Cable Equipment Operator I

DEFINITION
Operates electronic video cameras to provide taped and audio footage in order to televise designated subject matter for use by the City and the community; maintains video equipment; performs related work as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
This classification receives general supervision from the Cable Access Coordinator. No direct supervision is exercised.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a part time hourly classification. Incumbents are expected to operate professional broadcasting equipment used in single and multi-camera productions in studio or outside broadcast to provide tape footage by combining the use of complex technology with visual skills. Responsibilities include operating cameras and related field equipment, video and audio recording, editing and operating the production van. Work requires considerable exercise of creativity, initiative and independent judgment in transferring conceptual ideas onto videotape. This class is distinguished from the Cable Access Technician in that the latter performs the more skilled production work, including coordinating the work of multiple cameras.

Cable Equipment Operator I

• Sets up and operates color television cameras and related equipment to tape or broadcast various production scenes.
• Manipulates audio-microphone booms during production, as required.
• Sets up and operates the mobile production van; performs remote production duties including audio control, font operation, lighting, camera operation, general production support, set-up and striking.

Cable Equipment Operator II

• Transports television camera and equipment about the studio or at remote locations and adjusts controls to follow action of scenes being taped or televised.
• Assumes responsibility for making adjustments and performing minor maintenance on television cameras and equipment, as required, by using specialized tools and test devices.
• Consults with other content specialists and video production staff to determine goals and objectives of a non-scripted municipal television program.

Knowledge of:

• Professional broadcasting camera operation including field shooting and studio operation with single and multi-camera operation.
• Functions, characteristics, and capabilities of television cameras and audio equipment.
• Camera accessories, lighting methods and equipment.
• Operating procedures, maintenance and various types of video production equipment and audio-visual equipment.
• Types, uses and maintenance of television production equipment.
• Computer applications related to the work.

Skill in:

• Setting up, operating and maintaining video production equipment including camera, electronic graphics and audio.
• Receiving technical instructions, expressing ideas concisely and effectively and adapting to rapidly changing situations and schedules.
• Relating the capabilities and limitations of equipment to the subject or object of the television broadcast.
• Planning the composition, lighting and color values of the subject or object so as to produce a production that fulfills the objectives for which it is created.
• Working under time-sensitive stressful conditions.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Education and Experience:
Level I: A high school student eligible to obtain a work permit or equivalent to graduation from high school. This is an entry-level position.
Level II: Equivalent to graduation from high school with three years of increasingly responsible experience in video photography and production involving a variety of broadcast venues.

Licenses and Certifications:
Level II: Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

Working Conditions: Works inside and outside. May be required to work evening, weekend and holiday hours, special events, overtime and out-of-doors in all weather conditions to operate equipment. May travel to sites outside of the City.
Physical Demands: Must possess mobility to work in a production setting and use production equipment including a video camera; strength and stamina to lift and carry production equipment weighing up to 40 pounds, 70 pounds with assistance, and to reach and stoop to participate in production activities; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.