Program Technician I/II - Multimedia Production Specialist

Under general direction the Program Technician I/II - Multimedia Production Specialist plans, coordinates, produces, records, edits, and distributes professional video, audio, photographic, and multimedia content for the City. Provides live production and technical support for City Council, Commission, and other public meetings, as well as videography support for City events, public information campaigns, community stories, interviews, and social media content. Responsible for managing productions from concept through completion, including planning, scheduling, filming, audio recording, live production, editing, graphics, post-production, publishing, digital distribution, and archived broadcast operations. 

The position requires strong technical judgment, creativity, attention to detail, excellent time management, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced public-sector environment with frequent deadlines and time-sensitive assignments. The position regularly works evening hours to support City Council, Commission, and other public meetings and City-sponsored events.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Operate professional video cameras, audio systems, video switchers, production control systems, lighting, microphones, monitors, recording equipment, and related broadcast/production technology.
• Produce and direct live and recorded broadcasts of City Council, Commission, and other public meetings.
• Deliver live webcasts and archived video content through the City's website, cable channel, streaming platforms, and other digital outlets.
• Coordinate production logistics, including identifying locations, for interviews, City events, community stories, public information campaigns, and other multimedia projects.
• Conduct and record interviews with residents, community members, elected officials, City staff, and other stakeholders.
• Film, photograph, edit, and produce content for the City's website, social media platforms, cable channel, presentations, and other communications channels. 
• Edit video using professional nonlinear editing software, incorporating graphics, photographs, music, B-roll, soundbites, voiceovers, captions, and other elements. 
• Integrate text, graphics, presentation materials, and other visual elements into live and prerecorded productions.
• Provide technical direction during live productions, including operation of video switchers, audio boards, control panels, cameras, and related equipment.
• Monitor and adjust audio and video levels to ensure high-quality broadcasts and recordings.
• Troubleshoot audiovisual, broadcast, streaming, and presentation equipment and coordinate with vendors when additional technical assistance is required.
• Perform preventive maintenance and basic installation of cameras, editing systems, lighting, audio, streaming, and broadcast equipment.
• Maintain equipment inventories, service records, maintenance schedules, and purchasing documentation.
• Assist with recommendations for the purchase, replacement, installation, and upgrade of multimedia and broadcast equipment.
• Respond to breaking or time-sensitive events and produce content under tight deadlines.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining production schedules and quality standards.
• Provide technical guidance to City staff regarding video, photography, streaming, and multimedia production.

The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree in broadcasting, television/video production, communications, digital media, multimedia production, journalism, or a closely related creative or technical field, along with at least two years of professional experience in video production, broadcast production, multimedia communications, or a related field. 

Preference may be given to candidates with experience: 

• Producing and directing live government, public meetings, broadcast, or community events.
• Producing live and prerecorded content for websites, cable television, YouTube, social media, and other digital platforms.
• Operate professional video cameras, audio systems, video switchers, production control systems, lighting, microphones, monitors, recording equipment, and related broadcast/production technology.
• Filming and editing interviews, community stories, special events, promotional videos, and public information content.
• Working with elected officials, government staff, community members, or public-sector organizations.
• Using professional nonlinear video editing software and incorporating graphics, captions, B-roll, voiceovers, music, and other post-production elements. 
• Troubleshooting audiovisual, broadcast, streaming, and presentation equipment.
• Managing multiple productions simultaneously and meeting strict or time-sensitive deadlines.
• Operating DSLR, handheld cameras, cellular devices, or mirrorless cameras for both photography and video.
• Applying principles of composition, lighting, audio recording, graphic design, and visual storytelling.
• Planning and executing productions from initial concept through filming, editing, publication, and distribution.
• Working independently in a fast-paced environment while coordinating effectively with multiple departments and stakeholders.
• Providing technical support, equipment maintenance, and vendor coordination for multimedia and broadcast systems.

DEFINITION:  The Program Technician I/II  provides assistance to an assigned specialized city program or project. The Program Technician I/II  assists with administering, monitoring, and/or implementing a program, process, or functional area specific to the area of assignment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives general direction from the Department Head to which assigned or designee. No supervision of staff is exercised. 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: This is an entry level classification that provides support to the professional staff of a City Department. Incumbents may be assigned to any department with the expectation that each assignment will require specialized knowledge of the program area and the laws, regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to that program. Incumbents may receive work direction from a variety of professional staff within the Department. 

The Program Technician I is the entry-level class within the Program Technician series.  This class is distinguished from the Program Technician II classification by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series.  Incumbents in this classification are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters related to established procedures and guidelines as incumbents in the journey level classification. Upon recommendation of the Department Head and approval by the City Manager or designee, a Program Technician I may advance to the Program Technician II classification after performing the full range of duties of a Program Technician I for two (2) years, has demonstrated the abilities and competencies necessary to perform the full range of Program Technician II duties and has attained the minimum qualifications for Program Technician II position.

The Program Technician II is the full journey level class within the Program Technician series.  This class is distinguished from the Program Technician I by the assignment of the full range of duties.  Incumbents in this classification receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and they are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Illustrative Only): Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Gathers data for reports, and performs data entry utilizing electronic spreadsheets and a variety of computer databases.
• Develops and maintains computer databases or spread sheet applications in order to store data and compile statistics.  
• Assists in the implementation of program goals, objectives, priorities and policies.
• Assists with preparation and monitoring of program or project budgets.
• Represents the department in a variety of meetings pertaining to assigned programs, activities or projects.
• Works with and coordinates with other City departments, outside agencies and partners with respect to activities affecting their operation.
• Compiles data and assists in preparation of reports, documents, memoranda correspondence and summaries for the Department, City Council, outside agencies, other departments, and other agencies as required. 
• Performs administrative tasks associated with the operation of a collaborative program,  such as taking minutes, filing, responding to email and phone requests, conducting program or project related outreach, preparing materials, and utilizing a variety of software applications (e.g Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, database software).
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and skill.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be:

Education:  An Associate of Arts degree or higher from an accredited college or university, with major work in business administration, public administration or of the program to which assigned.

Experience: Program Technician I: One (1) year of professional paid experience. Program Technician II: Two (2) years of experience equivalent to a Program Technician I. Additional qualifying experience can substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis. A Bachelors Degree with major coursework in a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the experience requirement.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:  If assigned duties require driving, possession of a valid California driver's license.
 PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The incumbent appointed to this class must be physically able to perform the duties of this position, including the mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; the ability to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City sites and attend off-site meetings; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone; finger dexterity to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; occasionally lift and, carry reports and records that typically weigh less than 20 pounds.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS:  Incumbents work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances, and may interact with upset staff and/or public representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.