Vista Radio prides itself on a fresh vision of broadcasting and an unparalleled commitment to its community involvement. We are privileged to operate in 49 radio stations (and growing) broadcasting across 70+ transmitters located in three Provinces and the Northwest Territories. We are also connected to our communities with 37 MyTownNow websites.
Reporting to: Director of Technical Operations
Term: Permanent, Full-Time
Location: North Bay, Ontario
Role Overview
The Chief Engineer is an in-house leadership role responsible for overseeing the technical operations across our Ontario radio markets. This role provides leadership within each cluster, guiding and supporting the technical team while maintaining their own responsibilities. The Chief Engineer will take the lead from the primary technician in each market, supervise project initiatives, and serve as a key support for technical staff. The technical team within each cluster reports into this role, which in turn reports to the Director of Technical Operations.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership and support within each cluster, ensuring all technical staff receive guidance and oversight on project initiatives.
- Act as a mentor to technicians within the cluster, providing guidance, coaching, and support to enhance their technical expertise and professional development.
- Oversee the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of FM/AM broadcast transmitter systems.
- Diagnose and resolve RF and transmission system issues both onsite and remotely, determining repair strategies in the field and offsite as needed.
- Supervise the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of all radio studio equipment, including computers, AXIA IP audio consoles, nodes, processors, analog consoles, mixers, microphones, amps, speakers, and STL systems.
- Maintain and troubleshoot mixed digital and analog environments, ensuring seamless integration of broadcast automation systems, servers, regulatory audio loggers, IP streams, and audio distribution systems.
- Conduct proactive monitoring of critical broadcast equipment and implement necessary adjustments to maintain uptime.
- Manage building infrastructure, maintain documentation and inspection reports, and schedule preventative measures to improve reliability.
- Lead the troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of radio automation systems, network infrastructure, routers, switches, and wireless access points.
- Provide both remote and hands-on technical support for station staff, including troubleshooting remote broadcasts.
- Act as the primary liaison with management regarding facility issues, such as HVAC, power outages, generator operations, internet, and phone service disruptions, working towards prompt resolution.
- Maintain accurate records and generate reports on system health, equipment status, and recommended improvements. Develop costing estimates for projects in alignment with budget expectations.
- Travel to transmitter sites for routine maintenance, equipment testing, and site cleanup, including vegetation management around towers and buildings.
- Provide emergency after-hours response for critical technical issues and off-air situations, as required.
Qualifications- Minimum of 5 years of recent, direct experience in radio engineering as a Broadcast Technician.
- Graduate of an electronics technician or technologist program preferred.
- Strong technical skills and problem-solving aptitude.
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to supervise and support a team of technicians.
- Self-motivated, reliable, and safety-conscious.
- Detail-oriented, well-organized, and able to prioritize work in response to urgent and changing needs.
- Strong desire to grow within the industry and stay updated on new trends and technologies.
- Positive attitude with excellent customer service and communication skills.
- Willingness to work in all weather conditions.
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving abstract.
Application InstructionsInterested candidates should submit their application online, including a resume and cover letter, outlining their relevant experience and qualifications for this leadership role.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
At Vista Radio Ltd, we are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to developing and supporting a diverse and inclusive environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity, respect and one which reflects the diversity of the various communities in which we operate. Accommodations are available for all employees and applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please advise when submitting your application.