Department Overview

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.

Background Check Requirements

Final employment offers are contingent upon a Final Candidate’s successful completion of a Background Verification, and a determination by the University that the information derived from the Background Verification does not disqualify the individual. In addition, a Financial History Check and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check may be required

Additional Job Duties (35%)

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 Broadcast Chief Engineer provides Engineering support, and represents Engineering, to internal and external customers. The Broadcast 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 Broadcast 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, to include site maintenance and repair, they should be able to adequately support transmitter/translator sites in 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 line, network equipment, and computers.

Preferred Qualifications

These feed below…

Skills/Knowledge

• 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.

Specific Equipment or Skills

• Requires operation of the following electronic test equipment: analog multimeter, digital multimeter, oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, and RF Network analyzers, and Ethernet and IP analyzers.
• Requires ability to work with / around high voltage and high RF fields, knowledge of  FM transmitters and microwave equipment.
• Requires 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.
• Requires experience with / use of the following computer software: Microsoft Windows, Google Workspace Suite,, email , and internet browsers. 
• Requires 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.