Job Board/Babillard d'emplois > Head Carpenter - Pacific Opera Victoria
This is a Seasonal, Part-time position.
Category: TechnicalProvince: Victoria, British Columbia
Position: Head Carpenter
Deadline: June 30, 2025
Posted: June 4, 2025
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Job Description / Duties
The duties of the Head Carpenter shall include but not be limited to the co-ordination of the Set Construction Department and the manufacture of all scenic elements as specified in the designs. The Head Carpenter is responsible for disbursement of the assigned budget and delegation of work required for the efficient operation of the Department. They shall produce construction drawings for all scenery; liaise with designers regarding details and finishing techniques as specified in the designs, liaise with other departments to coordinate and accomplish the timely completion of finishing techniques. They shall be responsible for the care and maintenance of shop equipment, ensure that all scenery is constructed and rigged to ensure safe installation and use at the performance venue. They shall plan and manage pack, load in, load out, and onstage set notes.
Qualifications / Required Skills
Skills & Responsibilities:
• Apply advanced carpentry skills to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality scenic builds
• Construct and fabricate scenic elements from technical drawings and designer specifications
• Develop construction drawings and documentation for scenic builds
• Oversee scenic construction and rigging, with a proactive, safety-first approach
• Liaise with designers and all production departments to ensure seamless collaboration and timely completion of scenic elements
• Plan and supervise all aspects of load-in, installation, onstage adjustments, and strike
• Collaborate with other departments (paint, props, electrics, costumes, etc.) to support integrated production needs
• Supervise and delegate tasks to carpentry staff and casual crew, fostering a respectful, collaborative work environment
• Manage assigned budgets, schedules, and materials procurement for scenic builds
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized shop and stage environment in compliance with safety standards
• Inspect and maintain shop equipment, power tools, and rigging gear
• Maintain accurate inventory and maintenance records of scenic equipment and materials
• Support other production activities, including special events, rentals, and touring needs
• Attend production and company meetings as required
• Demonstrate problem-solving and adaptability in a fast-paced production environment
• Promote and uphold a respectful, inclusive, and professional workplace
• Communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally with designers, team members and production staff
Qualifications:
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in theatrical carpentry or scenic construction
• Post-secondary education in technical theatre, scenic construction, or equivalent professional experience
• Proficient in reading and interpreting scenic and construction drawings
• Experience supervising crew in unionized production environments, with a leadership style that promotes collaboration and mutual respect
• Strong knowledge of rigging systems, fly systems, safety standards, and industry practices
• Working knowledge of scenic materials and construction techniques, Carpentry, welding, etc.
• Experience with costing, scheduling, and managing resources
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple deadlines
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Familiarity with CAD software such as Vectorworks (asset)
• Valid Class 5 BC driver’s license (asset)
• First Aid certification (asset)
• Comfortable working at heights, with power tools, in low-light or loud environments, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
Additional Information
This position is a seasonal contract running from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 with the Pacific Opera shop typically operating from July to May.
All Opera Shop production staff work under the jurisdiction of IATSE Local 168.
Benefits include:
• 5% in employer RRSP contributions
• 5% vacation pay
• 4% in lieu of benefits
• Access to a health and welfare fund paid for by Pacific Opera and administered by IATSE Local 168
• Guaranteed Minimum Hours for the season: 800
The typical work week is Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. The positions require some evening and weekend work, and hours will vary depending on production schedules.
- Carpentry, 8:00am-4:30pm
- Wardrobe, 8:30am-5:00pm
- Props, 8:30am-5:00pm
- Paint, 8:00am – 4:30pm Wednesday - Sunday
Production Dates:
Head Carpenter
Show 1 - (The Turn of the Screw)
Prep: July 14, 2025 (1 wk)
Prep & Build: July 21, 2025 (1 wk)
Set Build (add carps): July 28 – Aug 29, 2025 (5 wks)
Notes as called: Sept 2 – Oct 10, 2025 (60 hrs max)
Load In & Strike: Oct 13 - 16, 2025 & Oct 28 – 30, 2025 (7 days max)
Show 2 - (Tosca)
Prep: Oct 6, 2025 (1 wk)
Prep & Build: Oct 20, 2025 (1 wk)
Set Build (add carps): Oct 27 – Dec 19, 2025 (8 wks)
Notes as called: Jan 5 – Feb 6, 2026 (50 hrs max)
Load In & Strike: Feb 9 - 12, 2026 & Feb 24 – 26, 2026 (7 days max)
Show 3 - (Orpheus & Eurydice)
Prep: Jan 12, 2026 (1 wk)
Prep & Build: Jan 19, 2026 (1 wk)
Set Build (add carps): Jan 26 – March 6, 2026 (6 wks)
Notes as called: March 9 – April 10, 2026 (50 hrs max)
Load In & Strike: April 13 - 16, 2026 & Feb 28 – 30, 2026 (7 days max)
*Subject to Change
*Holiday Shop Closure: Sat Dec 20 – Sun Dec 28, 2025 & Thurs Jan 1, 2026
Salary: $37.87 per hour plus benefits, in accordance with IATSE Local 168 collective agreement with Pacific Opera Victoria
Contact Information
For more details please visit our website: https://pacificopera.ca/about-us/careers-auditions/
Please apply with a cover letter and resume to: jobs@pacificopera.ca
Applications will be reviewed as received.
Employer Profile
Pacific Opera Victoria is one of the most influential professional opera companies in Canada. Our vision is for a world in which opera enriches the lives of everyone. Our mission is to create distinctive and inclusive opera experiences which inspire and engage artists and audiences. We deliver our mission with integrity and uncompromising adherence to our values: Quality, Leadership, Innovation, Collaboration, Learning, Inclusivity and Stewardship.
Pacific Opera Victoria identifies Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Reconciliation among its Core Values and encourages applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds.
For more information about Pacific Opera, please visit our website www.pacificopera.ca.