Casual Technician

Job Title: Casual Technician

Responsible to: Head of Technical & Production, Senior Technicians, Technicians

Key Relationships: Head of Technical & Production, Technical Team, visiting company technical staff, artists.

Job Purpose 

To engage in the safe, efficient and high-quality delivery of all productions, events, and activities, whilst providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. The Casual Technician assists in delivering the highest technical, artistic, operational and health and safety standards. Working closely with the Technical & Production team, the post holder will contribute to technical preparation, equipment maintenance, health and safety, and the continuous improvement of technical operations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Planning and Production Preparation.
  • Support the Technical & Production team in the planning and delivery of the theatre's programme.
  • Understand the technical requirements and solutions required.
  • Contribute to the delivery of in-house productions and projects.
  • Identify potential technical or health and safety issues and report significant concerns to the Head of Technical & Production.

Technical Delivery and Production Support

  • Support the technical delivery of visiting productions and events, ensuring agreed technical requirements are met.
  • Undertake get-ins, fit-ups, technical rehearsals, performances and get-outs when required.
  • Provide hands-on technical support across lighting, sound, AV, stage operations, rigging and stage machinery, according to experience and production requirements.
  • Operate technical systems and provide support where required.
  • Assist in the resolution of technical problems during rehearsals, performances and events in a calm and professional manner.
  • Ensure technical operations are delivered efficiently while maintaining appropriate standards of safety and customer service.
  • Take responsibility for delegated technical operations and escalate significant technical, operational or safety issues appropriately.

Teamwork and Supervision

  • Provide day-to-day assistance to technical and production staff when required.
  • Assist the technical & production team during get-ins, performances and get-outs, understanding clear direction and ensuring effective communication.
  • Share technical knowledge and good practice with colleagues.
  • Encourage high standards of professionalism, teamwork and technical practice.
  • Foster an inclusive, collaborative, professional and safe working environment.

Health, Safety and Compliance

  • Support the Head of Technical & Production in maintaining the highest standards of health and safety across technical and production activities.
  • Ensure technical activities are undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations, licensing requirements and organisational policies.
  • Understand risk assessments, method statements and safe systems of work.
  • Identify and address unsafe working practices and report significant concerns to the Head of Technical & Production.
  • Assist with the maintenance, inspection, testing and repair of technical equipment and infrastructure.
  • Promote a positive culture of health, safety and wellbeing within the technical department.
  • Create an up-to-date understanding of relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice.

Visiting Companies, Artists and Customer Service

  • Provide a professional, welcoming and solutions-focused technical service to visiting companies, artists, producers and hirers.
  • Establish effective working relationships with visiting production teams.
  • Always Represent Jersey Opera House professionally.

Creative Work

  • Provide technical support to the development and delivery of in-house productions.
  • Work collaboratively with directors, designers, performers, production staff and other creative practitioners.
  • Contribute to efficient production processes for in-house work.
  • Employ creative and innovative approaches to the use of the theatre's technical resources.

General

  • Always act in the best interests of, and be an ambassador for, Jersey Opera House.
  • Take positive action to promote Equal Opportunities in all aspects of the work of Jersey Opera House.
  • Agree to abide by Jersey Opera House policies such as Health and Safety, Safeguarding etc.
  • Maintain confidentiality in all areas relating to Jersey Opera House.
  • Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested.

Person Specification 

Essential Experience and Skills

  • Experience: Experience working/ supporting in a theatre, performing arts venue or comparable live performance environment.
  • Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of theatre technical procedures, stagecraft and production technologies, with a broad understanding of other technical areas. Practical knowledge of lighting, sound, AV, stage, or rigging operations.
  • Teamwork: Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Health and Safety: Basic knowledge of health and safety requirements relevant to theatre and live performance and industry best practice.
  • Problem Solving: Technical problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  • Deadlines: Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
  • Planning and Organisation: Reliable, organised and willing to work flexible hours.

Desirable

  • Professional qualification in technical theatre, production management, engineering or a related discipline.
  • Relevant technical qualifications or certifications, including working at height, rigging, first aid, fire safety or electrical qualifications.
  • Experience of programming and operating ETC lighting consoles.
  • Experience of programming and operating DiGiCo digital audio consoles.
  • Experience with show control systems and software.

Working Conditions

  • Willingness to work evenings, weekends and public holidays to support rehearsals, performances and events.
  • The role involves manual handling, working at height and prolonged periods of standing.
  • The post holder may be required to work in confined spaces and other challenging technical environments.
  • Flexibility is to meet production and performance schedules.
  • The role may require working to tight deadlines and responding to changing technical requirements.
  • The post holder must maintain appropriate levels of physical fitness and competence for the practical requirements of the role.

Key Competencies

  • Teamwork.
  • Planning and Organisation.
  • Problem Solving.
  • Health and Safety Awareness.
  • Communication.
  • Customer and Client Focus.
  • Adaptability.
  • Attention to Detail.

Hours of Work

This is a casual position with no guaranteed hours. Shifts will be offered according to Jersey Opera House's technical department, performance and event requirements and may include daytime, evening, weekend and public holiday working.

Flexibility around the theatre's performance schedule is essential.

To apply, email [email protected] for an application form.