Classical Music Audio Engineer

82562BR

Campus: Downtown Phoenix

Classical Music Media Engineer

Job Description

Central Sound at Arizona PBS is an award-winning premier provider of audio-media services. Our audio production team records Arizona's music for the world to hear. We produce numerous programs for local and national broadcast, including those featured on the airwaves of KBAQ-FM, Classical Arizona PBS, as well as those featured online on Arizona PBS at azpbs.org. As part of Arizona PBS, we are part of innovative work environment that creates a culture and workplace that is inclusive, diverse, agile, and accessible in how we think, hire, and execute.

We are seeking a proficient Classical (Music) Audio Engineer to be responsible for working with music professionals and colleagues to produce high-quality content for public broadcasting, digital-media, and commercial distribution.

This full-time, salaried plus benefits position is part of a team that provides high-quality recording and production services specializing in classical and acoustic music.  The Classical Music Media Engineer shapes the sound of our productions.  They are responsible for on-location stereo and surround music recording and production, engineering recording sessions, audio equipment operation, audio editing, audio mixing, audio repair/restoration software, and basic equipment maintenance. The position requires the ability to make acoustic assessments and utilize proper microphone techniques in a variety of performance environments, perform/mix multi-track recording(s), troubleshoot signal flow and equipment issues, utilize source-destination editing paradigms, as well as read music notation and music scores.  Other duties include preparing media content for online delivery; assistant with video camera setup and operation including audio for video synchronization, recording/editing voiceovers and interviews, as well as supervising and/or training junior engineer(s) and student workers.  Working knowledge of a DAW similar to Magix Sequoia (our primary DAW), Steinberg Nuendo, Reaper, and/or Adobe Audition required.

The position offers continuing career educational opportunities and mechanisms to enhance their skills and knowledge, including access to the (ASU/NAU/UA) qualified tuition reduction program.

Selected candidates will be required to submit audio examples of work, with accompanying documentation.

Days and Schedule:
This position requires a flexible schedule. While normal office hours, Monday - Friday, 10:00am-6:00pm are expected, often events, recordings and productions occur during evening and weekend hours. Weekdays off will be provided in exchange for weekend hours worked. 

ASU is a diverse enterprise with a wide variety of work and learning modes, locations and a commitment to sustainability, innovation and employee work-life balance. We are determined to maintain our position as an employer of choice in a competitive labor market.

Flexible work options

Alternative work schedules can include four, 10-hour workdays in a workweek; a nine-day, 80-hour schedule over two workweeks for exempt employees only; and staggered start and stop times.
Hybrid work is an arrangement where employees spend a minimum of 60% of their regular workweek at their primary ASU work location. Dean or vice president-level approval is required.

Job Family

Broadcast Radio/TV

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

VP Code

VP/EXEC VICE PROV DPC

Grant Funded Position

This is not a grant funded position and is not contingent on future grant funding.

Salary Range

Depends on experience

Close Date

23-September-2022 - EXTENDED

Essential Duties

• On-location classical stereo and surround recording and production
• Ability to make acoustic assessments and utilize proper classical microphone techniques.
• Ability to work independently as well as with a variety of teams (internally and externally)
• Ability to assist in building relationships with arts organizations and prospective clientele
• Proficiency in source-destination editing paradigms.
• Ability to read music notation and music scores required.
• Knowledge of audio delivery formats for online and broadcast.
• Ensure audio quality is to the preference of manager and senior staff as well as producers and artists, incorporating feedback accordingly.
• Strong initiative and work ethic.
• Attention to detail; strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to fast pace situations, sometimes under pressure.
• Ability to direct student and staff assistants during remote productions.
• Maintain and organize production equipment.
• Willingness to collaborate with colleagues to assemble programs (music, interviews, host segments).
• Participation in remote productions and special events including those for Arizona PBS and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
• Knowledge of both Microsoft and Apple operating systems

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a program with concentration in audio recording, music production and engineering, music technology, multimedia production, and/or music performance, or the equivalent; AND two years of progressively responsible experience in high fidelity classical and/or acoustic music production; OR any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in high-fidelity classical and/or acoustic music recording (live, remote/on-location, studio) and related post-production.
• Ability to evaluate musician stage positions and acoustic conditions to properly position microphones and recording equipment.
• Experience mixing multitrack music audio recordings, including application of software and hardware audio processing, and related session notes/logs.
• Working knowledge of surround production techniques. Immersive a plus.
• Ability to setup and engineer recording sessions including coordinating with producers and/or other leads (composers, conductors) to achieve a desirable result.
• Working knowledge of a DAW similar to Magix Sequoia (a primary DAW), Steinberg Nuendo, Reaper, and/or Adobe Audition required.
• Experience with audio repair/restoration software to remove undesirable noises and disturbances.
• Knowledge of audio (analog and digital) equipment, audio and video signal flow, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Knowledge of loudness specs and related broadcast level standards.
• Knowledge and experience with AoIP protocols such as Dante and/or Ravenna.
• Adept in mixing and/or streaming of live audio and/or video content.
• Experience providing at-work training of students and direct reports.
• Basic knowledge of professional video production.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite.

Working Environment

Our office/studios are located at the Downtown Campus of Arizona State University at the Walter Cronkite/Arizona PBS building. Assignments occur throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area, as well as locations throughout Arizona including Flagstaff, Sedona, and Tucson. This position works a variety of shifts, including evenings and weekends. Work at desk and in a variety of venues, drive; travel to other departments, venues, and offices. Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 55 pounds. Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts. Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions. Most work is performed in a normal office environment and/or in the field at performance venues. Moderately low exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, inclement weather, temperature extremes and unpleasant odors. Use of graphic instructions including blueprints, maps, layouts and other visual aids to determine proper placement of equipment and/or innovative solutions to problems.

Department Statement

Central Sound at Arizona PBS captures classical and acoustic music performances, taking special care to preserve the authenticity of the experience. As an award-winning premier provider of audio-media services, Central Sound is committed to serving as a central hub for musical events throughout the community, ranging from internationally acclaimed artists to the next generation of young artists. Aiming for that quintessential sound, we specialize in producing content that immerses listeners in the concert experience.

Arizona PBS, one of the nation’s largest and leading public media organizations, delivers in-depth programming on news and public affairs, science, arts and culture, plus dedicated children’s programming, to 1.9 million households and 4.8 million people, reaching 80 percent of the homes in Arizona. On air, online and in the community, Arizona PBS brings its trusted brand of storytelling to Arizonans via four broadcast TV channels and its arizonapbs.org website. The station, which started in 1961, is operated by Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

About the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
The Cronkite School is widely recognized as one of the nation’s premier professional journalism programs. Cronkite champions a “teaching hospital” model of journalism education in which students create professional content under the guidance of top professionals. Cronkite News, the student-powered, faculty-led news division of Arizona PBS with news bureaus in Phoenix, Washington and Los Angeles, produces a daily newscast for the station. Cronkite emphasizes programs that experiment with new forms of storytelling, audience engagement, digital interactivity, data visualization, audience analytics and revenue models.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources .

Employment Verification Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement

This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.