Broadcast Playout Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Upload Resume or Curriculum Vitae for automatic population of information to the application.
• The contact information, work experience, and education listed on your Resume/CV will be parsed and input into your Montclair application.
• Review information and double-check all fields containing information that the system parsed - the software is intelligent, but you need to verify that the data is accurate.
• In the "My Experience" section, you will find a Resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and all other supporting documents.

Note: If you have an expansive CV, we recommend that you apply manually and only include the positions you have held in the last ten (10) years. You will then be able to attach your Resume/CV, as well as all other supporting documentation in the "My Experience" section of your application.

Job Description

SUMMARY:

Reporting to Senior Producer, the vMix Operator is the technical production engine for NJ PBS, responsible for the direction, assembly, and delivery of the daily video-based news segments, shows, and original programming. Operating a single-operator vMix production environment, this position directs and assembles pre-recorded and live content, executes graphics and audio, and delivers broadcast-ready program files to the central playout hub and PBS master control. This is not a traditional multi-position control room role - it requires a uniquely versatile operator equally fluent in technical production, editorial workflow, and digital distribution, who takes full ownership of on-air quality from first frame to final delivery. This on-site position is based at NJ PBS production facilities at Montclair State University.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as sole technical director and operator for the daily Monday-Friday newscast, working within a pre-recorded, late-afternoon assembly workflow.

• Build and manage show rundowns in coordination with the editorial team; ingest, log, and organize all story packages, reporter tracks, and anchor footage.

• Assemble the complete newscast in vMix, executing graphics, lower thirds, full-screen elements, video playback, transitions, and audio mixing in a single-operator environment.

• Ensure all segments meet broadcast quality standards for video levels, audio normalization (LKFS/R128), closed captioning integration, and format compliance.

• Encode and deliver the finished program to the central playout hub by established daily deadline, using required file formats and delivery protocols.

• Monitor and troubleshoot delivery pipelines; escalate technical failures immediately and maintain backup delivery procedures.

• Assemble original NJ PBS programs, specials, and documentary content using the vMix environment.

• Coordinate with producers and editors on post-production workflows, ensuring compatibility between editing systems and vMix playout.

• Manage multi-source productions including remote contributors via NDI, IP video, or other streaming inputs.

• Build and maintain vMix project templates for recurring show formats to ensure consistency and production efficiency.

• Operate and manage the graphics workflow within vMix, including integration with character generator tools and external design assets.

• Encode and distribute content for streaming platforms, social media, and the NJ PBS owned-and-operated digital hub.

• Assist in the configuration and maintenance of live streaming workflows for breaking news, special events, and digital-first content.

• Serve as the primary operator and day-to-day steward of the vMix production system; Work with engineering and IT dept to maintain software licensing, updates, and hardware performance.

• Work with engineers to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with cameras, audio systems, monitors, signal routing, and network infrastructure.

• Collaborate with IT and engineering staff on systems maintenance, upgrades, and redundancy planning.

• Document production workflows, technical configurations, and delivery specifications for organizational continuity.

• Adhere to NJ PBS editorial standards and public media ethics guidelines.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

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QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Broadcasting, Communications, Film/Video Production, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

• Minimum three years of experience in broadcast television production, with demonstrated experience in a technical director or production operator role.

• Hands-on proficiency with vMix software; ability to build and execute complex productions as a single operator.

• Strong understanding of broadcast signal flow, video formats (HD/4K), audio standards (PCM, LKFS/R128), and delivery file specifications.

• Experience with newscast production workflows, including rundown management, package ingest, and deadline-driven delivery.

• Working knowledge of broadcast graphics systems; ability to operate and update graphics packages.

• Familiarity with closed captioning integration and FCC compliance requirements.

• Ability to work independently under deadline pressure with minimal supervision.

PREFERRED:

• Experience with NDI-based IP video workflows and remote production.

• Familiarity with PBS technical standards, delivery requirements, and affiliate operations.

• Experience encoding and publishing content for OTT, streaming, and social platforms.

• Background in public media, journalism, or news production environments.

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop) or equivalent; video editing experience strongly preferred.

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing how their background, skills and education match the needs of the University. When applying, please take a moment to carefully read and follow the steps in the application instructions.

Salary Range

The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. For further details, please visit:https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/benefits/

Montclair State University considers factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's relevant work experience, education, skills, and internal equity, when extending an offer.

Salary offers for internal employees who are part of a collective bargaining unit (CBU) and are applying to a position that is withina CBU will be determined in accordance with contractual provisions.

Department

Position Type

Contact Information:

For questions or concerns, please contact Human Resources' Workday Recruiting Support at 973-655-5000 (Option 2), or email talent@montclair.edu.

Inclusion Statement

Montclair State University values access and educational excellence. We are committed to an environment of diverse perspectives which ensures that graduates will be civically engaged, committed to democracy, and prepared to thrive as global citizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiences and voices. We seek applicants who will contribute diverse ideas and perspectives and who value an environment that promotes educational growth and advancement for all.

EEO/AA Statement

Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity.

Additional information can be found on the website at
www.montclair.edu/human-resources/about-us/eo-aa-and-diversity/

Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 Policy

Montclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities. The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities extends to admission and employment. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/job-seekers/