Associate Technical Director

Location: Scenic Design and Technology Works 120 Bet-Tech Drive, Aliquippa, PA 15001 or Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, One Lincoln Park, Midland PA 15059

Reports to: Technical Director

Job Type: Full-Time

Starting Rate: $47,400/year plus benefits

Travel: Primary report location to the Scenic Design and Technology Works (shop) but will need to travel to Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center at various times for meetings and scenic needs

Job Summary:

The Associate Technical Director supports the Technical Director with the operations of the construction center to ensure that productions are engineered, built, installed, and presented with a mind toward aesthetic integrity and with regard to maintaining a safe and collaborative working environment for all.  This position will consistently follow high standards of business and professional ethics when dealing with others and/or performing work activities.

Job Responsibilities:

• Supports the Technical Director in leading the production team, cast, and crew to achieve workable and safe productions throughout all stages of the project.

• Assist in the drafting of construction drawings, ground plans, and section views (when not provided) based off the designer’s draftings.

• Track production budgets and submit receipts for all purchases made for show builds and shop supplies.

• Collaborates with the Technical Director, Shop Foreman, and other member of the Production Staff to troubleshoot and resolve issues with the build, develop crew schedules, and ensure that the shop has all necessary materials and tools required to complete projects.

• Help estimate costs and build time of initial designs based on designer drawings and suggest adjustments/present options to designers/directors as needed.

• Maintains and manages all equipment in the theaters. This includes responsibility for the up-keep and repair of scenery, properties, soft goods, automation, and any other additional technical elements for current productions.

• Actively participates in the construction and transportation of all scenic pieces.

• Provides quality control to ensure that all scenic elements are constructed safely and match the designer’s vision.

• Read rehearsal and performance reports and respond promptly to all questions from the Stage Manager/ Director

• Ensures a clean stage, scene shop, and storage facilities.

• Attends and participates in staff meetings, full company meetings, and production meetings as needed.

• Attends and participates in load-ins, strikes, technical rehearsals, and performances as needed.

• Works independently or with the appropriate team member(s) in identifying and managing the resolution of issues that may arise in the workplace.

• Responsible for maintaining a safe environment.  This includes, but is not limited to the following:

  • Providing day-to-day safety oversight of employees;

  • Ensuring employees are properly trained prior to utilizing equipment;

  • Maintaining cleanliness of all work spaces;

  • Ensuring that all tools, supplies, and chemicals are stored properly;

  • Ensuring that all employees are trained and well-versed in theatrical compliance;

  • Maintaining a strong knowledge of and adhering to all safety protocol and procedures throughout the course of employment.

• Keeps immediate supervisor promptly and fully informed of all problems or unusual matters of significance.

• Accepts and performs other duties as assigned.

• Regular and predictable attendance, punctuality, and strict adherence to the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center attendance policy are essential functions of this position.   

Minimum Qualifications:

• Excellent technical skills, scenic construction techniques, rigging, and budget management. Some knowledge of scenic paint treatments.

• Experience in safe usage of a counterweight fly system and soft goods handling.

• Budget management and ability to comfortably track spending of multiple projects at once

• To perform this job successfully, an individual will be proficient with SketchUp, Vectorworks, or other comparable drafting software

• Ability to multi-task and work within deadlines.  Must have the ability to plan projects and adhere to established schedules.

• Ability to remain calm and productive in difficult situations.

• Ability to work independently and leading a crew in a team environment.

• Strong problem-solving abilities are required for this position.  Must be able to quickly identify and provide solutions to issues.

• The Associate Technical Director exercises a significant amount of independent judgment and discretion in performing the job responsibilities of the role.  It is essential that the Associate Technical Director has a high degree of integrity, honesty, commitment, and trust. 

• Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills. Excellent verbal communication skills are essential.

• Excellent inter- and intra-personal relationship

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience welding (aluminum welding a plus)

• Experience operating a CNC machine.

• Experience working and creating automated pieces 

• Comfortable driving a 26’ Box Truck

Required Education:

• BA or BFA in Technical Theater or minimum of 5 years experience related experience

Preferred Education:

• MFA in Technical Direction or related field 

Required Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid Driver’s License

Preferred Certifications:

• ETCP Rigging Certification

• Forklift Certification  

Physical Requirements:

• Normal shop hours scheduled Monday-Friday from 9-5:00 PM but occational weekends and evenings may be required throughout the season.

• There is frequent need to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, carry items, use the hands and fingers, climb stairs, balance, kneel, occasionally lift objects up to 50 pounds, and perform other similar actions during the course of the workday.

• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

• An essential function of this position is the employee’s full time attendance and physical presence within the shop.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance (100% employer paid)

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance (100% employer paid)

• Life insurance (100% employer paid)

• 401k Retirement Plan with a company match up to 5%

• Paid Time Off

• Paid Holidays

Responsibilities and time allocation may change over time to meet the needs of Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center and can include other duties as assigned.

Candidates must be able to pass a background check.

All genders and ethnicities are encouraged to apply to work with us to make these productions happen! Technicians of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, gender identities and expressions, and those living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center Employment Application Form, to Maria.Scheller@lppacenter.org.