ZACH is a non-profit organization that creates intimate theatre experiences that ignite the imagination, inspire the spirit, and engage the community. The Technical Director is in charge of the on-time and on-budget execution of Scenery for Main Stage, Family Series, Education, and Event productions, including support of Development and Marketing events, at the direction of the Director of Production. This position works in conjunction with the Stage Operations Supervisor and Assistant Technical Director in order to achieve high pace and safe scenery change overs, including leading load-in and load-out of scenery, automation, and special effects. This role maintains budgets, creates calendars, schedules, hires and supervises technical personnel for all operations at the Nowlin-Renaud Scenic Studios, including Scenery and Paint shops. This position is responsible for guiding the scenic construction and engineering decisions throughout the design process including automation and special effects. In conjunction with the Assistant Technical Director, the TD produces accurate and detailed drawing packets including ground plans, sections, and construction drawings for all productions. The TD is responsible for the daily operations of the Nowlin-Renaud Scenic Studios supervising the fabrication and paint shops and their teams and resources.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervises the Nowlin-Renaud Scenic Studios Scenic and paint shops including the building and delivery of all scenery, automation, and special effects for all productions–this includes the reviewing, budgeting, scheduling, staffing, drafting, construction, installation/load in, storing, and load out of all theatrical productions
• Responsible for the development of engineering and construction solutions for production design, including automation solutions, structural design, rigging solutions, and material specification and procurement
• Responsible for the development of build schedules and estimates in coordination with the Assistant Technical Director and Lead Scenic Charge
• Supervises the execution of technical and construction drawings by the Assistant Technical Director for all Scenic, Paints, and Properties
• Orchestrates Load-In and attends Technical and Dress Rehearsals, and Design Meetings at the Director of Production’s direction
• Implements Nowlin-Renaud Scenic Studios workplace safety program and develops new protocols and processes to maintain safe and best practices in a dynamic workplace, including holding weekly meetings about safety and current productions
• Supervises all scenery and paint staff of the Nowlin-Renuad Scenic Studios including approval of timesheets, PTO requests, performance feedback, review and growth, and hiring/termination of full-time, part-time, and temporary part-time staff
• Maintains all production equipment, tools, stock goods, and scenery at the Nowlin-Renaud Scenic Studios
• Coordinates all facility repairs, maintenance, inspections, and compliance of the Scenic Studios in coordination with the ZACH Facilities Lead and General Manager
• Works effectively with the Stage Operations Supervisor, Lighting Supervisor, Audio Visual Manager, and other departments to coordinate and achieve safe, efficient, and high paced changeovers
• Keeps the Director of Production informed of any problems within the Scenery Department via weekly budget updates and general sharing of information
• Oversees FIFO Materials Inventory system for Scenic Studios
• Development and maintenance of production and show budgets, as well as the submission of receipts to Finance according to set deadlines and processes
• Special Events: Works with Development, Director of Production, and the Artistic Director in the scheduling, logistics and technical requirements of company events
• Supports technical needs of facility rentals

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• 6+ years of scene shop leadership (preferred), including budget and hiring experience OR 3+ years of scene shop leadership and an MFA in Technical Direction or related field, with specific knowledge of Stage Automation practices, equipment, and techniques

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated planning and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Demonstrated skills in situational leadership, recruiting, hiring, and developing staff
• Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, manage projects and multitask
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing
• Ability to interact with all levels of the organization, vendors, and other key stakeholders
• Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, lead personnel and projects, and multitask efficiently
• Demonstrated experience in managing artisan teams with multiple priorities and varied needs
• Mathematical skills including structural design, geometry, algebra and trigonometry
• Demonstrated skills that encompass all areas of theatrical carpentry/ craftsmanship
• Ability to produce construction drawings, from concept to shop floor, using both 2D and 3D AutoCAD drafting techniques
• Ability to project material and labor costs for scenic units
• In depth demonstrated knowledge of theatrical rigging systems and stage automation
• Ability in design and installation of Stage Automation solution, with preferred familiarity of Creative Conners equipment and SpikeMark software
• Demonstrated knowledge of 3d Printing, CnC, and other advanced fabrication techniques, specifically in preparatory drafting
• Demonstrated knowledge of scenic painting techniques and tools
• Working knowledge of MS Office including MS Word and Excel, as well as Google Suite
• Ability to operate panel vans and box trucks up to 24’ in length
• Ability and desire to be a part of a technical problem solving environment
• Willingness to safely operate forklift per ZACH protocol after in-house certification
• A demonstrated knowledge of stage operations
• A general knowledge of equity and union rules
• A working knowledge of theatre history and the design processes
• Working knowledge of electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems
• Ability to perform all work with a direct reflection of the vision, mission, and values of ZACH Theatre

