Occupation AtlasMedia Technical Directors/Managers
O*NET · 27-2012.05
Media Technical Directors/Managers
Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.
Also called Broadcast Director · News Director · News Technical Director · Newscast Director · Operations Director · Operations Manager · Production Director · Production Manager
9 more
Production Superintendent · Production Supervisor · Radio Station Manager · Radio Television Technical Director · Record Producer · Remote Operations Producer · Studio Director · Technical Director · Test Editing Director
Compare with another occupationCompare with First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
ECREnterprising · Conventional · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order
- E Enterprising5.18
- C Conventional4.47
- R Realistic3.96
- A Artistic3.44
- I Investigative2.78
- S Social2.61
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (49%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (40%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (61%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- MonitoringbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- CoordinationImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Time ManagementImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- WritingbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
Show the other 23
- PersuasionImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Operations MonitoringImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
- InstructingImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Operation and ControlImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
- NegotiationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Service OrientationImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Equipment SelectionImportance 2.5Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Technology DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- RepairingImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- ProgrammingImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
- SciencebasicImportance 1.1Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
11 core · 4 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Switch between video sources in a studio or on multi-camera remotes, using equipment such as switchers, video slide projectors, and video effects generators.Importance 4.7
- Observe pictures through monitors and direct camera and video staff concerning shading and composition.Importance 4.5
- Supervise and assign duties to workers engaged in technical control and production of radio and television programs.Importance 4.3
- Monitor broadcasts to ensure that programs conform to station or network policies and regulations.Importance 4.2
- Operate equipment to produce programs or broadcast live programs from remote locations.Importance 4.1
- Test equipment to ensure proper operation.Importance 4.0
- Train workers in use of equipment, such as switchers, cameras, monitors, microphones, and lights.Importance 4.0
- Act as liaisons between engineering and production departments.Importance 3.5
- Confer with operations directors to formulate and maintain fair and attainable technical policies for programs.Importance 3.3
- Collaborate with promotions directors to produce on-air station promotions.Importance 3.3
- Schedule use of studio and editing facilities for producers and engineering and maintenance staff.Importance 3.2
Show the other 4
- Direct technical aspects of newscasts and other productions, checking and switching between video sources and taking responsibility for the on-air product, including camera shots and graphics.Importance 4.8
- Follow instructions from production managers and directors during productions, such as commands for camera cuts, effects, graphics, and takes.Importance 4.5
- Set up and execute video transitions and special effects, such as fades, dissolves, cuts, keys, and supers, using computers to manipulate pictures as necessary.Importance 4.2
- Discuss filter options, lens choices, and the visual effects of objects being filmed with photography directors and video operators.Importance 3.5
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Communications and MediaImportance 4.8Level 5.6
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 4.3Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- English LanguageImportance 4.1Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- TelecommunicationsImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Install a wireless internet router
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.9Level 2.6
Show all 33
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.8Level 2.9
- GeographyImportance 2.7Level 2.9
- DesignImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- AdministrativeImportance 2.4Level 2.8
- MathematicsImportance 2.4Level 2.6
- PsychologyImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.8Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- TransportationImportance 1.8Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- MechanicalImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.5Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.4Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- ChemistryImportance 1.3Level —
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.3Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.3Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.3Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.2Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.0Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Problem SensitivityImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Far VisionImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
Show all 52
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Information OrderingImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- OriginalityImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
- Time SharingImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- VisualizationImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
- Speed of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- MemorizationImportance 2.8Level 2.6
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Reaction TimeImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Number FacilityImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Response OrientationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Rate ControlImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.6
- StaminaImportance 1.4Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Static StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.3Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.3Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.1Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.7Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.6Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Getting InformationImportance 4.2Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.2Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 4.2Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 4.1Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
Show all 41
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.8Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.8Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.7Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.7Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.5Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Processing InformationImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.7Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.6Level 2.9
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.5Level 2.7
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.5Level 2.8
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.4Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.9
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.4Level 2.7
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
37 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (1)
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
Hot (20; 1 more marked hot above)
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Photoshop
- Atlassian JIRA
- C
- C++
- Linux
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle Database
- Perl
- Python
- Salesforce software
- Structured query language SQL
- Swift
- UNIX
- UNIX Shell
Other tools (16)
- Adobe Audition
- Adobe Experience Manager (AEM)
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Autodesk Maya
- Avid Technology audio visual editing software
- Avid Technology Media Composer
- Avid Technology Pro Tools
- Character generator software
- MailChimp
- Side Effects Houdini
- Social media sites
- Software development tools
- The Associated Press ENPS
- Unity Technologies Unity
- YouTube
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Personnel Resources +1.0, Science +0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
Average difference 0.3 points · Management of Personnel Resources +1.0, Operations Analysis +0.9
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
Average difference 0.3 points · Management of Personnel Resources +0.7, Mathematics +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Facilities Managers
Average difference 0.3 points · Operation and Control −0.7, Management of Financial Resources +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers
Average difference 0.3 points · Management of Personnel Resources +1.0, Mathematics +0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
Average difference 0.3 points · Operation and Control −1.0, Equipment Selection −0.9
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
Average difference 0.3 points · Quality Control Analysis −0.8, Science +0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Airfield Operations Specialists
Average difference 0.3 points · Equipment Selection −1.2, Equipment Maintenance −1.0
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.