] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → TELEVISION CHIEF ENGINEER

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Television Chief Engineer

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Multimedia Chief Engineer CODE: 6970 SQ/OQ: Optimal Qualified
WORKING TITLE: Television Chief Engineer GRADE: 27 MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under general direction, the TV Chief Engineer provides leadership in design, installation, maintenance, evaluation and monitoring of the multimedia infrastructure of MCPS Instructional TV (ITV). The work of the class involves responsibility for organizing and directing the work of engineers and technicians engaged in maintenance and operation of digital and analog electronic systems and equipment. Helps determine and direct the course of future technology selection and integration based on research and experiential knowledge. Responsible for maintenance of multimedia network and server systems and equipment performance, in keeping with FCC mandates and NTSC broadcast quality standards. Suggests and recommends TV equipment replacement and maintenance budgets originating from MCPS and the Montgomery County Government for PEG (Public, Education and Government) network. Develops policy and procedures for the maintenance and electronic integrity of all equipment in the ITV facility, and provides direct or vendor-based staff training on the operation and repair of that equipment. Provides and supervises engineering support for MCPS studio and remote television productions and PEG mobile production vehicle remotes. Provides, as assigned by ITV Supervisor, consulting for school-based Media Specialists, Media Services Technicians and Montgomery County PEG network. Prepares MCPS bid specifications for all new equipment, evaluates bids and recommends awards.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of digital and analog multimedia electronic equipment including nonlinear editing systems, switchers, multiple format VTRs, studio and ENG cameras, character generators, monitors, frame synchronizers, A/D and D/A converters, digital IT networking, storage area networks, digital video servers, encoders, basic robotics, scan converters, automated video playout systems, cable TV systems and system design principles, fiber optic transmission systems, satellite downlink equipment, audio production systems, telephone and intercom systems, office computers, multimedia compression techniques, oscilloscopes and other test/measurement equipment . Ability to read and understand wiring and schematic drawings. Ability to design and supervise installation of television multimedia production and cable systems and perform technical alignment of such systems. Ability to troubleshoot digital and analog production equipment to the component level using calibrated test equipment. Working knowledge of principles of financial and personnel management; ability to supervise, instruct and motivate employees. Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines in a highly productive television/multimedia environment. Excellent written, verbal and human relations skills. Good office computer skills including word processing, database management and spreadsheets. Knowledge of and the ability to meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors degree required. College major in electrical or electronic engineering, required. Seven to ten years experience in the theory, operation and maintenance of digital and analog multimedia and television production equipment, IT servers and networks, cable TV facilities, equipment and systems preferred. Supervisory experience and in administration of maintenance and capital equipment budgets required. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience equivalent to a Bachelors degree, which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position, may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) Ability to perform work requiring the lifting, moving and setting up of television, multimedia and related production equipment. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in tight spaces behind equipment racks.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Ability to work overtime and unusual hours as required.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Researches, evaluates and selects all multimedia technical equipment to be used in the MCPS ITV facility, the mobile TV production van and some school-based TV facilities.

2. Advises Montgomery County PEG network regarding new equipment specifications.

3. Generates ordering information for purchases of new analog and digital production and test equipment for MCPS ITV.

4. Develops, implements and tracks analog to digital migration path towards all-digital facility, as mandated by the FCC. Maintains equipment according to NTSC broadcast standards and quality of signal

5. Directs and monitors the activities of technicians involved in technical maintenance and engineering support for ITV productions.

6. Schedules preventive maintenance and monitors equipment performance to ensure compliance with NTSC standards.

7. Installs equipment and trains Production and Engineering personnel in its operation.

8. Writes Engineering unit employee performance evaluations.

9. Develops and manages budget for ITV equipment replacement, maintenance, parts and supplies through MCPS and Montgomery County Government PEG Network.

10. Meets with outside vendors to negotiate most cost-effective use of funding for new equipment and service contract purchases in keeping with best industry practices.

11. Arranges for repairs of equipment which cannot be repaired in-house due to special factory-authorized expertise, alignment or test equipment requirements.

12. Interfaces with Instructional TV Supervisor and Montgomery County Government and budget officers for Montgomery County Budget for the purchase of new equipment, supplies, technical services and emergency repairs.

13. Gathers telephone quotes and provides ordering information.

14. Provides engineering support for in-house ITV studio equipment.

15. Along with engineering and technical staff, supervises and troubleshoots all technical operation of TV productions to ensure quality control of signal to include such equipment as special effect generators, cameras, monitors, cablecast master control, character generator, VTR operation.

16. Attends and presents engineering report at weekly ITV staff meetings.

17. Researches and develops one-year and five-year ITV equipment replacement and purchase plan documents.

18. Prepares materials and chairs monthly ITV Engineering unit meetings with Engineering staff.

19. Provides EIC (Engineer-In-Charge) services for most MCPS and Mont. County PEG remote productions using remote mobile production vehicle.

20. Provide truck, camera and equipment setup, electrical generator connections, technical troubleshooting and audio/video/VTR operations during the production. Check out vehicle prior to event.

21. Writes specifications for new equipment to be submitted to Montgomery County PEG Network for approval and purchase.

22. As assigned, visits MCPS schools with tools and test equipment to provide on-site repairs and/or evaluations of their cable TV systems and TV studio equipment.

23. Provides telephone and/or email assistance to MSTs and other school-based personnel to resolve video/audio/cable TV technical problems or advise concerning TV studio equipment selection/configuration.

24. Sets up A/V production, computer and sound reinforcement equipment for off-site events such as A&S Meetings, Superintendent's Budget Presentation, community forums and town hall meetings.

25. Attends training courses on new digital and IT technologies refresh job skills.

26. Attends annual seminars and engineering conferences such as Government Video Expo, Professional Products Tech Fair and NAB Conference to maintain knowledge of new and emerging digital technologies.

27. Performs additional duties as assigned by ITV Supervisor.
Class Established: 7/92
Date(s) Revised: 9/97, 12/05, 2/08
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.