Broadcast Maintenance Technologist

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

• 5224: Broadcast Technicians

2006 NOC-S

• F124: Broadcast Technicians

2011 NOC

• 5224: Broadcast technicians

2016 NOC

• 5224: Broadcast technicians

2021 NOC

• 52112: Broadcast technicians

2023 OaSIS

• 52112.00: Broadcast technicians

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 equipment, including:

• Television cameras, tripods and robotic systems
• Automation – servers controlling multiple broadcasting functions
• Video switching and mixing equipment
• Audio mixers
• Video and audio recorders and servers
• Video and audio effects equipment
• Editing equipment – digital or analog
• Microphones and related sound equipment
• Lighting equipment
• Microwave equipment, satellite receivers and transmitters
• Cellular bonding transmission equipment
• Computer and networking equipment
• Structured cabling installations
• Remote broadcast equipment
• Transmitters and transmission equipment for AM/FM radio and television
• Video and / or audio streaming equipment
• Analog and digital equipment and converters

In general, broadcast maintenance technologists:

• Design, assemble, maintain, wire and install a wide variety of items and systems.
• Build or modify specialized 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
• Be required to respond to heating, cooling, plumbing or electrical problems.

Broadcast 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 work for:

• Radio and television broadcasting networks and stations
• Recording studios
• Production and post-production facilities
• Multimedia enterprises
• Sports and entertainment venues
• Broadcast equipment companies (in sales and technical support positions)
• Telecom or telecommunication companies

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, chief engineer or management positions.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Broadcast technicians
2016 NOC: 5224

80.9% of people in this occupational group work in:

• Information, Culture and Recreation
• Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Broadcast technicians

2021 NOC: 52112

Lower

Demand

< 1500

Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
• Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
• Size of the occupation
• Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

©

iStock.com/filadendron

OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Broadcast technicians

2016 NOC: 5224

2.6%

Annual Growth
(Above Average)

n/a

New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

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

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

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

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

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.