We are actively interviewing for the following opportunity. If interested please apply now.
About the Role:
We are a large public educational organization based in Dallas, TX, seeking a highly skilled, "old-school" Video Broadcast Engineer to join our communications and broadcast team on an as-needed, freelance basis.
In this role, you will serve as a crucial technical partner and emergency backup to our Chief Engineer. You will help support our TV studio, audio rooms, and live broadcast operations, with a primary focus on executing flawless live streams for our bi-monthly board meetings and occasional special events.
Because of the flexible schedule, this position is ideal for an experienced freelance broadcast engineer looking to supplement their current project workload with steady, recurring local gigs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage live streaming and A/V technical operations for bi-monthly organizational meetings (late afternoon/evenings) and select special events (e.g., graduations).
- Arrive 2–3 hours prior to live broadcasts to test equipment, ensure operational readiness, and prevent technical issues.
- Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair failing broadcast equipment, including lighting, audio, and video hardware.
- Support producers and production staff in our dedicated TV studio and audio rooms.
- Collaborate with the Chief Engineer on complex technical projects and system maintenance.
- Step in to operate systems independently and manage the broadcast in the event the Chief Engineer is sick or unavailable.
Technical Requirements & Qualifications:
- Signal Flow Expertise: Deep, hands-on understanding of both analog and digital signal flow (video and audio), and the ability to seamlessly integrate them into modern streaming workflows.
- System Diagnostics: Proven ability to read, interpret, and troubleshoot using block diagrams, system blueprints, and circuit designs.
- Advanced Troubleshooting: Expert ability to quickly identify the source of a breakdown within a complex system layout and execute a resolution on the fly.
- Industry Background: Prior professional experience working as an engineer in a television station, video post-house, or film post-house is highly preferred.
Schedule & Commitment details:
- Paid Training: The engagement will begin with approximately 3 days of hands-on, on-site training to familiarize you with our specific equipment and facility setups.
- Standard Coverage: You will primarily be needed for two Thursday meetings per month (typically starting in the late afternoon/early evening and occasionally running until 10:00 PM). Shifts are generally guaranteed to be at least 4+ hours.
- On-Call Availability: Ability to provide emergency backup coverage during standard operating hours or for scheduled events if the Chief Engineer is absent.
Compliance & Onboarding:
- Because we are an educational organization, all contractors must successfully pass a stringent background check and fingerprinting clearance process to receive an organizational badge prior to stepping on-site.
Interview Process:
Candidates selected for consideration will undergo a brief verbal technical screening focusing on signal flow and troubleshooting scenarios, followed by an in-person or virtual interview with our Chief Engineer and Department Director.
Pay: $60.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
