As Canada’s second-largest commercial radio broadcaster, Vista Radio Ltd operates over 70 radio stations and digital news portals across three provinces and the Northwest Territories! Each of our stations is deeply rooted in the communities we serve while retaining local voices, building strong connections, and delivering stories that matter. Paired with dynamic digital portals, our stations provide 24/7 access to timely, trusted, and hyper-local content, keeping our audiences informed, engaged, and connected.

Chief Engineer - North Bay, Ontario

Role Overview

The Chief Engineer is an in-house leadership role responsible for overseeing the technical operations across our Ontario radio markets. This role provides leadership within each cluster, guiding and supporting the technical team while maintaining their own responsibilities. The Chief Engineer will take the lead from the primary technician in each market, supervise project initiatives, and serve as a key support for technical staff. The technical team within each cluster reports into this role, which in turn reports to the Director of Technical Operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and support within each cluster, ensuring all technical staff receive guidance and oversight on project initiatives.
• Act as a mentor to technicians within the cluster, providing guidance, coaching, and support to enhance their technical expertise and professional development.
• Oversee the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of FM/AM broadcast transmitter systems.
• Diagnose and resolve RF and transmission system issues both onsite and remotely, determining repair strategies in the field and offsite as needed.
• Supervise the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of all radio studio equipment, including computers, AXIA IP audio consoles, nodes, processors, analog consoles, mixers, microphones, amps, speakers, and STL systems.
• Maintain and troubleshoot mixed digital and analog environments, ensuring seamless integration of broadcast automation systems, servers, regulatory audio loggers, IP streams, and audio distribution systems.
• Conduct proactive monitoring of critical broadcast equipment and implement necessary adjustments to maintain uptime.
• Manage building infrastructure, maintain documentation and inspection reports, and schedule preventative measures to improve reliability.
• Lead the troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of radio automation systems, network infrastructure, routers, switches, and wireless access points.
• Provide both remote and hands-on technical support for station staff, including troubleshooting remote broadcasts.
• Act as the primary liaison with management regarding facility issues, such as HVAC, power outages, generator operations, internet, and phone service disruptions, working towards prompt resolution.
• Maintain accurate records and generate reports on system health, equipment status, and recommended improvements. Develop costing estimates for projects in alignment with budget expectations.
• Travel to transmitter sites for routine maintenance, equipment testing, and site cleanup, including vegetation management around towers and buildings.
• Provide emergency after-hours response for critical technical issues and off-air situations, as required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of recent, direct experience in radio engineering as a Broadcast Technician.
• Graduate of an electronics technician or technologist program preferred.
• Strong technical skills and problem-solving aptitude.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to supervise and support a team of technicians.
• Self-motivated, reliable, and safety-conscious.
• Detail-oriented, well-organized, and able to prioritize work in response to urgent and changing needs.
• Strong desire to grow within the industry and stay updated on new trends and technologies.
• Positive attitude with excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Willingness to work in all weather conditions.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving abstract.

Vista Radio’s Vault of Benefits

At Vista Radio, we're more than just a workplace; we're a community of people committed to making a difference. Whether we're delivering local news, playing your favorite tunes, or supporting events that bring people together, we care about our team and the communities we serve. We're proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that ensures your health, well-being, and financial future are taken care of, all while working in an environment where fun and collaboration thrive.

Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

• • Health & Dental Coverage – Comprehensive plans for individuals and families.
• • RRSP Program with DPSP Matching – Save for your future with our RRSP program, and Vista will match your contributions into a Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan (DPSP).
• • Short-term & Long-term Disability – Income protection when life throws you a curveball.
• • Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP) – Confidential, 24/7 access to mental health, counseling, and other professional support services.
• •️ Annual Vacation & Stat Holidays – Paid time off, including recognized federal statutory holidays, to help you recharge and enjoy life.
• ❤️ Life & Optional Life Insurance Protection for you and your loved ones when you need it most.
• • Virtual Care – 24/7/365 access to professional healthcare online, making it easier to stay on top of your wellness.
• • Work in the Communities We Serve – As part of Vista Radio, you’ll have the opportunity to make an impact locally, strengthening the bonds that connect us to the communities we proudly serve.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit their application online, including a resume and cover letter, outlining their relevant experience and qualifications for this leadership role.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

On our company website, click the "Apply" button on the tap left corner of the job posting to get started!

If you experience any difficulty with submitting your application online, please contact Mary-Anne Laverman, Human Resources Advisor at mlaverman@vistaradio.ca

At Vista Radio Ltd, we are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to developing and supporting a diverse and inclusive environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity, respect and one which reflects the diversity of the various communities in which we operate. Accommodations are available for all employees and applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please advise when submitting your application.