Audio Operator I, Studio Ops (Charlotte, NC)
ESPN · Charlotte, NC
- On site
- Full-time
- $75,000 / year
- Charlotte, NC
Job highlights
- Mix audio for live events and studio productions.
- Configure intercom and dress talent microphones.
- Maintain high audio standards for content.
- Operate broadcast equipment and technology.
- Collaborate with production teams on technical issues.
About the role
Audio Operator I, Studio Ops
The Audio Operator I will provide audio mixing (A1) and/or audio assist (A2) support for live event, studio productions, and pre-recorded material for the ESPN family of networks and distribution platforms. As an audio operator (A1), you must be proficient in mixing and monitoring all audio sources including microphones, music, sound effects, and natural sound. As an audio assist (A2), you must be experienced in the configuration of in-house intercom/PL communications and proficient in dressing talent microphones/IFBs. This person is expected to work with the production team in maintaining ESPN’s high standards of audio presentation for all delivered content. This person must demonstrate proficiency in the use of all broadcast equipment and technology within assigned operating areas.
Responsibilities:
- Oversees all operational and technical aspects of assigned remote events.
- Operate all broadcast equipment and technology within assigned operating areas, including but not limited to audio mixing consoles, outboard equipment, audio & video routing, digital audio delivery servers, microphone & IFBs and their signal flows, mix minus, intercom devices & software, broadcast routers, etc.
- Measures audio signals to ensure quality control of ESPN endorsed standards on all operations using comprehensive knowledge of broadcast methods.
- Prioritize and disseminate complex information among the entire control room/studio/remote crews in a clear and concise manner to ensure seamless productions.
- Participate in special event coverage and projects as necessary.
- Problem solve and troubleshoot using effective communication to best convey issues and resolutions.
- File reports, as necessary, on specific working conditions and equipment status at the request of management.
- Seek out information regarding the workflow of other business units, including their impact and/or specific integration with Production Operations/DMED, and utilizing that information to enhance processes and/or educate others.
- Participates in training programs (physical, classroom, virtual, etc.) for self-career development and/or regarding any relevant equipment and workflow changes within the operation.
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum 2 years practical Content Production or related experience at the large market or network level in the A1 and/or A2 role.
- Proficient knowledge of all TV Production equipment and technology within assigned operating areas, including audio signal flow concepts, dynamics processing, equalizers, metering concepts, audio & video routers, intercom systems, signal conversion equipment, communications panels - hardware & software, microphones/IFBs, etc.
- Understanding of Remote Event Workflows and Terminology.
- Demonstrated ability to perform tasks under tight deadlines combined with organizational, efficiency, and planning skills and an ability to adapt to a constantly changing environment.
- Problem solves and troubleshoots using technical acumen and strong communication tools to best convey issues and resolutions.
- Experience seeking information regarding workflows of other business units, including their impact and/or specific integration with your role, and utilizing that information to enhance processes and/or educate others.
- Strong computer background (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
- Flexibility to alter shifts/days off and work overtime to accommodate projects and departmental objectives, including the ability to work nights and weekends.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrable Knowledge of Broadcast Communications Equipment.
- Ability to provide exceptional customer service to our partners.
- Bilingual (written and spoken) – English/Spanish.
- Regional – National Level Live Event and Mixing Experience.
Required Education:
- High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Preferred Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Studio Production, or Related field preferred.
Key skills/competency:
- Audio Mixing (A1)
- Audio Assist (A2)
- Live Event Production
- Studio Production
- Broadcast Equipment
- Audio Signal Flow
- Intercom Systems
- Problem Solving
- Technical Troubleshooting
- Production Operations
Skills & topics
- Audio Operator
- Audio Mixer
- A1
- A2
- Broadcast Audio
- Live Production
- Studio Operations
- Audio Engineering
- ESPN
- Charlotte
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 2+ years of A1/A2 experience and proficiency with broadcast equipment.
- Showcase technical skills: Emphasize knowledge of audio signal flow, intercom systems, and troubleshooting abilities.
- Demonstrate adaptability: Provide examples of working under tight deadlines and in changing environments.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience with specific broadcast equipment and workflows.
- Highlight collaboration: Show examples of effective communication and problem-solving with production teams.
Technical preparation
Master audio mixing consoles and outboard gear.,Familiarize yourself with intercom and IFB systems.,Understand broadcast audio signal flow concepts.,Practice troubleshooting common audio issues.
Behavioral questions
Describe a time you handled a production crisis.,How do you ensure audio quality under pressure?,Explain how you communicate technical issues.,How do you adapt to changing production needs?
Frequently asked questions
- What are the primary responsibilities of an Audio Operator I at ESPN?
- The primary responsibilities of an Audio Operator I at ESPN include providing audio mixing (A1) and audio assist (A2) support for live events, studio productions, and pre-recorded content. This involves operating broadcast equipment, ensuring audio quality control, and collaborating with production teams.
- What technical skills are essential for the Audio Operator I role at ESPN?
- Essential technical skills for this role include proficient knowledge of TV production equipment, audio signal flow, mixing consoles, intercom systems, microphones/IFBs, and broadcast routers. Experience with troubleshooting and problem-solving technical issues is also crucial.
- What level of experience is required for the Audio Operator I position at ESPN?
- The role requires a minimum of 2 years of practical content production experience at a large market or network level in an A1 and/or A2 role.
- Is flexibility in work schedule important for this Audio Operator I job at ESPN?
- Yes, flexibility is very important. Candidates must be willing to alter shifts, work overtime, and accommodate projects, including nights and weekends, to meet departmental objectives.
- Does ESPN offer training for the Audio Operator I role?
- Yes, ESPN emphasizes continuous learning. The role involves participating in training programs for self-career development and to stay updated on equipment and workflow changes within the operation.
- What is the expected educational background for an Audio Operator I at ESPN?
- A High School Diploma or equivalent is required. A Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Studio Production, or a related field is preferred.
- What is the significance of understanding remote event workflows for this position?
- Understanding remote event workflows and terminology is important as the role involves overseeing operational and technical aspects of assigned remote events and ensuring seamless production across various locations.
- How does ESPN ensure audio quality through its Audio Operators?
- Audio Operators are responsible for measuring audio signals to ensure quality control according to ESPN's endorsed standards, utilizing a comprehensive knowledge of broadcast methods and equipment.