Technology Operations NI, BBC Northern Ireland Technology Operations Support Manager

Transcription

1 Job Title: Grade: Department: Reports to: Location Facilities Engineer (SNG Operator) 7H Technology Operations NI, BBC Northern Ireland Technology Operations Support Manager Organisational Context The BBC is transforming the way it connects and interacts with audiences. It aims to provide content when, where and how an individual wants it. We operate within the communities we serve and are making the BBC increasingly accessible to the public, encouraging them to contribute their ideas and content. Technology is transforming the broadcast industry, opening up new ways to be more local, more relevant and more in touch with audiences. Advances in technology and what it can offer are breathtakingly quick and are transforming the entire media industry, blurring the divide between producer and consumer. Technology Operations (TOPs - NI) manages all aspects of BBC Northern Ireland s technical and operational requirements, including the design and development of technical solutions, project management of procurement, installation, changing working practices and providing on-going technical support. In addition we provide all the operational activities required to produce a variety of content on a wide range of media platform including TV, Radio, Online and, more recently, social media. Our technology strategy is to be flexible and responsive. Investments must drive change, innovation and seamless content management between TV, radio and on-line services. New technologies have to be robust enough to support continuous output and must provide value through reducing costs and increasing benefits. Within the group we have a diverse range of skills and knowledge that is further supported through working closely with other BBC technology teams, our technology partners Atos and with a range of key suppliers. Further context This role sits within the SNG Operations team in Technology Operations and works closely with the local and national Newsgathering teams on a daily basis as well as with operational and production teams from other programme genres such as Sport. Based in Belfast but working all over Northern Ireland, frequently in the Republic of Ireland and occasionally into the rest of the UK, the SNG Team runs 2x SNGs (with both Satellite and Terrestrial links) providing cover for 24hr news output and other productions. Staff working in newsgathering often have to work in difficult and challenging circumstances involving a lot of personal issues such as bereavement, conflict, community unrest and politics. Location Engineers need to be resilient and emotionally and politically intelligent to handle these situations calmly and professionally. A high degree flexibility is required to meet production needs especially in the very unpredictable news environment. Weekend working is routine and overnights on location are common. Shifts are generally Single Person but they are augmented by a technician/rigger who may be deployed onto any shift to assist on heavy/complex rigs. Overall purpose of the job: Location Facilities Engineers are responsible, either working independently, or as part of a team for the provision and operation of Satellite and Terrestrial links, basic camera-work and related on-site facilities for Newsgathering, Sport and other Outside Broadcast productions. Electronic News Gathering is a rapidly changing field and Location Engineers are expected to maintain and develop a range of skills and adopt new ways of working as required to keep ahead in this area. Location Engineers are accountable to the Technology Operations Support Manager through the News Organiser or Resource Manager depending on the particular deployment. Job Description for Location Facilities Engineer April 2015 Page 1 of 5

2 Job Description for Location Facilities Engineer April 2015 Page 2 of 5

3 Responsibilities of the role: The main responsibilities of Location Engineers are: 1. To drive and operate terrestrial and satellite link vehicles and related mobile communication systems. 2. To establish and co-ordinate on-site facilities to meet the programme needs including; radio, cable and fibre based video, audio and communications circuits; stand-up camera positions and basic lighting; power supplies. 3. To establish radio links or arrangements for signal injection into permanent or temporary circuits, and to be responsible for on-site technical liaison with other broadcasters and organisations in this respect. 4. To be responsible for ensuring technical performance specification are met and in general, maintaining the highest possible standards of the equipment being operated. 5. Maintenance of related operational equipment on base and on location. 6. Supervision of technicians and contractors ensuring efficient and safe working. 7. To perform routine safety checks and maintain vehicle logs as required by BBC Policy. 8. To be responsible for the maintenance of Safe Systems of Work and the adherences to the requirements of BBC Safety Regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act as far as they apply to the area in his/her charge. 9. To provide sick and holiday relief on occasions as required. Person Specification Knowledge and experience For this role we expect a high level of capability across core competencies, in addition to job specific requirements: Location Engineers must - 1. be experienced in all aspects of SNG Operations (satellite and terrestrial links) from planning and booking satellite services through to deployment of facilities including rigging for cameras, sound and communications. 2. have a thorough knowledge of radio and television principles and practices particularly as applied to Newsgathering and ENG operations. 3. have a good working knowledge of the latest digital and IP communications technologies and systems 4. have basic camera and lighting skills. 5. be able to work under pressure of deadlines and be flexible in working time. 6. be well organised and good at record keeping. 7. have good team working skills. 8. be able to maintain a high degree of professionalism when dealing with colleagues, contributors and members of the public. 9. have good communication skills, both written and conversational, an especially the ability to liaise professionally and effectively with BBC staff, external parties and contributors. 10. have a good working knowledge of Health & Safety and Electricity At Work regulations and practices especially those pertaining to Newsgathering and Outside Broadcasts. 11. have basic front-line maintenance skills for the range of equipment used in the operation. 12. be prepared to drive operational vehicles and must meet the BBC drivers insurance requirements and have C1+E category on their driver s license. Driver CPC is also required to be obtained and maintained. 13. have appropriate hearing and colour vision. Job Description for Location Facilities Engineer April 2015 Page 3 of 5

4 Competencies The following competencies (behaviours and characteristics) have been identified as key to success in the job. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate these competencies: Skills & Behaviours Forward thinking Dynamic; flexible approach Team player and team motivator Highly motivated Decision maker Professional attitude, polite and courteous Communication Keeps people informed through appropriate media Is articulate, has confident delivery and pitches communications at the right level Clarifies understanding by asking questions and probing carefully Is approachable and sensitive to the needs of others Actively promotes two-way communication with staff and clients Proactively shares knowledge and information Has ability to produce clear, succinct written communications Business & Broadcast Awareness Clearly understands and identifies with the vision of BBCNI Questions others about activities to get information on the larger picture Uses expertise and knowledge of BBCNI to assist and support the programme making process Controls cost and looks for ways to deliver business/financial savings Professional & Technical Knowledge Actively acquires understanding of new developments Proactively acquires necessary skills Embraces new ways of working which will benefit the department and BBCNI Actively seeks opportunities to learn new things Takes responsibility for own safety and consideration for the safety of others as outlined in BBC Health & Safety Policy Client Focus Aware of client needs and the needs of their business and responds appropriately to provide excellent service Ensures commitments to clients are realistic and achievable; sets expectations accordingly Will listen, understand and take an active role in resolving client complaints Creates and maintains a good impression and has a positive impact on others Constantly strives to improve the quality of service to all clients Team Work Works effectively as a team member Is willing and able to assist other team members Understands and takes responsibility for own actions and impact upon the team Motivates self and others to achieve team objectives Work closely with the Senior Broadcast Technologists team to provide consistent, seamless, high quality Technology Support. Problem Solving Good problem solving ability and innovative thinking Accepts ownership of problems and takes responsibility for resolving them quickly Job Description for Location Facilities Engineer April 2015 Page 4 of 5

5 Exercises good judgement based on experience and knowledge and is decisive in implementing the solution. Shows consideration for the wider view and is can understand the impact on clients Acts proactively to anticipate problems and prevent them. Date of issue: 22 nd April 2015 (A job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved). Job Description for Location Facilities Engineer April 2015 Page 5 of 5