Production Assistant

TITLE: Production Assistant


DEPARTMENT: Land Grant/ College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources


REPORTS TO: Media and Communications Manager

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

LOCATION: On-site Main Campus

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time


EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt


JOB SUMMARY:

The Production Assistant supports media and communications activities for the Kentucky State University Land Grant Program and the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR). The position assists with video and audio production, photography, event production, event coverage, livestreaming, teleconferencing, and post-production activities that promote the work of the Land Grant Program, CAHNR, and Kentucky State University.

The Production Assistant provides production support in studio, on-campus, and approved off-campus settings and may assist with programming and events at various University locations. The position also assists with mentoring undergraduate students interested in audio and video production in support of Extension and Research programming.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Sets up, operates, and assists with the maintenance of video equipment, cameras, lighting, and related production equipment for studio and field productions.
• Operates studio and field cameras and assists with camera composition, lighting, and studio design for scheduled productions.
• Sets up and operates audio equipment and mixes audio sources, including wireless and wired microphones, to support video and live productions.
• Assists with video and audio editing using linear and non-linear editing equipment and applicable production software.
• Creates and incorporates graphics into video productions.
• Assists with post-production activities, including video editing, audio editing, file preparation, and other tasks necessary to prepare programs for broadcast, livestreaming, presentation, or private viewing.
• Assists with livestreaming and event production activities, including equipment setup, operation, monitoring, and breakdown.
• Performs entry-level photography assignments in support of University programs, events, and communications initiatives.
• Provides teleconferencing and related technical setup and support.
• Performs preventive maintenance and routine troubleshooting of video, audio, and related production equipment.
• Assists with media coverage of activities, events, and programming associated with the Land Grant Program, CAHNR, Extension, Research, and other University initiatives.
• Assists with mentoring undergraduate students who are interested in audio and video production and related media activities supporting Extension and Research programming.
• Works cooperatively with media, communications, Extension, Research, and other University personnel to complete assigned production projects.
• Maintains organized production files, equipment, and materials as appropriate.
• Travels to approved off-campus locations, primarily within Kentucky, to support University events, programs, and production activities as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of basic video, audio, photography, lighting, and production principles and practices.
• Knowledge of video and audio editing software and the ability to learn and effectively use new production technologies and software.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, community partners, and other constituents.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and exercise appropriate judgment.
• Ability to work effectively under deadlines and manage multiple production assignments.
• Ability to maintain reliable and punctual attendance and meet established production schedules and deadlines.
• Ability to troubleshoot routine video and audio equipment issues.
• Ability to mentor and provide appropriate guidance to students participating in audio and video production activities.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Performs other duties and responsibilities related to the position as assigned by the supervisor or appropriate University official.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may provide guidance, training, and mentoring to undergraduate students participating in audio and video production activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in broadcasting, mass communications, media production, communications, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience in broadcast video, audio production, media production, or a closely related field.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered based on the needs of the position.

Licensing and Certifications: Valid Driver's License

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed primarily on the Kentucky State University main campus and requires regular, reliable, and punctual on-campus attendance during assigned work hours. Remote work is not authorized for this position except as may be specifically approved as a reasonable accommodation or otherwise authorized by the University.
• The position requires work in studio, office, event, and outdoor environments and may require travel to approved off-campus locations, primarily within Kentucky, to support University programs and production activities. Approximately 20% travel may be required.
• The position may require evening and weekend work based on University events, production schedules, and departmental needs.
• The position may occasionally require lifting, carrying, moving, and transporting video and audio equipment, supplies, and related materials.
• The position may involve occasional outdoor work and exposure to varying environmental conditions during events and field productions.
• The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.