Position Description: Camera Technician (Non-Exempt)
Hours: Variable
Work Location: Incident-based; travel required
Purpose Statement
JA Media Group is seeking highly motivated and dependable individuals with a strong work ethic and a commitment to service to join our incident response team as Camera Technicians. Our work supports the emergency management community by providing real-time audio-visual and livestream communications across multiple locations during active incidents.
Prior experience in audio-visual production is not required. This role is well-suited for individuals who are reliable, adaptable, and willing to learn in a fast-paced, high-responsibility environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Deploy, operate, and support audio-visual and livestream equipment in coordination with designated team leads and incident management personnel.
- Operate cameras and related equipment during live and recorded meetings, briefings, and events.
- Assist with setup, teardown, transport, and basic troubleshooting of technical equipment.
- Support additional audio-visual, technical, or logistical needs as required by incident operations.
- Follow established incident protocols, safety requirements, and chain-of-command directives.
Qualifications
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective in high-pressure environments.
- Strong customer service mindset and situational awareness.
- Willingness and ability to learn and operate technical equipment with attention to detail.
- Ability to follow instructions and work within structured operational systems.
Incident Command & Wildland Fire Training Requirements
Due to the nature of work within the emergency response community, employees must possess or be willing to obtain the following certifications:
- S-130 – Firefighter Training
- S-190 – Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
- L-180 – Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
- ICS-100 – Introduction to the Incident Command System
- ICS-200 – Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
- IS-700 – National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction
JA Media Group may provide training opportunities for candidates who do not yet possess the required certifications, based on availability and operational needs.
Candidates must complete S-130 prior to becoming eligible for assignment. To maintain qualification, RT-130 (Annual Wildland Fire Safety Refresher) is required annually. Personnel may also be required to review or retake ICS/NIMS courses if significant updates occur.
Education & Experience
Candidates must meet one of the following:
- Associate’s Degree or higher
- A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work or volunteer experience
Relevant experience may include, but is not limited to: customer service, technology, audio-visual work, emergency response, logistics, or military service.
Age Requirement
- Must be 21 years of age or older as of the start date.
Driving Requirements
- Valid Class-C driver’s license with a minimum of three (3) years of driving history, or Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Must be privileged to drive and maintain a driving record acceptable to JA Media Group and its insurance providers.
Motor vehicle records will be reviewed as part of the background check process and may be periodically or continuously monitored during employment to ensure continued eligibility for driving assignments.
Physical & Environmental Requirements
- Ability to work in physically demanding environments for extended periods, including standing or moving for up to 16 hours per day.
- Ability to navigate uneven terrain and lift or carry equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
- Willingness to work in remote locations, which may include overnight camping.
- Willingness and ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) as dictated by incident or safety requirements.
Drugs & Alcohol
JA Media Group is a drug-free workplace, including cannabis, in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. During assignments, employees must abstain from alcohol use and remain fit-for-duty at all times.
Schedule & Deployment Expectations
- Flexible availability is required.
- Assignments may involve extended deployments lasting from several days to multiple weeks, including weekends and holidays.
- Work schedules may change with little notice due to operational needs, weather, or incident activity.
- This is a non-exempt position and is eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable labor laws.
Transportation & Travel
- Employees must be able to physically report to Chico, CA with little or no advance notice and be prepared to deploy from Chico immediately or on short notice, including early-morning departures. This position is best for individuals who are prepared and ready to support emergency response operations on short notice.
- Reliable personal transportation is required.
- Employees must be capable of extended vehicle travel and eligible for airline travel, including possession of a valid passport or REAL ID.
Conditions of Employment
Employment is contingent upon the employee’s ability to meet all incident and client requirements, which may include background checks, agency onboarding, and compliance with federal, state, or local incident policies. Work assignments are not guaranteed and are based on operational needs, qualifications, and availability.