Network Origination Operator I (Master Control Operator) (Project Hire)

Technology is at the heart of Disney’s past, present, and future. Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology is a global organization of engineers, product developers, designers, technologists, data scientists, and more – all working to build and advance the technological backbone for Disney’s media business globally.

The team marries technology with creativity to build world-class products, enhance storytelling, and drive velocity, innovation, and scalability for our businesses. We are Storytellers and Innovators. Creators and Builders. Entertainers and Engineers. We work with every part of The Walt Disney Company’s media portfolio to advance the technological foundation and consumer media touch points serving millions of people around the world. 

Here are a few reasons why we think you’d love working here:

1. Building the future of Disney’s media: Our Technologists are designing and building the products and platforms that will power our media, advertising, and distribution businesses for years to come.

2. Reach, Scale & Impact: More than ever, Disney’s technology and products serve as a signature doorway for fans' connections with the company’s brands and stories. Disney+. Hulu. ESPN. ABC. ABC News…and many more. These products and brands – and the unmatched stories, storytellers, and events they carry – matter to millions of people globally. 

3. Innovation: We develop and implement groundbreaking products and techniques that shape industry norms, and solve complex and distinctive technical problems.

Content Platforms & Operations is responsible for the development and ongoing advancement of the technical and operational functions driving the worldwide distribution and monetization of Disney’s linear networks and theatrical content. This includes Disney’s media supply chain and storage, network and theatrical distribution operations, media localization, network transmission and origination, and more. The global team also plays a critical role as the primary collaboration point for Product & Technology with Disney’s EMEA, APAC, and LATAM regional business teams.

Job Summary:

The Network Origination Operator I will make use of acquired skills to operate broadcast equipment and technology within assigned operating areas to distribute live and pre-recorded programming and commercials as scheduled. The Network Origination Operator I will understand & execute these items and more, including but not limited to: protocols for live programs, commercial and program log documentation, regional feeds and market protection procedures, intercom communication procedures, media transfers for specific operating conditions and any required documentation.

Our ideal candidate must be flexible with their schedule as this is a 24/7 operation and should expect to work nights, holidays and weekends.  The ability to perform the job at hand under a tight deadline while demonstrating solid interpersonal communication skills is a must.  Other skills must include: organizational and planning, being able to adapt to a constantly changing environment, strong communication and a solid computer background with programs such as Outlook and Excel.

This is an estimated 18 month Project Hire position, with no guarantee of permanent placement.

Responsibilities and Duties of the Role:

• Network operation for individual recorded and/or live shows and events, content and commercial segments, in response to the changing creative and master control operational requirements of Disney network(s)
• Will conduct quality control measuring and take corrective action steps to enhance audio/video in support of applicable DMED standard operating procedures
• Problem solving and troubleshooting techniques and effective communication with those business units to best convey information necessary for the distribution of our content
• Apply solid skill level when interpreting and understanding complex information and demonstrate the ability to communicate it to others in an understandable manner
• Provide support for Disney domestic linear networks, International networks and digital platforms
• Participate in training programs, (physical, classroom, virtual, etc.) for self/career development and/or regarding any relevant equipment and workflow changes within the operation
• Embrace new technology and workflows
• Expected to identify problems and take appropriate steps to resolve
• Comply fully with company and/or departmental standard operating procedures.
• Demonstrate sound communication with timely follow-up analysis or problem solving with regard to operational areas or systems
• Expected to interact productively with counterparts in all Disney Network Origination facilities and closely related support departments
• Communicate regularly with direct supervisor in compliance with departmental guidelines
• Provide quality service in assigned area to all customers, as defined and assigned by management
• As necessary, participate in team based projects and contribute recommendations for the departmental objectives

Required Education, Experience/Skills/Training:

Basic Qualifications

• Experience with broadcast operations and/or content distribution
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays
• Flexibility to alter shifts/days off and work overtime to accommodate projects and departmental objectives
• Must demonstrate ability to perform tasks under tight deadlines, work independently and lead simultaneous projects
• Ability to work as a part of a team dynamic
• Solid interpersonal communication skills are a necessity
• Organizational, efficiency and planning skills are required   
• Must be willing and able to adapt to a constantly changing environment
• Candidates must have good computer background (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc...) and strong communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of all distribution equipment and technology within assigned operating areas, including but not limited to; server based recording/playback systems, master control automation and related software

• Bilingual (written and spoken) – English/Spanish

Required Education  

• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education  

• Bachelor’s Degree in communications, digital media, journalism or related field
• Vocational School Certification
• Related master control experience

The hiring range for this position in Bristol, CT is $54,000 to $72,300 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.