Position Summary:
The Broadcast Technician supports the daily operations, maintenance, and technical integrity of broadcast facilities at Minnesota Public Radio, with primary responsibility across studio and production room environments and the Technical Operations Center (TOC). This is a hands-on technical role working within a cross-functional engineering team, responsible for maintaining audio/video over IP networks, broadcast signal paths, monitoring systems, and studio infrastructure performing at broadcast quality.
The ideal candidate brings a methodical approach to troubleshooting, demonstrated experience with both AoIP and VoIP platforms and computer networking, and the communication skills necessary to collaborate effectively with both technical colleagues and non-technical production staff. This position is expected to contribute to training, documentation, and standard operating procedures as the department continues to evolve.
Expected Compensation Range: $70,000 -$75,000 per year. The exact salary rate is determined by experience and education related to the role, organizational compensation structure, and internal equity.
Location: On-Site, St. Paul, MN
Application Process: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Application Deadline: Open until filled.
Position Responsibilities:
Studio & Facility Operations
- Perform routine and corrective maintenance on studio and production room equipment including consoles, processors, patching infrastructure, and associated signal chain components.
- Monitor and maintain signal flow integrity across AoIP networks (Axia/Livewire and Dante), identifying and resolving issues proactively.
- Support TOC operations, including signal monitoring, routing, and equipment health checks.
- Assist with equipment installations, upgrades, and decommissions in coordination with the engineering team.
- Maintain and support disaster recovery readiness for broadcast systems and infrastructure.
Audio and Video over IP & Networking
- Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Axia/Livewire and Dante AoIP devices, routing systems, and network infrastructure.
- Collaborate with IT network engineering team and media operations staff to maintain and upgrade network infrastructure in support of AoIP and VoIP systems.
- Work with managed switches, VLANs, and multicast configurations as required in production IP environments.
- Maintain and support Telos VX VoIP telephone systems for on-air operations.
- Support and maintain networked video systems as required.
- Configure and support remote broadcast connectivity using IP codec systems (such as Comrex, LiveU, Opal, or ipDTL).
Content & Production Systems
- Provide operational and technical support for digital audio and video workstations and associated NAS/storage systems.
- Coordinate with production staff to troubleshoot production workflows and connectivity issues on core production systems such as Dalet, Protools, Davinci Resolve, and ENCO.
- Support live on-air board operations and studio mixing as needed in coordination with Technical Directors and production staff.
- Maintain familiarity with signal processing equipment including equalizers, compressors, limiters, and related digital processing.
Hands-On Technical Work
- Fabricate and terminate audio, data, and control cabling — including soldering and punch-down work to broadcast-quality standards.
- Work confidently with analog and digital wiring infrastructure including patch panels, punch blocks, signal routers, and interface devices.
- Read and work from wiring diagrams, CAD drawings, signal flow documentation, and technical schematics.
- Use documentation tools (such as Visio, Excel, and related software) to maintain accurate records of infrastructure, configurations, and maintenance activities.
Training, Documentation & Collaboration
- Write and maintain Standard Operating Procedures and technical reference guides to support engineering and non-technical staff.
- Assist in training colleagues on broadcast systems, workflows, and technical procedures in one-on-one or group settings.
- Partner with broadcast engineers, IT staff, and production teams to support day-to-day operational needs.
- Resolve trouble reports in a timely and professional manner, providing thorough follow-up to stakeholders.
- Participate in on-call rotation for after-hours and weekend technical support.
Required Education and Experience:
- 2–5 years of hands-on experience in a broadcast engineering or technical operations environment.
- Demonstrated experience with AoIP platforms — Axia/Livewire and/or Dante required.
- Experience supporting studio and/or production room environments.
Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- Working knowledge of computer networking: TCP/IP, VLANs, managed switches, multicast.
- Proficiency in soldering and cable fabrication, including analog audio wiring and punch-block termination, to broadcast-quality standards.
- Strong understanding of broadcast signal flow — audio routing, patching, and signal monitoring.
- Ability to read technical diagrams, wiring documentation, and signal flow drawings.
- Strong analytical troubleshooting skills; ability to diagnose and resolve issues methodically under time pressure.
- Effective written and oral communication skills with colleagues of varying technical backgrounds.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with a reliable, results-oriented attitude.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Experience with Dalet Galaxy DAW and associated NAS/storage systems.
- Familiarity with AVoIP systems such as NDI and Dante
- Experience with IP codec systems for remote broadcast connectivity (Comrex, LiveU, Opal, ipDTL, or similar).
- Background supporting Windows, Apple, and/or Linux-based servers and workstations.
- Experience in public media, radio, or a similar broadcast environment.
- SBE certification (CBRE, CBNT, or CBT level) or active pursuit thereof.
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) status or equivalent networking credentials.
- Familiarity with Pro Tools or other professional DAW platforms.
- Experience developing or delivering technical training for engineering or non-technical staff.
Reporting to this Position:
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
- Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Required to move about in an office and broadcast facility environment; reach with hands and arms; balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch as needed.
- Frequent use of hands for detailed manual tasks including cable fabrication, soldering, rack work, and data entry.
- Required to lift up to 50 pounds without assistance.
- Some work outside of standard office hours, including on-call rotation, will be required.
- Moderate noise level; occasional exposure to environmental conditions when visiting facility sites.
APMG offers a comprehensive benefits package including Medical plans with HSA and FSA options, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Paid Parental Leave and Paid Caregiver Leave after 1 year, Vacation (3 wks./per year, pro-rated, based on hours worked), Sick time (12 days, pro-rated, based on hours worked), Holiday Pay (10 holidays + 2 floating holidays each year), Volunteer Time (8 hours per year), Long-Term Care and Critical Illness insurance options, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan, and more.
Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
