Television Engineer Onboarding Process
Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Television Engineer starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Engineering onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Television Engineer, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Television Engineer onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.
Television Engineer Onboarding Checklist
1. Equipment familiarization: The television engineer needs to become familiar with the various equipment used in the industry, such as cameras, video switchers, audio mixers, and signal processing devices. This task is typically performed by a senior engineer or a technical supervisor who provides a comprehensive overview of the equipment, its functionalities, and how to operate and troubleshoot them effectively.
2. Understanding broadcast standards: It is crucial for the television engineer to have a solid understanding of broadcast standards and regulations. This includes knowledge of video formats, aspect ratios, frame rates, audio levels, closed captioning requirements, and other technical specifications. The task of educating the engineer about these standards is usually assigned to a broadcast operations manager or a technical director.
3. Familiarization with the company’s infrastructure: The television engineer needs to become acquainted with the company’s infrastructure, including the broadcast facility, control rooms, production studios, and transmission systems. This task is typically performed by a facility manager or a senior engineer who provides a guided tour, explaining the layout, functionality, and interconnections of various components.
4. Learning the company’s workflows: Each television company has its own unique workflows and processes for content creation, editing, and distribution. The engineer needs to learn these workflows to ensure smooth operations and efficient collaboration with other teams. This task is usually overseen by a production manager or a workflow specialist who provides training and documentation on the company’s specific workflows.
5. Network configuration and troubleshooting: Television engineers often work with complex network systems for video and audio distribution. They need to understand the company’s network infrastructure, including routers, switches, and IP-based protocols. This task is typically performed by a network engineer or an IT specialist who provides training on network configuration, troubleshooting techniques, and best practices.
6. Safety and emergency procedures: It is essential for the television engineer to be aware of safety protocols and emergency procedures within the company. This includes knowledge of fire evacuation plans, first aid procedures, and equipment safety guidelines. The task of educating the engineer about safety and emergency procedures is usually assigned to a safety officer or a designated safety trainer.
7. Collaboration with other departments: Television engineers often work closely with other departments, such as production, post-production, and transmission. They need to understand the roles and responsibilities of these departments and how to effectively collaborate with them. This task is typically facilitated by department heads or project managers who organize cross-departmental meetings and provide an overview of each team’s functions.
8. Familiarization with software and tools: Television engineers utilize various software and tools for tasks such as video editing, signal monitoring, and equipment control. They need to become familiar with the company’s preferred software and tools, including their functionalities and best practices. This task is usually performed by a technical specialist or a software trainer who provides hands-on training and documentation on the company’s software and tools.
9. Quality control and testing procedures: Television engineers are responsible for ensuring the quality and integrity of broadcast signals. They need to learn the company’s quality control and testing procedures, including signal monitoring, audio/video analysis, and troubleshooting techniques. This task is typically overseen by a quality control manager or a senior engineer who provides training on quality control procedures and equipment.
10. Documentation and reporting: Television engineers need to maintain accurate documentation of their work, including equipment configurations, troubleshooting steps, and system changes. They also need to report any issues or incidents to the appropriate personnel. This task is typically performed by the engineer themselves, with guidance from a supervisor or manager on the company’s documentation standards and reporting protocols
Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process
From reading through the items in the example Television Engineer checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Television Engineer up to speed and working well in your Engineering team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.