Job Details

Recording Engineer - 001392

Position Number: 7181391
Location: Cullowhee, NC
Position Type: Communications - Media & Communication Studies

Recording Engineer - 001392

Western Carolina University

Department: School of Music

About WCU:

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary:

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

Western Carolina University invites applications for the position of Recording Engineer in the School of Music. This role provides comprehensive management and technical leadership for multiple recording and music technology facilities, including the Center for Applied Technology (CAT) Recording Studio, the recording and streaming systems in Coulter Recital Hall, and the computer lab in the Coulter building. The position includes supervision of a student staff and supports academic instruction, performance recording, and entrepreneurial activity across these spaces. The Recording Engineer also contributes to the Commercial Music and Audio Production (CMAP) program through teaching, mentorship, and production oversight.

The Recording Engineer works closely with the Director of the School of Music and collaborates across campus, particularly with the Department of Communication in areas involving shared facilities, broadcast production, and integrated media systems.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

Oversee daily operations of the WCU Recording Studio and music technology facilities, including scheduling, access, and coordination for all users.
Maintain and organize equipment and inventory, ensuring accurate usage documentation and operational readiness.
Develop and enforce studio policies, training standards, and safety procedures, including oversight of external use.
Manage recording and archiving of School of Music performances.
Supervise and coordinate live event streaming operations, including systems, equipment, and student staff in the Coulter building.
Coordinate equipment purchases, upgrades, repairs, and long-term facility planning in the CAT studio and Coulter Building.
Manage software licensing, installation, and system functionality for studio and lab environments.
Teach courses in recording studio techniques live sound, and post-production audio for video, covering skills that include editing, mixing, and mastering; and supervise practicum/independent studies.
Support recruitment efforts and collaborate through service on departmental, college, and university committees.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of the School of Music, consistent with the needs of the program and the qualifications of the candidate.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:
Minimum Qualifications:

Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any other immigration-related assistance.
Masters degree in recording arts, music industry, music production, or a closely related field.
Minimum two years of professional experience in sound recording, audio engineering, music production, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

Collegiate teaching experience or ability to teach collegiate-level courses in recording, sound, and audio production.
Professional experience managing a commercial or academic recording studio facility.
Experience with video production, video editing, and media streaming.

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Review will begin immediately and will remain open until the position is filled. Complete an online application and upload the following attachments:

Cover letter addressing qualifications detailed throughout the position summary;
Curriculum vitae or rsum;
PDF or link to a website presenting examples of professional work
Names, phone numbers, and email addresses for three references.

For questions or additional information, please contact Travis Bennett at tbennett@email.wcu.edu

AA/EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/34096