Job Description

SUMMARY:

Reporting to Senior Producer, the vMix Operator is the technical production engine for NJ PBS, responsible for the direction, assembly, and delivery of the daily video-based news segments, shows, and original programming. Operating a single-operator vMix production environment, this position directs and assembles pre-recorded and live content, executes graphics and audio, and delivers broadcast-ready program files to the central playout hub and PBS master control. This is not a traditional multi-position control room role — it requires a uniquely versatile operator equally fluent in technical production, editorial workflow, and digital distribution, who takes full ownership of on-air quality from first frame to final delivery. This on-site position is based at NJ PBS production facilities at Montclair State University.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as sole technical director and operator for the daily Monday–Friday newscast, working within a pre-recorded, late-afternoon assembly workflow.
• Build and manage show rundowns in coordination with the editorial team; ingest, log, and organize all story packages, reporter tracks, and anchor footage.
• Assemble the complete newscast in vMix, executing graphics, lower thirds, full-screen elements, video playback, transitions, and audio mixing in a single-operator environment.
• Ensure all segments meet broadcast quality standards for video levels, audio normalization (LKFS/R128), closed captioning integration, and format compliance.
• Encode and deliver the finished program to the central playout hub by established daily deadline, using required file formats and delivery protocols.
• Monitor and troubleshoot delivery pipelines; escalate technical failures immediately and maintain backup delivery procedures.
• Assemble original NJ PBS programs, specials, and documentary content using the vMix environment.
• Coordinate with producers and editors on post-production workflows, ensuring compatibility between editing systems and vMix playout.
• Manage multi-source productions including remote contributors via NDI, IP video, or other streaming inputs.
• Build and maintain vMix project templates for recurring show formats to ensure consistency and production efficiency.
• Operate and manage the graphics workflow within vMix, including integration with character generator tools and external design assets.
• Encode and distribute content for streaming platforms, social media, and the NJ PBS owned-and-operated digital hub.
• Assist in the configuration and maintenance of live streaming workflows for breaking news, special events, and digital-first content.
• Serve as the primary operator and day-to-day steward of the vMix production system; Work with engineering and IT dept to maintain software licensing, updates, and hardware performance.
• Work with engineers to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with cameras, audio systems, monitors, signal routing, and network infrastructure.
• Collaborate with IT and engineering staff on systems maintenance, upgrades, and redundancy planning.
• Document production workflows, technical configurations, and delivery specifications for organizational continuity.
• Adhere to NJ PBS editorial standards and public media ethics guidelines.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting, Communications, Film/Video Production, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum three years of experience in broadcast television production, with demonstrated experience in a technical director or production operator role.
• Hands-on proficiency with vMix software; ability to build and execute complex productions as a single operator.
• Strong understanding of broadcast signal flow, video formats (HD/4K), audio standards (PCM, LKFS/R128), and delivery file specifications.
• Experience with newscast production workflows, including rundown management, package ingest, and deadline-driven delivery.
• Working knowledge of broadcast graphics systems; ability to operate and update graphics packages.
• Familiarity with closed captioning integration and FCC compliance requirements.
• Ability to work independently under deadline pressure with minimal supervision.

PREFERRED:

• Experience with NDI-based IP video workflows and remote production.
• Familiarity with PBS technical standards, delivery requirements, and affiliate operations.
• Experience encoding and publishing content for OTT, streaming, and social platforms.
• Background in public media, journalism, or news production environments.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop) or equivalent; video editing experience strongly preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.