Media photographer job description

This post includes 3 parts: duties list, job qualification and job description writing tips for Media photographer in details. A complete job description concludes Media photographer key duties/responsibilities, Media photographer job qualifications (knowledge, education, skills, abilities, experience…KSA model) and other ones such as daily tasks, key activities, key/core competencies, job functions/purpose…

I. List of Media photographer duties:

1. Must be able to work under the pressures of unpredictable deadlines, self-motivated with an eye for photography.
2. Maintain a flexible work schedule in order to accommodate evening and weekend assignments and travel to on-site locations both domestic and international on a moment's notice.
3. Responsible for the operation and maintenance of all production gear used on assignment as well as the security of these items.
4. Assists the content producers and show directors regarding pre-conceived ideas and the execution of those concepts during the production while applying EHS standards.
5. Attend pre and post production meetings in order to provide creative input and review performance with the objective of providing immediate feedback to achieve the editorial goals and mission.
6. Prepare assigned production gear for travel including documentation and coordinating logistics for any special transportation arrangements.
7. Schedule regular maintenance of ENG equipment.
8. Test all production equipment to determine technical quality of recording, audio and lighting apparatus prior to operation in the field or studio.

II. List of Media photographer qualifications

1. Knowledge of field production techniques and broadcast standards.
2. Knowledge of broadcast rules and local regulations both domestic and international.
3. Knowledge of professional television lighting standards and best practices with regards to safety.
4. Knowledge of digital editing software, Avid, Final Cut and file based production workflows.
5. 5 years of experience editing for broadcast and digital platforms.
6. 5 years experience operating professional ENG video recording and lighting equipment for a medium or major market.
7. Ability to represent our network in a professional manner.
8. Must have a valid DL, valid passport, international DL preferred.

III. Tips to write job description

1. Too-long job description:

Looking at a too-long job description can frighten the candidates off and drive the away. A job description, no matter how important the job is, should not be included in more than 3 pages. If one focuses on too many things at a time, he shall definitely lose focus on the main items and get overwhelmed by the remaining; So, keep it concisely.

2. Too-short job description:

While too-long can be a problem, too-short is more a problem. It will ruin the meaning of the job description. A too-short one means it lacks necessary details and therefore, the candidate will not be able to understand while reading it.

3. Listing unnecessary functions or job duties:

Just classifying these into the “others” category will save you a lot of effort and space. On the other hand, the job description will become more dilute and easy to be neglected.

4. Key functions

Not listing key functions as required for the job can be a fatal mistake to a job description.

5. Grammar and spelling

Poor grammar and having spelling errors can ruin the job description, too. Never think that as you are the employer, you may have the right to make grammar or spelling errors while requires other not to. A job description with such errors is easily to be mistaken as a fake or ghost ads; as a result, the candidate will turn away from it.

6. Not specific enough:

Be specific and concise; if you don’t address the specific, then what the job description is for. It is for the candidate to understand just exactly what he needs to do or needs to have. Lacking details can confuse the candidates very well.

7. Not having the job description reviewed by others:

This is also a common mistake. One may be subject to bias, but more than one, especially with the help of those external advisor, the job description can be more perfect.

8. Using buzzwords or abbreviations:

In fact, it is not necessary at all to use such in a job description.

9. Using slang or legal words:

Just use common wording to communicate with others and don’t do anything extraordinarily.

10. Not updating the job description:

The same job may require different duties and responsibilities in different times, so, you cannot use the same job description for 2 different times.