Senior Production Technician

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Positional Summary

Provide operation and technical support within Venue and Production Management for lighting, audio, video, and other technical systems including rigging and stage carpentry for events and performances in campus theatre and mixed use venues. Work includes but not limited to setup; strike; sound, lighting and video operation; carpentry and painting; rigging and fly rail operation. Work with artists, producers, designers, faculty, and students to ensure the smooth and safe execution of events that typically are in theatre venues for one or more days. Provide support in campus theaters including Page Auditorium, Reynolds Industries Theatre, Sheafer Lab Theatre, Griffith Film Theatre, Baldwin Auditorium, and Rubenstein Arts Center as well as other campus venues. Ensure events run safely, on time and at the highest of quality and standards.

Key Position Duties

Operations Support (30%)

• Participate in the day-to-day aspects of Venue and Production Management theater operations to ensure effective operational procedures.
• Install, maintain, and program all lighting, sound, stage and video equipment for theatrical, musical, and other entertainment events by utilizing a thorough understanding of stage production.
• Operate conventional and modern lighting, sound and stage equipment during rehearsals and performances, following audio or visual cues
• Operate, instruct, and manage others in a variety of technical and specialized equipment, materials and devices related to theater technology including but not limited to mixing and recording sound, hanging and operating theatrical lights, building in metal and wood, rigging, projection and video equipment, and machinery as required.

Technology Support (25%)

• Confer with other staff members and clients to ensure the correct provision of technical services for events.
• Monitor and track equipment usage for each event to ensure accurate event billing.
• Maintain effective communication with staff, university personnel, and individual production crews.
• Assure highest quality of professionalism for every event and associated work.

Supervision & Management (30%)

• Coordinate and direct the work of student and other contracted workers.
• Assist in the training of new personnel, supervise and coordinate the efforts of student organizations.
• Work in a team, managing the expectations and demands of a number of people, and effectively communicate ideas and needs to them.
• Supervise technicians, students, other users, and local theatre union stagehands (IATSE) in the provision of backstage support services.
• Maintain proper scheduling, break times and start and end times for all event needs.
• Assure strict compliance with all safety regulations, requirements, and standards.

Departmental Support (10%)

• Maintain open communication with managers, technical and box office staff regarding issues with both events and theater maintenance.
• Attend department and production meetings as necessary.

Other Duties (5%)

• Perform related duties as assigned or required to meet department, division and university goals and objectives.

Qualifications, Skills, and Competencies

Preferred Skills and Competencies

• Certification in one or more appropriate technical disciplines through the Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) is strongly preferred.  New and current employees not currently certified are expected to complete certification within two years from date of hire.  Current ETCP Certification areas include; Arena Rigger, Theatre Rigger, Entertainment Electrician, and Portable Power Distribution Technician.
• Understanding of networking schema used in modern control protocols in theater and entertainment technology such as DMX512 and RDM (Remote Device Management)
• Familiarity with modern lighting consoles and understanding of programming logic and skills used in advanced digital lighting systems
• Understanding of configurable network hubs that interface between ETCNet and universal DMX communication protocols
• Understanding of digital audio systems which utilize a combination of software, hardware, and network protocols to deliver uncompressed, multi-channel, low-latency digital audio over standard Ethernet networks
• Ability to utilize digital audio consoles to provide sound reinforcement in support of events and performances
• Basic to intermediate level of proficiency on equipment and systems used in modern entertainment industry
• Understanding of basic video projection set up including best practices for individual situations, lens selection, cable management, source management, and monitoring options
• Intermediate to advanced level working knowledge of the software systems typical of the entertainment industry such as Vectorworks, Lightwright, and QLab
• Ability to work under pressure on projects and work with people of varying experience levels
• Excellent organization skills and the ability to manage concurrent projects and priorities within established guidelines
• Strong communication skills – verbal, written and interpersonal
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, with a commitment to collaboration
• Ability to problem solve independently
• Ability to work within and uphold policies and procedures set forth
• Valid NC driver’s license required.  Must complete and maintain required compliance, vehicle safety checks, and training in order to remain eligible to drive Duke vehicles.   

        Working Conditions

• Exposure to noise and dust, heights associated with rigging and catwalks
• Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally, climbing ladders, working at heights on ladders and lifts, frequent use of stairs, work in low light conditions, and frequent use of tools.
• This position will be expected to work extended hours, night and weekend shifts required on a regular basis.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to carry, push or pull items up to 50 pounds, climb ladders, and wear safety equipment as required, including safety harnesses.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $20.12 to USD $32.22.  Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your pay check.  Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/ or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work requires a thorough background in technical theatre normally acquired through a Bachelor's degree program in theatre or closely related field.

Experience

No experience beyond the degree is necessary; however, four years experience in technical events support or theater production normally acquired through a special events technician or related position may be substituted for the degree.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.