Broadcast maintenance technologists install, test, inspect, modify, repair and maintain radio and television broadcasting systems.

All audio, video, computer and other technical equipment in studios and at remote locations or transmitter facilities must be regularly tested, adjusted, cleaned and inspected. When a problem is detected, broadcast maintenance technologists repair and restore equipment to proper operating condition.

Broadcast maintenance technologists maintain and repair a wide variety of standard and high definition equipment, including:

• television cameras
• video switching and mixing equipment
• audio mixers
• video and audio recorders and servers
• video and audio effects equipment
• editing equipment
• microphones and sound equipment
• lighting equipment
• microwave equipment and satellite receivers and transmitters
• computer and networking equipment
• remote broadcast equipment
• transmitters and transmission equipment for AM/FM radio and television
• analog and digital equipment and converters.

In general, broadcast maintenance technologists:

• construct, assemble, wire and install items such as control panels, chassis, cabinets and related equipment
• build or modify special broadcast equipment
• design and document systems using computer aided drawing programs and cable database management systems
• ensure that the power levels and frequency of the station's broadcast signal meet government regulatory requirements and that broadcast signals are consistently clear and reliable
• set up equipment at remote locations.

Depending on the size of the broadcast company, maintenance technologists may:

• divide their time between repairing and maintaining equipment at the station and transmitter(s)
• work exclusively at the station or mobile trailers, or at transmitter and rebroadcast facilities.

Maintenance technologists generally work indoors. They frequently work with small hand tools and electronic test equipment. Some heavy lifting may be required.

Broadcast maintenance technologists usually work shifts, including evenings, weekends and holidays. They may be required to remain on standby during their time off in case emergency repairs are needed at the station or at transmitter facilities. Overtime may be required to meet broadcast deadlines.

Technologists who work for broadcast companies that have a large number of rebroadcasting facilities may be required to travel extensively.

Broadcast maintenance technologists need at least two years of post-secondary training in broadcast systems technology.

In Alberta, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary offers a Broadcast Systems Technology diploma program. The entrance requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent with English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2, Pure Math 30 or Applied Math 30 at 65 per cent, and a minimum 20 level science (excluding Science 24 and 26).

Continuing education programs may be offered on an as needed basis.

For current information about this program, admission requirements and mature student admission policies, please check the SAIT calendar or website.

After they are hired, inexperienced broadcast maintenance technologists receive further training on the job.

Certification is voluntary. The Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) offers certification for graduates of recognized education programs such as the one at SAIT.

Broadcast maintenance technologists work for:

• radio and television broadcasting networks and stations
• recording studios
• production and post production facilities
• multi-media enterprises
• sports and entertainment venues
• broadcast equipment companies (in sales and technical support positions).

In some cases, broadcast maintenance technologists are hired on a contract basis.

Experienced broadcast maintenance technologists may advance to supervisory positions such as senior technologist or chief engineer.

Broadcast maintenance technologists are part of the larger National Occupational Classification 5224: Broadcast Technicians. In Alberta, 91 per cent of  people employed in this classification work in the Information, Culture and Recreation industry.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Information, Culture and Recreation industry)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

By August 2011, Canadian broadcasters must stop broadcasting in analog and switch to digital signals. There is a strong demand for broadcast maintenance technologists in part due to this conversion.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next ten years.

Employment prospects are best for broadcast maintenance technologists who are willing to travel or relocate.

Salaries for broadcast maintenance technologists vary depending on the technologist's experience and training, and the size of the broadcast company.

Salaries for broadcast maintenance technologists working full time range from $38,000 - $46,000 a year (2009 estimate).

Post-secondary institution calendars and websites (see Educational Requirements above)

EDinfo website: www.alis.alberta.ca/edinfo

Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) website: www.sbe.org

Western Association of Broadcast Engineers (WABE) website: www.wabe.ca