Responsible for the overall technical operation of the station, management of the facilities, in addition to all transmitter facilities, ensuring compliance with FCC rules, and leading the delivery of high quality service to internal and external customers.

Boise State Public Radio is Idaho’s largest nonprofit, listener-supported NPR member station, reaching the region's metropolitan and rural areas. Our radio network serves two-thirds of the population of Idaho through 27 transmitters & translators, as well as on digital platforms.

As the only sources of quality public radio news, classical music, jazz and unique cultural programming, our radio stations are distinct in their mission, their audience and their partnerships.

Spends the majority of time (50% or more) achieving organizational objectives through the coordinated achievements of subordinate staff. Manages experienced professionals who exercise latitude and independence in assignments. Establishes departmental goals and objectives, functions with autonomy. Manages the accountability and stewardship of human, financial, and often physical resources in compliance with departmental and campus wide goals and objectives. Ensures subordinate supervisors and professionals adhere to defined internal controls with a focus on policy and strategy implementation. Manages systems and procedures to protect departmental assets and requires practical knowledge in leading and managing the execution of processes, projects and tactics within one area.

The Broadcast Chief Engineer provides leadership for the operation, projects, and maintenance of the technical infrastructure of the Boise State Public Radio network. With both news and music services, our radio network serves two-thirds of the population of Idaho through 27 transmitters & translators, as well as on digital platforms. This encompasses all management aspects including supervision of technical staff, monitoring operation, and planning and execution of projects and equipment maintenance. Additionally, the Chief Engineer provides Engineering support, and represents Engineering, to internal and external customers. The Chief Engineer must continually strive to integrate and apply the most appropriate and innovative technical solutions to meet BSPR’s dynamic set of needs. This role works closely with the general manager and often other senior managers to meet the evolving technical and operational needs of the station.

Major Responsibilities
● Maintenance of Network Infrastructure and Station Licenses
● Plan, administer, and evaluate all telecommunication facilities and technical equipment that make up Boise State Public Radio broadcast network.
● As Chief Engineer, responsibilities include EAS legal operation/logs/testing, maintaining appropriate documentation, transmitter operation, and site agreements.
● Ensure the station is operating within FCC parameters as well as other federal, state, and university protocols.
● Train engineering staff on FCC requirements and regulations.

Supervision/Training of Technical Staff
● Guide and train engineering assistants and student employees in equipment repair, operation, and preventive maintenance.
● Guide engineering department personnel and external technicians in the proper operation of transmitters and associated studio equipment.
● Provide mentorship and appropriate training for broadcast engineers, including site maintenance and repair, they should be able to adequately support transmitter/translator sites in the chief’s absence.
● Evaluate staff performance.

Project Execution
● Set priorities and provide oversight of technical needs, including identifying issues, scope of work, budget, and implementation.
● Guide Broadcast Engineers on projects associated with the control rooms, studios, and automation equipment and computers.
● Evaluate success of projects based on financial and technical goals.
● Engineering Maintenance/ repair of transmission and studio facilities.
● Troubleshoot, perform or supervise repairs and preventive maintenance on all transmission and related equipment, such as transmitters, audio processors, microwave, editing suites, control rooms, remote equipment, satellite equipment, antennas, RF combiners, transmission lines, network equipment, and computers.

May perform other duties as needed.

● Knowledge of supervisory practices and experience hiring, training, planning and directing the workload.
● Ability to troubleshoot and identify strategies for preventive maintenance on all equipment.
● Ability to analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
● The ability to tell when something is wrong or likely to go wrong.
● Knowledge of a wide range of information technology methods and procedures.
● Experience listening and understanding information and ideas presented by others.
● Ability to work with/around high voltage and high RF fields, knowledge of FM transmitters and microwave equipment.
● Knowledge of FCC, BLM, IDL, USFS, PSC, and other applicable regulations.
● General electronic maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair ability to the component level.
● Specific knowledge of full-spectrum radio transmission, propagation, and reception.
● Computer workstation and network support skills.
● Ability to develop and work within a department budget.
● Interpersonal skills suitable for interactions with other managers, staff, clients, and listeners.
● Solid organizational, communication, and written documentation abilities.
● Requires operation of the following electronic test equipment: analog multimeter, digital multimeter, oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, and RF Network analyzers, and Ethernet and IP analyzers.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience and 5 years professional experience, including 1 year managerial experience.

Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Certification (any), such as the following: Certified Broadcast Technologist (CBT), Certified Broadcast Networking Technologist (CBNT), Certified Broadcast Engineer (CBE).

Additional 2 years of professional experience including 2 years of managerial experience and:

• Experience with tower work and rigging equipment (ropes, block and tackle, pulleys, etc.) to effect work on towers, and willingness to work on towers. Requires the ability and a willingness to ride snowmobiles, ATVs, UTVs and ski lifts.
  Experience with / use of the following computer software: Microsoft Windows, Google Workspace Suite, email, and internet browsers.
• Familiarity with IP networking, including Cisco, Mikrotik, and other devices used in unicast and multicast private and public networks, including the security and maintenance to ensure the availability of these systems.

Please submit a cover letter indicating your interest and qualifications for this position, a resume detailing your employment history, and three (3) professional references.

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/