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North Country Public Radio, an NPR affiliate, seeks a Chief Engineer to manage and maintain our network of 34 FM facilities (2 main stations, 14 repeaters and 18 translators) well as our studio and radio automation equipment. The successful candidate will have a wide variety of technical skills and experiences in the broadcast engineering field and will become a valued member of a team at an award-winning station known nationally for innovation and excellence.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair all technical equipment including studio and transmitter facilities, satellite downlink and microwave transmission systems.
• Monitor and maintain full compliance with all pertinent FCC rules and regulations.
• Oversee all engineering functions of the station, including planning of future equipment installations, requirements, and budgetary recommendations.
• Manage and maintain transmission site leases.
• Maintain station technical files, records, logs, licenses, permits, authorizations, and other required documentation including timely filing of license renewal and FCC Public File documents in conjunction with station management.
• Establish and ensure technical and technology standards and priorities for the organization.
• Hire and supervise contract engineers as needed.

We serve a large geographical area of New York State including the 1000 Islands region, the Adirondack Mountains, the St. Lawrence and Champlain Valleys, and portions of Vermont, as well as Southeastern Ontario and southern Quebec, Canada. NCPR’s base in Canton, New York, offers many opportunities for enrichment through four colleges and universities in proximity. The region offers easy access to both summer and winter sports and recreation. The cities of Montreal and Ottawa are nearby.

Direct benefits (from our licensee, St. Lawrence University) include excellent health insurance and retirement plans as well as college tuition exchange/remission for employees and their dependents, and access to the university’s fitness center. Indirect benefits include working with a dedicated and friendly staff, enthusiastic and supportive listeners, affordable housing in a welcoming and safe community, and living and working in a beautiful region.

Interested applicants must apply online at http://employment.stlawu.edu uploading all required materials which are defined in the “special instructions to applicant” section.  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position can be directed to Mitch Teich, NCPR Station Manager, mitch@ncpr.org.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the finalist successfully passing a background (including criminal records) check.

NCPR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Find us at https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the maintenance, repair and design of broadcast audio systems and FM broadcast transmission systems.
• An equivalent amount of related education and experience may be considered.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in designing, installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing broadcast audio, FM transmission, studio, automation, and control systems.
• Ability to understand and use schematics, flow charts and technical documentation.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair broadcast equipment at the component level.
• Experience with TCP/IP networking and IP-based digital audio systems
• Knowledge of FCC license and reporting requirements
• Valid driver’s license: position requires travel to remote transmitter sites.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs., climb ladders, work on rooftops and in confined spaces.
• Self-starter must be able to work efficiently without direct supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Strong problem solving and analytical skill.
• Must possess a positive work attitude, a strong work ethic, and ability to work well with others.
• Ability to prioritize and make changes to work plans without loss of efficiency.
• Ability to make well-informed decisions quickly while under pressure.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks.
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and non-standard shifts in emergency situations as required.
• Must have excellent vision (with or without corrective lenses) with ability to identify and distinguish colors.

Preferred Qualifications

• SBE (Society of Broadcast Engineers) certification a plus

About North Country Public Radio

Located at 23 Romoda Drive, Canton, NY, St. Lawrence University is a coeducational, private, independent liberal arts institution of about 2,400 students from more than 40 states and 40 nations. The educational opportunities at St. Lawrence inspire students and prepare them to be critical and creative thinkers, to find a compass for their lives and careers, and to pursue knowledge and understanding for the benefit of themselves, humanity and the planet. Through its focus on active engagement with ideas in and beyond the classroom, a St. Lawrence education leads students to make connections that transform lives and communities, from the local to the global. The University is committed to and seeks diversity among its faculty, staff and students. Such a commitment ensures an atmosphere that is diverse and complex in ways that are intellectually and socially enriching for the entire campus community. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups, as well as from individuals with experience teaching or working in a multicultural environment, are encouraged. St. Lawrence University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For additional information about St. Lawrence, please visit http://www.stlawu.edu.

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