Remote Encoder Technician

Remote Encoder Technician

Remote Traffic Operations is responsible for providing transmission, telecommunications, and internet access for all ESPN and ABC remote events. Transmission may include fiber, satellite, IP or a combination of all to transmit the event’s audio and video back to ESPN’s main Bristol facility, as well as other facilities. Remote Traffic also provides network return and production returns back to the remote site, and transmissions between the event site and various other locations.

The department orders telephone service to be temporarily installed at the venue to provide communication for the remote workers. Internet and Ethernet services may also be installed to provide temporary internet access, communications directly back to Bristol, or to be used to enable VoIP services. Remote Traffic is also responsible for traveling to the site to supervise the installation of these services at large events, managing transmission services and vendors, creating budgets, and ensuring that invoices for all ordered services are properly coded to their respective events.

The Remote Encoding Technician is responsible for operating the onsite transmission and telecom services for ESPN remote events. These services include high and low bandwidth fiber optic transport, voice and data circuits, encryption and compression technologies, and other telecom services and facilities as needed. The specialist will operate large‑scale, complex event transmission and provide onsite support for these events as assigned.

• Manage transmission and telecom services for ESPN remote events of varying size and scope.
• For all assigned programs and events, plan and integrate necessary technical and operational aspects of the remote, and communicate with Remote Traffic, Transmission, and Remote Operations, as well as other ESPN departments and external vendor sources.
• Follow work‑order instructions containing service information for a particular event.
• Disseminate work‑order information and relay it to all relevant parties within a prescribed time period before and during the event.
• Plan and provide service and support of on‑site transmission at remote sporting venues.
• Plan and provide service and support of on‑site telecommunications at remote sporting venues.
• Attend site surveys for assigned remote events for venue analysis and written pre‑event plans.
• Maintain advanced knowledge about the operational and technical aspects of various telecom services and equipment at a level necessary and appropriate for fulfilling the department’s responsibilities.
• Ensure that transport services and equipment vendors meet and maintain ESPN technical and operational standards.
• Undertake special projects as assigned.
• Travel and provide onsite support during weekends and evening hours as required.

• Strong communications and interpersonal skills and organizational abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently in a demanding deadline‐driven environment.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience related to broadcast or technical operations, including onsite experience with remote transport and transmission systems (preferred).
• Professional experience in operating processes of remote productions and remote transport systems (preferred).
• Strong knowledge of production workflow and operating systems (preferred).
• Strong knowledge of telecom services (preferred).
• Experience managing and implementing multiple budgets (preferred).
• High School diploma or equivalent (required education).
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (preferred education).

The hiring range for this remote position is $55 to $80 per hour, which factors in various geographic regions. The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.

Must be able to lift more than 50 pounds, work nights, holidays, and weekends.