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This is an on-site, campus-based role. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Ability to lift, push, pull or otherwise maneuver up to 70 lbs repeatedly, either alone or with assistance
• Comfortable working on ladders, mechanical lifts or other high places
• Comfortable working in confined spaces
• Comfortable with mechanics and automation
• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to work with a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends as scheduled
• The noise level in this work environment is typically moderate and can be high

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: Director of Production

Supervises (if any): Scenic Studios Scenery and Paint Staff, Overhire Artisans and Technicians

Supports: Production, Development, Education, Rentals

Peer collaboration/communicates with: Costume Shop Manager, Stage Operations Supervisor, Lighting Supervisor, Audio Visual Manager, Wardrobe Supervisor, and other members of the Production Team

ZACH is committed to ensuring an equitable and inclusive workforce and we strive for a team that reflects Austin’s diverse culture. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, sex or age.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $69,000.00 – $76,000.00 per year

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ZACH is a non-profit organization that creates intimate theatre experiences that ignite the imagination, inspire the spirit, and engage the community. The Stage Operations Supervisor ensures the safe operation of all stage equipment and the installation of all stage rigging and automation as designed by the Technical Director. Additionally, the Stage Operations Supervisor hires and trains all deck crew, line set operators, riggers, and stage operations staff and collaborates with Stage Management to assign run crew positions for each show. Other responsibilities include the scheduling of the loading dock and the production coordination, and the load-in and load-out of all theater rentals. This role plays an active part in leading the day-to-day operations of all venue activities and acts, in partnership with the Technical Director, to plan and execute safe and efficient on-time and on-budget production changeovers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Manages the on-time and under-budget delivery of all rigging, automation, and stage operations needs for all productions and events
• Manages the safe, timely and economical installation, maintenance, improvement and organization of all stage equipment and systems including counterweight fly system, stage house fire systems, stage automation, fall protection and other PPE and coordination of specialized vendor repairs, inspections, and maintenance
• Directs the Stage Ops Lead and Run Crew (in conjunction with the Technical Director and Properties Master), in the maintenance of scenic and properties elements throughout the run of each production
• Manages inventory, expendables and budgets for materials, rigging, safety equipment and other Stage Operations budget lines
• Responsible for recruiting, hiring, training and contracting all needed stagehands and crew for each production
• Works closely with the Technical Director in the planning of production logistics for load-in, strike, and changeover
• Determines all load-in overhire staffing needs, distributes overhire call communications, and contract/supervise all overhire load in staff in coordination with the Technical Director
• Creates a positive forward-thinking environment where employees are focused on problem solving, teamwork, and open to assisting other departments as needed
• Works with the rental department to provide staffing for facility rentals
• Processes time sheets and negotiates pay rates for stage operations employees
• Leads the annual Production safety training (with the Technical Director) and participates in establishing and enforcing safety practices in all venues and ensures that employees are trained as required by applicable standards
• Maintains and updates Production Overhire Database for personnel
• Maintains clean, safe, and organized workplace and venue spaces

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree OR education and experience that yields the required knowledge, skills and abilities. (Required)
• At least three years of supervisory experience in stage operations or management at a professional regional theater (Preferred)
• ETCP Rigging Certification in progress or completed (Preferred)
• Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated planning, organizational, team-building and command skills
• Demonstrated multitasking, time management and problem-solving skills
• Ability to supervise crews on simultaneous projects across multiple venues
• Ability to interface with guest artists and resident staff to forward organizational and artistic goals
• Ability to anticipate and address challenges that span multiple departments
• Ability to design and implement stage lighting and special effects for productions, rentals, concerts, and special events
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing and to be detailed when typing and proofing materials
• Ability to perform all work with a direct reflection of the vision, mission, and values of ZACH Theatre

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This is an on-site, campus-based role. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Must be able to work a flexible and weekly changing schedule that includes nights, weekends and holidays, as required
• Must be able to climb ladders, work at height, and lift and carry up to 70 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision and ability to tell differences among colors
• The noise level in this work environment is typically moderate and can be high

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: Director of Production

Supervises: Lead Electrician, Programmer and Lighting Board Operator, Overhire Crew

Supports: Production, Development, Education, Rentals

Peer collaboration/communicates with: Lighting Supervisor, Properties Manager, Technical Director, Manager of Costume Shop, Production Coordinator, Company Manager, Manager of Audio/Video, and Wardrobe Supervisor

ZACH is committed to ensuring an equitable and inclusive workforce and we strive for a team that reflects Austin’s diverse culture. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, sex or age.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 – $55,000.00 per year

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