News Field Photographer, NBCU Local Chicago

NBC and Telemundo Chicago are seeking a highly skilled and motivated News Field Photographer who is both a visual journalist and a creative technologist. This role is for someone who doesn’t simply document events but crafts powerful stories—using images, sound, editing, and technology to connect with our community and viewers.

The ideal candidate combines exceptional technical expertise, strong editorial instincts, and a passion for continuous growth—someone who thrives in dynamic environments, embraces emerging tools, and constantly looks for smarter, more creative, and more efficient ways to tell a story.

We’re looking for a professional who can work independently in the field or seamlessly within a collaborative newsroom environment—someone equally comfortable shooting, editing, lighting, and delivering broadcast-ready content across multiple platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Craft visually compelling and meaningful content that informs, engages, and inspires across broadcast, streaming, digital, and social platforms.
• Operate Sony ENG-style cameras, Sony FX-series cinema systems, and DSLR/mirrorless platforms to achieve both fast-turn and cinematic visual results.
• Execute professional field lighting setups—from single-subject interviews to multi-talent productions—using portable lighting kits and creative techniques to shape tone and depth.
• Record, monitor, and troubleshoot field audio wireless microphone/IFB systems, ensuring high-quality sound capture.
• Configure and operate CBNG, and IP-based bonded-cellular field systems for live news, breaking coverage, and special events.
• Use newsroom rundown systems and media asset management platforms to organize, label, and upload content, maintaining complete metadata accuracy for efficient newsroom workflows.
• Transition seamlessly from field capture to full post-production—editing your own footage using Adobe Premiere Pro to produce professional, broadcast-ready packages.
• Edit efficiently under deadline pressure: assemble and color-correct footage, sync natural sound, build strong story pacing, mix multi-track audio, and export for multiple platforms and aspect ratios.
• Collaborate with producers, reporters, and editors to refine content, integrate feedback, and ensure consistency across NBC and Telemundo brands.
• Maintain strong communication with the newsroom and control room when working independently, proactively sharing updates and solving challenges in real time.
• Exercise excellent editorial judgment—identifying key story elements, capturing decisive visuals, and applying creative storytelling to enhance viewer engagement.
• Troubleshoot camera, audio, lighting, and transmission issues quickly and calmly while multitasking in high-pressure environments.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of professional news photography experience in a mid-to-major broadcast market.
• Advanced proficiency with Sony ENG cameras, Sony FX-series cinema cameras, and DSLR/mirrorless workflows.
• Expertise in Adobe Premiere Pro, including timeline editing, color correction, multi-track audio mixing, graphics integration, and export for broadcast and digital platforms.
• Proven ability to deliver shoot-to-edit content—handling all aspects of production from field acquisition to post-production delivery.
• Strong knowledge of field lighting and audio mixing, capable of executing clean, polished productions in varied environments.
• Experience with CBNG, and other IP-based or bonded-cellular systems for live contribution.
• Understanding of newsroom rundown systems and media asset management systems for efficient ingest, tagging, and archiving.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean record; ability to lift 50 lbs. of gear and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Availability to work variable schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and breaking-news call-outs.

Desired Skills & Attributes:

• Operational experience with Fonn Saga (NRCS) and Mimir (MAM) systems.
• FAA Part 107 Drone License and field-operation experience are strong advantages.
• Outstanding communication and teamwork skills—able to collaborate closely with crews and producers while excelling independently on solo assignments.
• Highly self-sufficient, resourceful, and proactive—anticipates needs, solves problems in real time, and ensures every assignment is delivered at the highest standard.
• Strong multitasking ability—capable of managing shooting, audio, editing, live coordination, and storytelling simultaneously.
• A passionate storyteller who uses visuals, sound, and pacing to engage and captivate viewers.
• Growth-oriented mindset—actively seeks opportunities to learn, experiment, and master new technologies and workflows.
• Energized by innovation—excited to explore new gear, contribute to workflow evolution, and be part of NBC and Telemundo Chicago’s future of newsgathering.
• Fluent in Spanish or experience working in bilingual newsroom environments is a plus.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must join NABET if not currently a member.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have unrestricted authorization to work in the United States.
• Must be willing to work in Chicago, IL.
• Candidates must submit a resume and demo reel showcasing both breaking-news coverage and edited storytelling work.

This position is for a storyteller who leads through visuals, thrives on innovation, and embraces the challenge of creating powerful, meaningful content from start to finish. If you’re driven by purpose, fueled by technology, and passionate about growing your craft—join us at NBC and Telemundo Chicago to shape the next era of local news storytelling.

Additional Requirements:

• Required On-Site: This position is required to be performed full-time from an NBCUniversal-designated worksite.
• Salary Range:  $40.913–$61.438 per hour (based on experience)

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to AccessibilitySupport@nbcuni.com.