Journalist Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Broadcast Systems Technician

Position Summary
The Broadcast Systems Technician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, support, troubleshooting, repair, and improvement of broadcast, production, information technology, networking, electronic, and transmission systems supporting a 24/7 media operation.

This position works across technical disciplines to ensure the reliable operation of content acquisition, production, automation, distribution, transmission, and business systems. Working under the direction of Engineering and Technology management, the Broadcast Systems Technician supports mission-critical infrastructure through the application of sound engineering practices, technical expertise, and a commitment to operational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and support broadcast, production, media workflow, transmission, information technology, electronic, and facility infrastructure systems.
• Support servers, storage platforms, virtual environments, workstations, operating systems, cloud services, and enterprise applications.
• Install, configure, and maintain IP networking infrastructure, including switching, routing, wireless, and network security systems.
• Support media automation, production control systems, content management systems, newsroom technologies, graphics systems, and media distribution workflows.
• Perform diagnostic testing and troubleshooting of electronic, electrical, and electromechanical equipment using appropriate test equipment and established engineering practices.
• Support facility infrastructure systems including power distribution, UPS systems, generators, environmental systems, grounding systems, and other technical plant equipment.
• Perform preventative maintenance, software updates, technology deployments, and system upgrades to maximize reliability and performance.
• Provide technical support to all station departments and respond to operational issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain technical documentation, diagrams, inventories, and operational procedures.
• Assist with cybersecurity, business continuity, disaster recovery, and infrastructure resilience initiatives.
• Travel as required to remote facilities, transmitter sites, production locations, and other company facilities.
• Prioritize and execute work assignments in accordance with direction provided by Engineering and Technology management and established departmental standards.
• Exercise sound technical judgment while ensuring work aligns with approved engineering practices, operational requirements, and management direction.
• Ensure all work is completed safely, accurately, and in accordance with established technical, operational, quality, and documentation standards.
• Maintain a high standard of workmanship and technical excellence while supporting mission-critical systems and infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Electronics, Computer Science, Broadcast Technology, or equivalent experience.
• Experience supporting technology systems in broadcast, media, telecommunications, information technology, military, industrial, or related technical environments.
• Working knowledge of electronics, computer systems, IP networking, electrical systems, and technical troubleshooting methodologies.
• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot electronic equipment using appropriate test equipment and established engineering practices.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical personnel.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Valid driver's license.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience supporting media production, content distribution, or broadcast operations.
• Experience with enterprise networking, virtualization platforms, storage systems, and cloud technologies.
• Experience using multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, fiber-optic test equipment, and other industry-standard test equipment.

Industry certifications in networking, systems administration, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, electronics, or broadcast engineering.