Assistant Technical Director at Emerson College in Boston, MA

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The Assistant Technical Director position reports to the Technical Director and will provide supervision of the backstage operations in the theatre performance and production support facilities of the Office of the Arts. This role will assist with rigging, carpentry, props, wardrobe, and scenic projects, including, but not limited to, managing and directly supervising intermittent and student labor during load-ins, load-outs, shows, and events. In addition, this position will work with the Office of the Arts staff and outside clients to provide superior production values, while maintaining safe working practices. This is an important role that requires accuracy, attention to detail, and a passion for theatrical production.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Liaise as necessary with all involved parties to enable the production of Theatrical Performances and other events.
Serve as a point of contact to answer questions regarding sets, rigging, props, wardrobe, hair, and makeup.
Work with the Technical Director and Associate Technical Director, outside designers, and other Office of the Arts staff to ensure the proper construction of sets and rigging points on and above stage during load-ins in a safe manner.
Collaborate with other Office of the Arts Production members on scheduling to ensure smooth order of operations during load-ins, load-outs, show runs, and other events.
Serve as fly-rail operator, rigger, or Technical Supervisor on Duty as required.
Provide solutions to issues that arise related to scenic pieces and rigging.
Assist the Technical Director and the Associate Technical Director with developing maintenance plans, schedules, and inspections for all Office of the Arts theatrical venues and scenic, rigging, props, wardrobe, hair, and makeup equipment.
Plan and complete routine and emergency maintenance of Office of the Arts scenic, rigging, props, wardrobe, hair, and makeup equipment as directed by the Technical Director.
Lead overhire or student technical assistants in maintenance projects as directed.
Collaborate as necessary with the Lighting Supervisor and the Assistant Lighting Supervisor to ensure the good working order of the lighting equipment inventory throughout the venues managed by the Office of the Arts.
Complete all necessary administrative work.
Schedule, train and supervise stagehands and student technical assistants; supervise overhire freelance fly-rail operators overhire freelance riggers as required.
Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS – Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to effectively perform job.

High School Diploma or equivalent required
1-3 years of relevant experience required. Experience as a Theatrical Technician preferred
Experience of leading and developing crews required
Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with the job.

Demonstrable knowledge of theatrical operations and equipment
Strong knowledge of theatrical scenic construction and rigging techniques
Knowledge of AutoCAD drafting
Knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite
knowledge of theatrical industry safe production practice and schedule management preferred
Knowledge of welding, rigging, and automation preferred
Knowledge of the theatrical industry and OSHA safety procedures and practices
Self-starter with good problem-solving skills
Ability to work in high-stress situations with varied personalities

PHYSICAL ABILITIES – Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This position is active in nature, continuous movement is required.
Ability to have continuous oral and written communication with co-workers and supervisors is essential.
Repetitive movements, frequent lifting of up to 100 pounds, reaching, pushing, stooping, climbing, and the ability to read a computer screen, detect color-coding, and read fine print will be expected.

WORK ENVIRONMENT – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

This position works in a theatre and an office environment
Exposed to the very loud noise levels of power tools and sound systems
Occasionally exposed to extreme temperatures and inclement weather conditions
Exposed to dust, oils, chemicals, and fumes
Exposed to vibration, moving mechanical parts, and the risk of electric shock
Works at height and various stage elevations
May occasionally work in a confined space

Compensation for this role is $18.20 to $21.40 hourly, commensurate with experience. This position requires an in-person presence on the Boston Campus during the work week.

Compensation: $18.75 - $22.05 hourly, commensurate with experience.

Grade of Position: 23-03NE

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40.00

Division: Division of Office of the Arts

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week.

Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.