Theatrical Production Technician

This position is exclusively available to current employees of Sonoma State University.

This position remains open until filled. For full consideration, please submit your application, along with a cover letter and resume.

Review the detailed position description above for a comprehensive overview of responsibilities and qualifications.

Under the direct supervision of the Associate Director of Production, with additional guidance from the stage manager for specific shows, the Theatrical Production Technician is responsible for providing live lighting assistance, which includes the setup and rigging of lighting equipment, wiring, focusing lights, and programming/operating lighting consoles. The incumbent also supports live audio needs, including stage wiring, audio patching, and assisting with the rigging and wiring of both indoor and outdoor sound systems. Furthermore, the role encompasses live video support, which involves setting up and operating video and streaming equipment. Events include performances by renowned artists, touring companies, faculty, staff, student performances, and rental events. Additional responsibilities involve setting up amplified sound for live performances, rigging, professional audio and video recording, load-in, setup, strike, and load-out, as well as utilizing lighting, video, and audio software and hardware for recording and post-production. The incumbent will also serve as a stagehand, assisting with stage transitions before and during performances. This role requires frequent work during evenings and weekends, often extending past midnight.

This position necessitates ten years of relevant experience in providing live lighting, video, and audio services for concerts and live entertainment events, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A deep understanding of lighting consoles is essential. Candidates should possess detailed knowledge and experience in live lighting, video, rigging of lighting hardware, stage wiring and patching, rigging projection screens, drapery, and managing power cables and related equipment. Familiarity with stage etiquette is preferred. Membership in professional audio/theatrical organizations is also desirable.

Additionally, this position requires:

• A proven track record of initiative, willingness to volunteer, and the ability to perform duties independently.
• Experience working collaboratively within a team, supporting a determined plan of delivery while maintaining a positive outlook.
• Knowledge of methods, practices, procedures, tools, and terminology related to theatrical lighting, video, and audio.
• Ability to plan and deliver technical support services for events, including lighting, staging, and power management.
• Familiarity with audio equipment and patching.
• Understanding of both analogue and digital audio-visual systems, including software, projection, and front-of-house sound.
• Knowledge of electrical standards and fundamentals.
• Ability to analyze and comprehend technical concepts and language described in contract riders.
• Working knowledge of standard tools and equipment, rigging techniques, counterweight systems, light fixture rigging, focusing and control, and sound rigging and control.
• Capability to identify, plan, and coordinate all technical components of major productions.
• Ability to read and interpret designer renderings, models, blueprints, light plots, and sound designs.
• Comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of technical production and direction across multiple disciplines throughout the creative process.
• Understanding of CSU and University policies regarding facility use, safety, code compliance, and security, with a focus on occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Ability to learn, interpret, and apply relevant policies and procedures.
• Skill in organizing and executing projects with often simultaneous priorities.
• Ability to take initiative and assist in planning, organizing, coordinating, and performing work in diverse situations.
• Capacity to work under pressure, often in public settings with large crowds and visiting artists, while being flexible and managing rapid changes to meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to provide timely responses on related matters.
• Proficiency in utilizing electronic communication and scheduling resources.
• Ability to evaluate information and resource capabilities to make sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within and outside the organization.
• Capability to develop conclusions and make recommendations regarding services, systems, and collaborations.
• Ability to make independent decisions and exercise sound judgment, demonstrating discretion and initiative in complex tasks.
• Capacity to maintain professional relationships with artists, staff, faculty, and students, providing outstanding customer service in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to analyze problems with administrative implications.
• Capacity to anticipate and resolve problems with immediate deadlines.
• Ability to understand and operate high-voltage equipment.
• Understanding of electrical and gas-powered equipment, including generators.

The incumbent must effectively communicate with all levels within the university and establish productive, inclusive working relationships among diverse populations, including staff, faculty, administration, and students. Acceptance of constructive feedback and cooperation in group situations is essential.

This position requires successful completion of a pre-placement physical examination.

Starting salary placement is based on qualifications and experience, anticipated to be in the range of $5,885 - $6,179 per month. This is a full-time, non-exempt position, leading toward permanent status following successful completion of a probationary period.

This position is eligible for a comprehensive range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement (CalPERS), tuition waiver, vacation, and sick leave. Additionally, 15 paid holidays are provided each year, along with a Personal Holiday that can be taken at any time during the year. Sonoma State University is also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Employer.

A detailed benefits summary for this position is available online.

Sonoma State University is dedicated to achieving excellence through teaching, scholarship, learning, and inclusion. In alignment with our Strategic Plan and Seawolf Commitment, our values encompass diversity, sustainability, community engagement, respect, responsibility, excellence, and integrity. We strive to foster a community where a diverse population can learn and work in an atmosphere of civility and respect. We encourage innovation, experimentation, and creativity, as well as contributions to equity and inclusion, in the pursuit of excellence for all members of our university community.

The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be classified as a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

The CSU requires faculty, staff, and students accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare a medical or religious exemption and comply with routine campus testing requirements. Candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to comply with this requirement.

CSU Out of State Policy - As part of the CSU system, Sonoma State University, as a State of California Employer, requires all employees upon hire to reside in the State of California. The CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be satisfactorily completed before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current employees applying for this position.

Sonoma State University does not sponsor staff positions (i.e., H-1B visas).

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

For questions related to the application process, please reach out to the appropriate department.

Sonoma State University's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is available for viewing. This report discloses statistics for fires that occurred within Sonoma State University student housing facilities for three years and outlines fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on campus.