Entry Level Sound Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Internship - WMMT Programming Assistant Intern

Division: Internship

Department: Career, Vocation, and Leadership

Experience: Entry-level

Job code: NA

Supervisor/Reports To: Jarrod Hamilton (Appalshop)/Angela Lockhart (UPIKE)

Location: WMMT | 253A East Main St. | Whitesburg, KY

Internship Window: 7/1/26 - 8/15/26

Must be a registered UPIKE student.

This short-term internship offers a chance for interns to explore WMMT's back log of music not yet screened for airplay. They have a lot of music that needs to be screened before it is loaded into their system for air play. This intern will also learn about how a radio station operates from the inside out. They will learn the audio chain from physical media and online content all the way to the ears of listeners. This intern will learn how to load music into the computer and audio broadcasting software. The main objective of this role is to expand WMMT's database of traditional and modern music. Listening to music all day may not sound like work, but it surely is. This intern will also help to screen and process their large collection of vinyl records. Some of these records need to be cleaned and all of them need to be screened. This intern will be expected to curate and produce a weekly radio show with the topic and genre of their choosing.

Organization Description: Founded in 1985, WMMT's mission is to be a 24-hour voice of mountain people's music, culture, and social issues to provide broadcast space for creative expression and community involvement in making radio, and to be an active participant in discussion of public policy that will benefit coalfield communities and the Appalachian region as a whole. The station is listener-supported, consumer-run public radio. WMMT broadcasts from their studio at 253 E. Main Street in Whitesburg, KY. They are heard across much of Southeast Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, and Southern West Virginia, as well as portions of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. WMMT's mission extends beyond music into coverage of issues facing mountain communities. WMMT produces regular radio documentary features, telling stories and providing perspectives that no other outlet can.

Internship Duties, Responsibilities, and Career Competencies:

Digital Archive Management:

• Screen music for obscenities. (CT, P)
• Take notes about the quality of recording and music. (CSD, C, CT)
• Select songs to be featured in our heavy automated rotation. (CSD, CT, L, P)
• Build folders of song suggestions for DJ. (CSD, C, CT, CTR, P, TW, T)
• Load music into the DJ software on the studio computer. (CSD, C, L, P, T)

Find New Music:

• Find new local music from around the scene. (C, CTR, L, P, TW, T)
• Use resources like Airplay Direct and Play MPE to find new music. (CSD, CT, T)
• Screen new music. (C, CT, P, T)

Handling Physical Media:

• Cleaning (P)
• Processing (P, T)
• Organizing (CSD, CT, P, T)
• Grading (CT, C, P)

DJ:

• Select music to be played on air. (C, CT, P)
• Screen music before their show for obscenities. (C, CT, L, P)
• Play whatever music they like and have a little fun on the air. (CSD, C, CTR, L, P, T)
• Be responsible and understand FCC Regulations. (P, CT)
• Possibly invite guests to be interviewed on their show. (CSD, C, CTR, L, P, TW, T)

Competencies/Skills: Communication (C), Teamwork (TW), Professionalism (P), Career & Self Development (CSD), Critical Thinking (CT), Community Transformation (CTR), Leadership (L), Technology (T)

Qualifications:

• A current UPIKE student with interest/major/minor in Communications, Media Arts, Music, or relevant field.
• A strong interest in music (particularly on vinyl records) and radio.

Skills Developed:

• System management
• Audio screening
• Public speaking
• Interviewing

Work Schedule: M-F daytime, determined with communication between supervisor and intern.

Physical Demands:

• General Activity: Sitting, standing, walking, leaning, stooping.
• Use of Hands/Feet: Primarily using hands for typing or handling materials, and shifting boxes.
• Weight Lifted: Sorting and lifting vinyl storage of various weights and sizes.
• Physical Demands: Sitting, walking, listening, viewing, leaning, talking for long periods, projecting voice.

Essential Skills and Professional Expectations:

• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Able to meet deadlines.
  
• Comfortable working both independently and in a team environment.
• Must be able to manage stress, stay focused, and maintain professionalism in various situations.

Number of Positions: 1

Pay Rate: Beginning at $8.75/hour

Location: WMMT | 253A East Main St. | Whitesburg, KY

Terms: Upon hire, the intern must register for the Summer II Internship course. To receive course credit, students will complete assignments concurrently with internship work. Students are required to work a total minimum of 80 hours and will eligible for the following credit hours: 80-119 hours of work + course completion = 2 credit hours; 120-159 hours of work + course completion = 3 credit hours; 160-199 hours of work + course completion = 4 credit hours; 200-239 hours of work + course completion = 5 credit hours; 240+ hours of work = 6 credit hours. Summer interns in this position cannot exceed 40 hours of work per week.

Application Notes: Resumes and applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.