Curricula and Learning Links - Career Exploration
Regional Engineering Manager - Broadcast Engineer
by Mr. Oliver of K-Love/Air 1 Networks
What do you do in this job?
I'm responsible for the technical facilities of about 150 FM radio signals in the Eastern Time Zone. Also adding new stations to the K-Love/Air 1 networks and major upgrades to the same area. I often drive an average of 5000 miles a month, sometimes flying. Some of the tower sites are in crazy scary locations, especially some of the mountain tops in WV! I often encounter bees, wasps, rats, mice and sometimes snakes! I pretty much set my hours to a point. There are some deadlines involved and some appointments with other contractors that have to be met.
Meet with radio station owners - some rich, some with interesting stories of God's provision. (Usually millionaires) . Sometimes meet with tower owners or their reps to discuss technical issues at the sites. One trip in WV a year ago, I was seriously delayed and found a man dying on the side of a mountain by "accident." Totally God. A recent situation was to build a new Christian station and arrange the turn on of the new signal with a man that paid for the entire station through a donation. Because of absolutely ridiculous requirements of the municipality, it was delayed for over 6 months. The donor wanted updates every week and I was designated the contact person. The calls became VERY hard to make. The turn on is next week God is surely doing something. We'll see what He is doing.
Why is it interesting? What makes it rewarding?
Interesting - the always different landscapes and people I meet. When not focused on myself, God let's me participate in His Kingdom. Rewards - knowing God is up to something and He let's me and my family participate. Kingdom stuff - we ALL get to play! Not just the preachers, etc! We get to pray for people - in person or over the phone!, we get to hear the stories of people along the way. Good stuff.
How do you become qualified for this job?
Life experiences. Saying yes. Not knowing your background, letting God speak and FOLLOWING His direction. Easy - yes. Comfortable - NEVER! Adopt an attitude of "I will go out in a blaze!" What a way to live! Internship - life. Seems like He trained me for EVERYTHING I experience today. It is more of saying yes and getting ready.
Working in the field and associated fields for many years have led to today's assignment. You can study at school/higher educational facilities, or like me - all of your previous experiences can lead you to the present. Bottom line - no one answer - God transcends the natural and will do what He wants with those that will say yes. He empowers those that will. I can attest over and over.
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