Hybrid Media Conversion and Pre-Mastering Technologist at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

Media Conversion and Pre-Mastering Technologist

This is a term position from September 15, 2025 to December 12, 2025

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to inspire everyone who attends our campus – artists, leaders, and thinkers – to unleash their creative potential.

We acknowledge, with deep respect and gratitude, our home on the side of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain. In the spirit of respect and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Banff area, known as “Minhrpa” (translated in Stoney Nakoda as “the waterfalls”) and the Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) – comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney Nations – as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Shuswap Nations, Ktunaxa Nations, and Metis Nation of Alberta, Rockyview, District 4. We acknowledge all Nations who live, work, and play, help us steward this land, and honour and celebrate this place.

The Opportunity

The Program Operations department is looking for an experienced Media Conversion and Pre-Mastering Technologists to provide broadcast quality standards conversion, DVD/BluRay pre-mastering, and authoring and duplication services. This position creates Digital Cinema and video packaging, in surround sound when needed, as well as web encodes. Responsibilities also include the standardization of all content received, to optimize it for live, internet, broadcast, and theatrical exhibition.  

Specific Accountabilities  

Reporting to the Technical Producer, below are some key responsibilities:

• Create broadcast-quality SDTV and HDTV standards conversions and digital file conforms including audio, utilizing a variety of broadcast video playback and recorder machines, digital waveform monitors, vector scopes and AES/EBU embedders, plus video signal monitoring. Occasionally 2K, Ultra HD, 4K, AR, VR, 2D/3D and nascent technologies also have to be managed.
• Provide DVD and BluRay authoring and duplication services, Digital Cinema Package creation and web encodes
• Provide video edit packaging (straight cuts and character generation), utilizing nonlinear editing systems
• Provide digital file conform, duplication and transmission services, utilizing a variety of multimedia technology and software
• Update, maintain and log project progress, inventory control and project costing utilizing Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, Farmer’s Wife, Smartsheet and database software
• Create, document and implement a methodology of media conversion and premastering process for the purpose of future training, planning, development, execution and evaluation of the process
• Provide initiative in trouble-shooting and communicating job related and program related opportunities and problems to the Technical Producer.
• Support and advise on future equipment purchases as well as life-cycle planning for equipment and budgeting for the media conversion / pre-mastering area.

 Qualifications and Educational Requirements

• Three to five years’ experience in a post-production facility or broadcast centre utilizing the technologies cited above would be an asset.
• Must possess a test instrument skill-set for: calibration; familiarity of operation and signal analysis using a digital waveform monitor, vectorscope and AES/EBU embedder.
• Previous analog broadcast video technology experience should include the operation of the following equipment: Snell and Wilcox Alchemist Ph.C Tx standards converter or similar instrument; broadcast video playback and recorder machines including (but not limited) to Sony HDW2000, HDW500, JH-3, Digital Betacam, Sony J30, Sony J3, Panasonic AJ-D960 and Panasonic DSR 1500A.
• Proficiency with Prassi duplication software, Primera Composer Pro BluRay/DVD duplication system and printer, as well as SureThing labeling software is required.
• Demonstrated experience with Gigabit Ethernet, 100 BaseT, and numerous PC operating systems including Microsoft Vista, Windows 2000 and OS X for database management, file conversions, compiles, file transfers, data backups and digital archiving.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, AVID Media Composer, Pro Tools, Facilis Terrabloc SAN, Sorenson Pro, and CineAsset Pro.
• Excellent oral and written communication and team work skills in order to work with a large and changing team of resident musicians, faculty, and audio practicum participants.
• Ability to work under pressure of time, multiple simultaneous demands, and multiple constituencies.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently or as part of a team.
• Good judgment, tact and discretion in dealing with sensitive and confidential material is
  essential.
• Experience with Signiant Media Shuttle is an asset.

 Employment Terms & Benefits

• This is a term position from September 15, 2025 to December 12, 2025
• In accordance with CUPE 4318, this is a unionized, hourly support staff position, subject to a 500 hour probationary period.
• This position pays $25.88 to $27.17 per hour working up to 40 hours per week on a rotating schedule.
• Benefits of working at Banff Centre include:
  • Transitional Staff housing options (based on availability) 
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Professional Development
  • Staff cafeteria and restaurant discounts 
  • Onsite fitness facility at a discounted rate – first month free for new staff!

 Application Process

• We are accepting applications for the Media Conversion and Pre-Mastering Technologist until a suitable candidate is found.
• Candidates offered a position with Banff Centre, in this capacity, will be required to obtain a criminal record check verifying a clear record before a final job offer can be finalized. 
• Visa Requirements: Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Banff Centre is unable to assist candidates in obtaining Canadian work authorization.