Job Description
Job ID: 28600
Agency: Bureau of Information & Telecommunications
Location:Sioux Falls, SD
Salary: $28.67-$35.83 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: IT5
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications - South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB). For more information on the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications and SDPB, please visit and
South Dakota Public Broadcasting is seeking a Senior Communications Technician to join their engineering team in Sioux Falls, SD. We are seeking an individual who wants to utilize their organizational skills and knowledge in broadcast and telecommunications to support the Eastern portion of SDBP's statewide TV & FM Radio network.
Responsibilities include:
- monitoring the operation of the ATSC, FM and IBOC high power transmitters;
- reviewing the off-air signal to insure the quality of transmission and the metering history of the transmitter to see trends or developing problems;
- analyzing and repair of the transmitter's ATSC exciters, FM/IBOC exciters, power amplifiers when problems arise;
- ordering and installing parts as needed for repairs and maintaining a spare parts inventory on-site;
- performing power output calibration when needed;
- performing frequency calibration when needed, and checking transmitter air filters and changes air filters if required;
- maintaining the building air handling system which includes monthly filter checks and replacement as necessary, blower bearings lubrications, blower V-belt changes as needed;
- taking the transmitter's metering routinely;
- performing visual inspections of the tower, guy wires, and guy anchors every three months or 90 days which ever occurs first to detect any anomalies;
- visiting the transmitter site routinely to insure proper functioning of systems, not monitored by remote means to detect any deterioration of the site equipment;
- on site AC power generation maintenance;
- monthly grass cutting and weed control;
- determining trends due to transmitter metering readings.
Licenses and Certifications: 2 years certification or equivalent training in RF engineering and basic electronic theory.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have: Solid skills in high power RF transmission and point to point MW radio interconnect. Skills maintaining Engine Generators is helpful.
Knowledge of :
- a microwave radio system, backup television and FM radio paths, the building air handling system, the television antenna deicing system, and commercial power electrical supply monitoring panel with associated surge suppressors;
- parts required to repair the above mentioned systems.
Ability to:
- diagnosis and correct problems promptly to minimize off-the-air conditions;
- interpret and implement FCC and FAA communication rules and regulations;
- schedule maintenance to minimize productivity lost due to travel time required to various sites; schedule assigned vehicle for servicing or repairs to minimize down time;
- lift greater than 50 lbs;
- work in all weather conditions;
- effectively, productively, and safely work alone and with limited oversite;
- work on tall ladders to reach some of the building's air handling equipment for maintenance.
This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.
NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online:
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
#LI-Onsite State of South Dakota
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Work visa, Work alone,