Computer Network Volunteer

Basingstoke Radio is a vibrant, growing community radio station dedicated to bringing local news, great music, and engaging talk shows to our borough. Run entirely by passionate volunteers, we provide a voice for local people, charities, and businesses.

The Role

As  our Computer Network Volunteer, you will play a vital role in ensuring our studio computers, servers, and broadcasting equipment stay connected. Whether you are an experienced IT professional looking to give back, or a student wanting to build a real-world portfolio, this role offers a great opportunity to support local community media.

Key Responsibilities

• Network Maintenance: Monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain our local studio network (wired and Wi-Fi).
• Hardware Setup: Assist in setting up and configuring network switches, routers, firewalls, and network-attached storage (NAS).
• Security & Backups: Ensure our network is secure from external threats and help manage regular data backups for audio archives and station software.
• Troubleshooting: Provide occasional technical support to our presenters and staff when connectivity issues arise.
• Documentation: Maintain simple, clear records of the network setup, passwords (stored securely), and hardware configurations.

This role can be carried out at home or in the studio and is expected to take between 2 & 3 hours a week with a need for increased availability during recruitment drives or special events.

What’s in It for You?

• Build Your Portfolio: Gain hands-on experience managing a live, active network environment.
• Community Impact: Know that your technical skills directly keep our community station broadcasting.
• Flexible Volunteering: We can work around your existing job, studies, or personal commitments.
• Friendly Team: Join a welcoming, creative group of local radio enthusiasts.

If you are interested, please express your interest.

Skills

What We Are Looking For

• Good knowledge of basic networking concepts (IP addressing, DHCP, DNS, LAN/WAN, and Wi-Fi setup).
• Familiarity with Windows and/or Linux operating systems.
• A hands-on, problem-solving attitude.
• Ability to explain technical issues to non-technical volunteers in a friendly manner.
• Reliability and a commitment to keeping our station online.
• (Desirable but not essential) Experience with audio streaming protocols or studio-over-IP technology.