Video Production Applications Systems Administrator

Job Summary

The Production Applications System Administrator serves as a subject matter expert coordinating between live production, creative teams, and IT infrastructure within the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Global Public Affairs (GPA), Office of Video Production (GPA/DC/VID). This role is responsible for supporting pre- and post-production application ecosystems, and delivering specialized, high-touch desk-side and remote technical support to creatives primarily operating in a macOS environment. The engineer ensures seamless interoperability between on-premise video editing environments and cloud infrastructures, leads patching and release management, enforces strict Department cybersecurity standards, and directly supports key software suites including Adobe Creative Cloud, Frame.io, and Google Workspace. In the event of network outage, serves as “first responder” on behalf of end users and liaises with the Engineering unit to resume normal operations.

Primary Responsibilities

• macOS & Creative Application Desk-Side Support
  • Provide direct desk-side and remote technical support to editors, producers, and creative staff operating on macOS workstations
  • Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve application-level incidents involving Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Audition), Frame.io integration, Maxon plugin tools, Google Workspace, Splashtop Remote access tools, and working with the producer\editors in creating media based workflows
  • User management for all accounts by adding and removing users access permission on all GPA platforms to include but not limited to, Active Directory, Adobe Creative Cloud, Maxon, NAS connectivity, and tools provided to limited users for specific use
  • Manage workstation image deployment, application installation, plugin configurations, and driver updates tailored for high-performance video rendering and editing environments
  • Manage testing of all updates and hardware modifications prior to deployment to users
  • Manage the test environment to replicate current and proposed configurations
  • Respond rapidly to user trouble tickets during normal and surge operational windows to ensure uninterrupted broadcast and post-production workflows
• System Maintenance, Patching & Asset Management
  • Oversee regular maintenance, operating system patching, licensing, and updating of NAS servers and production LAN components
  • Ensure proper maintenance of host names, device certificates, and network connectivity between local editing hardware and cloud storage solutions
  • Support the Network Engineering Unit with all network activities to include naming conventions, IP addressing (static and DHCP), and connection of devices such as printers, scanners, and camera accessories. OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model familiarization and competency in layers 1 through 4
  • Enforce production asset management best practices for tracking, organizing, versioning, and archiving frequently changing digital media assets
  • Systems configuration management and tagging of all GPA Video assets.
  • Entering equipment information into CheqRoom for management of location and user assignment
  • Maintain uninterrupted power supplies with battery replacement and complete unit replacement and schedule disposition
  • Ensure all local and cloud systems strictly adhere to Department of State IT security directives, vulnerability remediations, and cloud computing policies (5 FAM 1100)
• Modernization, Research & Surge Support
  • Conduct research, testing, and implementation of new media tools, scripts, automated workflows, and software subscriptions not currently deployed in production
  • Provide expert advice to Video Office leadership regarding future technology investments, hardware replacements, and infrastructure planning
  • Assist during emergency live-broadcast events or high-priority initiatives requiring surge support, overnight support, or weekend availability

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Minimum Professional Experience
  • Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of dedicated experience in Windows, Linux and MAC OS computer systems administration, desktop technology support, and specialized video application support
  • Minimum Education Experience: Bachelors in IT, Computer Science, Engineering or related field. Industry Certifications are a plus
• Technical & Platform Expertise
  • macOS Environment: Expert-level desktop administration and troubleshooting for Apple macOS hardware and operating systems in a professional media network environment
  • Application Ecosystem: Working knowledge/familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, Frame.io review/approval tools, Google Workspace, and broadcast asset management tools
  • Cloud & Storage Systems: Hands-on experience with cloud-based architectures, Amazon Web Services (AWS S3, EC2 instances), and active directory federation
  • Networking & Security: Practical knowledge of network firewalls, VLAN configurations, SSL/device certificates, and IT security compliance protocols
• Leadership & Soft Skills
  • Strong leadership, team-oriented attitude, and willingness to train and mentor video editors, producers, and junior technical staff
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to articulate complex technical workflows to creative staff and government stakeholders

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times