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Job Description / Duties

Arts Operations, Resources & Production is a unit within the Faculty of Humanities which manages arts performance venues, classrooms, and creation spaces at McMaster University. This includes the Concert Hall, Black Box Theatre and Robinson Memorial Theatre as well as other artistic-creation research and pedagogical spaces such as the Performance Lab and Fitzhenry Studios.

We are currently seeking a Performance Technician who will facilitate all technical components for venues and spaces managed by the department. They would also participate in the pedagogical support of undergraduate and graduate artistic research by operating as technical resource expert to instructors, researchers, guest artists, presenters, and students. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in lighting, video and digital sound technology as it is applied to the performing arts and video production.

Representative Duties & Responsibilities:

Serve as a technical expert and resource for groups using performance and artistic-creation spaces.
Coordinate with the stakeholders to determine technical requirements and provide technical support and assistance for clients, researchers, and students.
Maintain knowledge of all performance venue and studio equipment and systems, including lighting, rigging, carpentry, audio, and multimedia.
Diagnose and solve technical issues with lighting, audio, and video equipment, sometimes in time-sensitive situations.
Remain current on technical operations to maintain systems and practices at a state-of-the-art level.
Provide advice and guidance to students related to their thesis-based projects.
Gather information on equipment expenditures and secure quotes for approval of purchases of new equipment.
Maintain and calibrate equipment, as well as ensure safe and proper operation and
storage.
Create computer aided drafting drawings of various spaces and projects.
Troubleshoot and determine causes of machinery and equipment failure and breakage.
Repair or supervise repair of technical components of spaces.
Coordinate a variety of events and provide estimates of time and resources required for events.
Design, plan and build properties, or sets as needed for performances, research and projects.
Maintain venue spaces and equipment, keeping them safe, organized and clean, including storage areas, booths, stages, and dressing rooms.
Review all technical requirements and make recommendations as they apply to the venues.
Oversee and ensure that negotiated client production requirements are met for each performance event.
Set-up, strike, and maintain standard stage and technical setups for performance venues.
Provide technical direction and support for performance productions, concerts, special events, and pedagogical project work, including design proofing, setup, rigging, building and budgeting.
Schedule meetings with students to problem solve and review the creation and productions of projects that reflect course objectives.
Design, adapt, and modify studio processes and class demonstrations such as hanging and focusing lights, demonstrating use of audio and lighting systems, etc.
Assist with Faculty artistic creation-centered research as needed to complete technical tasks and projects, including the building of properties and installations.
Ensure all health and safety policies and procedures are adhered to in relation to spaces, technical equipment, and internal and external users. Maintain safe and secure working environments at all times.
Maintain a variety of files and records, including manuals for technical equipment, warranty information and health and safety guidelines.
Input, maintain, and verify information in a variety of databases and spreadsheets.
Remain familiar and knowledgeable of contemporary performative practices and contemporary performing artists.

Qualifications / Required Skills

BA/BFA in Theatre studies, Design or Production or a relevant field of study.
5 years of experience; including 1 year of supervisory experience.

Additional Information

Find more information about this position and apply through McMaster's system by following this link.

35 hours/week - flexible based on needs of unit, some evening and weekend hours may be required (one year contract)

Salary: $31.56 to $44.38 / hour based on experience

Contact Information

Patrick Brennan,
Manager | Arts Operations, Resources & Production
Faculty of Humanities
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton ON L8S 4L9
L.R. Wilson Hall, 2015

(905) 525-9140, 20379
pbrenna@mcmaster.ca

Employer Profile

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679
to communicate accommodation needs.