Remote Encoder Technician

Remote Traffic Operations is responsible for providing transmission, telecommunications, and internet access for all ESPN and ABC remote events.  Transmission could include fiber, satellite, IP or a combination of all to transmit the event’s audio and video back to ESPN’s main Bristol facility, in addition to others facilities.  Remote Traffic also provides network return and production returns back to the remote site, as well as transmissions between the event site and various other locations.  The department orders telephone service to be temporarily installed at the venue to provide communication for the remote workers.  Internet and Ethernet services could also be installed to provide temporary internet access, communications directly back to Bristol, or to be used to enable VoIP services.  Remote Traffic is also responsible for traveling to site to supervise the installation of these services at the larger events, manage transmission services and vendors, creating budgets, and making sure the invoices for all ordered services get properly coded to their respective events. 

Position Summary:

Remote Encoding Technician position is responsible for operating the onsite transmission and telecom services for ESPN remote events.  These services include high and low bandwidth fiber optic transport, voice and data circuits, encryption and compression technologies, and other telecom services and facilities as needed.  Their specialty will be to operate large scale, complex event transmission and provide onsite support for these events as assigned.

Responsibilities:

• Manage transmission and telecom services ESPN remote events of varying size and scope.
• For all assigned programs and events, plan and integrate necessary technical and operational aspects of the remote, communicate with Remote Traffic, Transmission and Remote Operations, in addition to various other ESPN departments, and with vendor sources outside of ESPN.
• Follow work orders instructions containing service information for a particular event.  Diseminate work order information and relay to all relevant parties in a prescribed time period before and during the event.
• Plan and provide service and support of on-site transmission at remote sporting venues.
• Plan and provide service and support of on-site telecommunications at remote sporting venues.
• Attend site surveys for assigned remote events for venue analysis and written pre-event plans.
• Maintain advanced knowledge about the operational and technical aspects of various telecom services and equipment at a level necessary and appropriate for fulfilling the department’s responsibilities.
• Ensure that transport services and equipment vendors meet and maintain ESPN technical and operational standards.
• Undertake special projects as assigned.
• Travel and onsite support during weekend and evening hours required.

Qualifications:

• Candidate must possess strong communications and interpersonal skills and organizational abilities.
• Candidate must possess strong attention to detail and work independently in a demanding deadline driven environment.   

Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years professional experience related to broadcast or technical operations including onsite experience with remote transport and transmission systems.
• Professional experience in operating processes of remote productions and remote transport systems.
• Strong knowledge of Production workflow and operating systems.
• Strong knowledge of telecom services.
• Experience managing and implementing multiple budgets.

Required Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.

Additional Information:

• Must be able to lift more than 50lbs, work nights, holidays and weekends.

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