Job Post

Salary Range:$78,000.00 To 88,000.00 Annually

About OPB

OPB is a leader in public media, serving diverse communities of the Northwest with fact-based, in-depth news and information about politics, the environment, science, arts, history, and cultures; business, education and more. Powered by the generous support of members, OPB seeks out a variety of voices in our communities and lifts up authentic stories of the people, places, events and issues of the region, providing context and a deeper understanding. OPB’s independent journalism and programs are available at opb.org, on OPB Radio and OPB TV. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

The Opportunity

OPB is pleased to announce that we are hiring an Assistant Chief Engineer to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who has broadcasting engineering experience and is seeking a path to transition into a management position. This position will have some influence in building the team of engineers in Eastern Oregon.

A fun perk of the job is working outdoors and traveling. We have 34 sites and occasionally this position will travel from central Oregon to as far as the Oregon /Idaho border.  If your approach to work is to be conscientious, methodical but also innovative, the Assistant Chief Engineer position may be just the opportunity you’re looking for!

Position Details

The Assistant Chief Engineer works under the Chief's direction, providing the Eastern Region team leadership and technical ability to maintain stable broadcast operations. The Assistant Chief works with a small staff of engineers, or independently, but regularly coordinates with OPB’s other technology teams, and with other work groups, such as accounting and legal. When the Chief is unavailable, this position fulfills the duties of the Chief and serves as FCC-designated Acting Chief Operator for transmitter sites in the Eastern Region.

Responsibilities

40% - Technical

• Maintains working knowledge of RF and distribution networks
• Travels to remote sites for routine or emergency maintenance
• Develops preventative maintenance programs
• Research new technologies as they may apply to the Engineering Department
• Plans, designs, and implements equipment changes as appropriate
• Drives hard and soft skill-enhancement opportunities for team
• Functions as a resource and liaison between Engineering and other departments
• Keeps up to date on federal, state, and local regulations and ensures compliance

40% - Administration

• Oversees procurement of equipment
• Gathers data for reports and plans for resource needs
• Manages technical projects, including budgeting, resourcing, maintaining timelines and stakeholder communication
• Develops operational and capital budgets for Eastern region
• Leads team and projects in alignment with OPB’s equity work
• Serves as FCC-designated Acting Chief Operator for transmitters in Eastern region
• Prioritizes safety, maintains staff safety protocols and training  

20% - Supervision and Leadership

• Fosters an inclusive environment, in which diverse backgrounds, ideas, and work styles are valued
• Coordinates, oversees, and reviews team safety and the effectiveness of daily operations
• Supports the growth and development of team members with coaching and feedback to optimize job performance, technical knowledge, employee fitness and mental health, and workplace engagement
• Ensures the team’s work priorities are in alignment with the Engineering department’s goals, and with OPB’s organizational strategies and mission

Working Conditions

Conditions vary widely, from the Bend workshop to remote transmission sites across the state and include arduous travel and significant hands-on activity outdoors year-round. The position occasionally requires non-traditional work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and will include rotating “on-call” time to respond to outages or emergencies. Travel to remote sites involves 4WD trucks and tracked snow-vehicles, and possibly the need to perform basic mechanical repairs. Non-ionizing radiation exists at all transmission sites, and high voltages are present in some equipment. This position requires challenging physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds, performing in inclement weather, walking or snowshoeing at least 5 miles, and tower climbing.

Minimum Position Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attitudes):

• Five (5) years verifiable television or radio employment, or work in a relevant field
• Experience with transmitters, decentralized/distributed networks, and remote site management
• Detail-oriented and highly organized
• Excellent interpersonal skills, a solution-oriented communicator that tactfully engages with colleagues and external stakeholders
• Knowledge of technical design, drafting and planning, and basic construction tasks
• Fluent in Windows and Microsoft Office
• Skilled driver, experience with 4WD trucks, hitches, trailers, and towing, including safe operation on unimproved, muddy, or snowy roads, and vehicle recovery
• Familiarization with FCC regulations governing broadcasting
• Big-picture thinker and forward planner, anticipating problems and coordinating daily efforts with strategic direction
• Enthusiasm for the mission of OPB!

Preferred Position Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attitudes):

• Eight (8) years combined involvement with broadcasting, electrical maintenance, engineering education, or supervisory positions
• Experience operating tracked vehicles and other heavy equipment
• Familiarity with regulation compliance regarding federal, state, and local government agencies such FAA, FEMA, BLM, ODOT, and WSP
• Tower climbing experience
• First Aid skills, encompassing cold-weather and wilderness survival
• Bachelor’s degree in related field such as Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or IT

Additional Information

• This position reports to the Chief Engineer and is benefits eligible.
• The probable hiring range for this exempt position is between $78,000 - $88,000, depending on qualifications.
• For the safety of our employees, the contractors/vendors we work with, and the public we serve, OPB has a mandatory COVID vaccination policy and all employees are required to show proof of vaccination.
• This position has access to highly sensitive data and therefore must pass a background check.
• This position requires a valid driver's license and will requires consent to OPB conducting a driving record check. Employees will not be allowed to use a company or personal vehicle for work purposes without completion and satisfactory results of this check.

How to Apply

Click on the apply button below. You will be asked to create an account, upload your cover letter and resume and answer a few position-related questions. Once you click “submit” you cannot make changes to your application.

This position is open until filled.

OPB is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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