and SOPs). ● Skill in supervising, training, and mentoring staff and student technicians in technical operations. ● Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical staff across departments. ● Ability to manage multiple projects and modernization initiatives while balancing daily maintenance needs. ● Ability to adapt to evolving broadcast and IT technologies and recommend efficiency-focused improvements. ● Ability to work in varied environments, including transmitter/tower sites, with professionalism and attention to detail.. ● Solid organizational, communication, and written documentation abilities. ● Ability and a willingness to ride ATVs and ski lifts. ● Capable of following safety principles and university policies when driving station vehicles.
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Minimum Qualifications: |
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent plus 2 years of relevant experience.
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Preferred Qualifications: |
● 5+ years of professional experience at a local or regional multi-transmitter FM broadcast operation. ● Familiarity with Telos LiveWire and other forms of AOIP, IP networking, including Cisco, Mikrotik, and other devices used in unicast and multicast private and public networks, including the security and maintenance to ensure the availability of these systems. ● Hands-on experience with Burk and Davicom site control systems and software, as well as other network sensor hardware supplying SNMP data to site controllers. ● 3+ years of experience with professional broadcast automation software, such as Nexgen, ENCO, WideOrbit, etc. ● 2+ years of experience/certification(past or present) with work on towers and rigging equipment (ropes, block and tackle, pulleys, etc.) to complete installations and maintenance of physical broadcast transmission systems. ● 2+ years of experience with / use of the following computer software: Microsoft Windows, Google Workspace Suite, email, and internet browsers.
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Salary and Benefits: |
The salary range is $65,000 - $75,000 annually and is commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):
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Required Application Materials: |
Please submit a cover letter indicating your interest and qualifications for this position, a resume detailing your employment history, and three (3) professional references.
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About Us: |
Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.
Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.
Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/
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