Senior Production Technician (Part Time)

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Positional Summary

Provide operational and technical support, in a part-time capacity, within Venue and Production Management (VPM) for lighting, audio, video, and other production systems. The VPM team is responsible for events and performances in campus theaters and mixed-use venues. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, event setup and strike, operation of sound, lighting, and video systems, carpentry, and rigging and fly rail operation.

Collaborate with artists, producers, designers, faculty, students, and other stakeholders to ensure the smooth, safe, and professional execution of events, typically held in campus venues over one or more days. Provide support across a range of performance and presentation spaces, including Page Auditorium, Reynolds Industries Theater, Sheafer Lab Theater, Griffith Film Theater, Baldwin Auditorium, and the Rubenstein Arts Center.

Ensure all events are executed safely, on schedule, and in alignment with the highest standards of quality and excellence.

Key Position Duties

Event Production and Operations - 50% of Effort

• Support the successful execution of events and performances by contributing to all aspects of Venue and Production Management operations.
• Install, maintain, and program lighting, sound, stage, and video systems for theatrical, musical, and other live events, applying a thorough understanding of stagecraft and production technologies.
• Operate lighting, sound, and stage equipment during rehearsals and performances, accurately following production cues and timelines.
• Train, guide, and oversee others in the safe and effective use of technical theater systems and equipment, including, but not limited to, sound mixing and recording, theatrical lighting, scenic construction, rigging, projection, video, and stage machinery.

Collaboration and Partnership - 25% of Effort

• Work collaboratively with staff, faculty, students, and clients to ensure technical services align with event goals and artistic vision.
• Coordinate with campus partners, external vendors, and production teams to verify technical specifications and event logistics.
• Promote an inclusive, cooperative, and solutions-oriented working environment across all production activities.

Leadership and Supervision - 20% of Effort

• Lead and supervise production teams, including staff technicians, student workers, event users, and IATSE stagehands, ensuring safe and efficient backstage operations.
• Oversee scheduling, call times, and break periods to maintain compliance with labor and safety standards while supporting overall production efficiency.
• Uphold and model best practices in workplace and production safety, ensuring full adherence to university and industry regulations.
• Support a culture of transparency, teamwork, and accountability within Venue and Production Management.

Other- 5% of Effort

• Perform related duties as assigned or required to meet departmental, Division and University goals and objectives, as assigned by their Supervisor, Director, or respective designees.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $20.52 to USD $32.86. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family- friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum Education

Work requires a thorough background in technical theatre normally acquired through a Bachelor's degree program in theatre or closely related field.

Minimum Experience

No experience beyond the degree is necessary; however, four years' experience in technical events support or theater production normally acquired through a special events technician or related position may be substituted for the degree. OR ANY OTHER EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE.