VIDEO NETWORK SYSTEMS SPECIALIST

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Under general supervision, to oversee all technical facilities and equipment of the Video/Cable operations; to lead the work of technical support staff and consultants and act as a liaison to contractors; to plan, design, install, operate and maintain video/cable/transmission systems and related computer equipment; to coordinate all technical needs and services with other departments and users; and do other work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Cable Communications Division within the Public and Government Relations Department broadcasts the Clackamas County Government Channel (CCGC), producing live broadcasts, documentaries, meetings, workshops, public service announcements and original County-produced programming for cable subscribers. The Division also monitors customer service standards for cable companies in the County's unincorporated area and provides complaint resolution, reviews rates, issues rate orders and negotiates franchise renewals and transfers.

The Video Network Systems Specialist coordinates all technical equipment and systems aspects of the Cable Communications Division for field and studio production and playback. Computer support is normally limited to computers associated with the department's equipment network and not computers which are part of the County Information Services data network. Incumbent is responsible for design, integration, installation, operation, change, repair and maintenance of complex audio/video equipment and associated computer equipment systems for production and playback. Besides oversight for all equipment purchases, maintenance and repair, this classification also evaluates the present and future functionality of the equipment systems for current and anticipated user needs and develops long and short range equipment and systems plans for managing and improving community production, post production and network video systems. Incumbent may directly perform duties for this classification and/or coordinate and oversee the work and activities of contractors, vendors, and other County personnel.

This classification differs from the Video Production Coordinator which is primarily responsible for coordinating and overseeing production of field video shoots.

TYPICAL TASKS

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Designs, integrates, tests, installs, repairs, and operates all video and audio components of studio and production systems.
Performs complex and advanced analysis of video, audio, and supporting computer equipment and systems; designs, builds, programs, repairs, and installs equipment and related computer systems which are not part of the County computer network.
Performs or oversees all equipment moves, changes, and cabling; maintains all broadcast editing, encoding, and computer systems and software.
Solves problems and builds consensus with all levels of management, internal customers, and contractors to establish systems needs and determine project priorities and outcomes.
Utilizes hardware and software encoders to digitally encode programs using proper codec software/drivers and quality bit rates for playback systems, recording media, web streaming and archiving.
Coordinates and/or oversees the work of producers, contractors, vendors, other County personnel as it relates to Cable Communications equipment and systems; develops and implements training plans for new producers on the proper use of production equipment.
Researches and analyzes current and future video systems and equipment needs, prepares reports, and makes recommendations for the future needs of the division and the County and to optimize the use of current systems; researches cost, supply and performance standards for equipment, software and vendors; makes technical recommendations for production enhancements, equipment and materials acquisition and resource allocation; tests new hardware and software for integrity, functionally, and usability.
Provides support for editing, reader board, and playback computer systems.
Monitors access channel for content and signal quality and takes appropriate action to correct.
Sets up and operates a variety of video production equipment, cameras, lighting, microphones, state props and videotape for broadcasts; transports equipment to various shoot locations around the County.
Edits video and designs/develops electronically generated graphics.
Develops equipment and systems performance testing criteria, standards and maintenance plans.
Makes direct purchases of day-to-day equipment and supplies within approved limits; administers and monitors division's budget for hardware and equipment; makes budget recommendations and provides requirements for hardware and equipment needs.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Working knowledge of: Principles and practices of cable television production and operation; basic theory of wiring diagrams, signal flows, and block diagrams; operation and maintenance of video, audio, computer editing hardware and software and lighting equipment; methods and techniques of video and broadcasting production; computer design, assembly and repair; systematic research techniques into industry trends and technology developments; methods, principles and practices of video encoding and decoding technologies; industry and Federal Communications Commission quality standards; principles, practices, methods and procedures of governmental purchasing; sources of supply and price trends for technical materials, supplies and equipment.

Skill to: Operate, maintain, repair and adjust video, audio, playback, computer editing and lighting equipment and associated computer systems; read equipment manuals and use tools and test equipment to repair, install and service various types of technical equipment; read and design block and wiring diagrams and flowcharts; research technology development related to cable communications equipment; coordinate moves, adds and deletes with other departments; recommend, implement and maintain consistent purchasing policies and procedures; gather, analyze, consolidate and organize data; maintain databases and files for inventory, equipment and purchases; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; prepare reports; design and create original graphics; conduct meetings with vendors and County personnel to establish equipment and system priorities and build consensus for future planning and implantation; establish and maintain effective working relationship with County employees, producers, the public and vendors; lead the work of assigned staff, vendors and contractors.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

MINIMUM RECRUITING STANDARDS

Any satisfactory combination of experience and training that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and skills.