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: Broadcast Technicians (5224) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Broadcast Technicians (F124) 
• 2011 NOC: Broadcast technicians (5224) 
• 2016 NOC: Broadcast technicians (5224) 
• 2021 NOC: Broadcast technicians (52112) 

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.

In the 5224: Broadcast technicians occupational group, 80.9% of people work in:

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

Employment Outlook

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

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Employment Outlook

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

• 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

In Alberta, the 5224: Broadcast technicians occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

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

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