Are you passionate about the technology that keeps a top-rated TV station on air 24/7? WCVB, Boston’s ABC affiliate in Needham, MA, is looking for a skilled Freelance Broadcast Operations Technician to ensure the seamless delivery of our live newscasts, studio productions, and on-air signals across multiple platforms. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role that blends technical know-how, precision, and teamwork.
You’ll join a team that supports every aspect of broadcast operations - from control room execution to remote productions - keeping one of the nation’s most respected local news operations running smoothly. You’ll report to the Technical Operations Manager.
Responsibilities
- Operate key technical systems in-studio and on-location, including robotic cameras, audio mixing, and technical directing.
- Execute Master Control and Air Assist functions to maintain broadcast continuity across multiple platforms.
- Manage ENG signal acquisition and distribution, ensuring high-quality feeds for live and recorded content.
- Provide floor direction and technical support during studio and remote productions.
- Set up, move, and maintain studio and remote production equipment (including lighting, props, and sets).
- Monitor and maintain studio lighting systems, adjusting and programming fixtures as needed via GrandMA.
- Wire and place microphones and IFBs for on-camera talent and guests.
- Use computers and digital tools including for downloading promotional or client materials and performing other multimedia tasks.
- Support various technical and production needs as assigned by the Technical Operations Manager.
Requirements
- Hands-on experience as an Operations Technician or in a similar role at a commercial television or public access station.
- Strong understanding of broadcast signal flow, production switchers, audio consoles, and control room systems.
- Ability to thrive in a live, deadline-driven broadcast environment.
- Flexibility to work early mornings, late nights, overnights, weekends, and holidays.
- Related military broadcast or technical experience will be considered.
Salary
The estimated base hourly range for this role is between $27.55/hour and $49.84/hour. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as transferable skills, work experience, business needs, market demands and conditions, including geographic location where the work will be performed, and other factors permitted by law. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
Values in Action
At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. That’s why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization that fosters collaboration and open communication, ensuring that the content we create is authentic, accurate, and connected to the communities we serve.
Hearst Television (HTV) owns and/or operates 35 television and two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S. television households. HTV is recognized as one of the industry's premier broadcasting companies and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. we do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national, origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
