News photographer job description

This post includes 3 parts: duties list, job qualification and job description writing tips for News photographer in details. A complete job description concludes News photographer key duties/responsibilities, News 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 News photographer duties:

1. Insures sound and picture quality of all stories shot.
2. Works alone or with a reporter to shoot and edit stories for broadcast.
3. Operates ENG microwave vans and SNG satellite trucks.
4. Must understand and be able to learn non-linear digital editing systems and related programs.
5. The ability to read maps/use GPS and navigate quickly.
6. Maintains inventory of all assigned equipment and responsible for its up-keep.
7. Examines, maintains, and performs routine maintenance of any assigned vehicle and equipment.
8. Establish good working relationship with co-workers, officials and the public.
9. Performs other duties as assigned.
10. Manage team of photographers, editors and techs to ensure best employee performance and product
11. Contribute as individual photographer on news and special project stories and live reports
12. Maintain and manage vehicles, gear, and editing systems
13. Various projects as assigned by news director

II. List of News photographer qualifications

1. Must be able to work in a pressured and very competitive environment.
2. Bachelors or related Degree preferred
3. Minimum two years experienced in news photography
4. Ability to work in fast paced, high pressure environment
5. Must be a self starter with excellent organizational skills
6. Strong work ethic, positive attitude & leadership qualities with the ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities a must.
7. Excellent people and communication skills
8. Good conflict resolution and problem solving skills

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.