Electric Assistant

Department: Production

Reports to: Production Manager

Status: Full-time, non-exempt

Hours: The position is paid on an hourly basis in accordance with the wage provisions and conditions contained as part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between I.A.T.S.E. Local No. 13, St. Paul, Minnesota and Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, must have the ability to work long hours, work weekends and holidays.

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Position Summary

The Electric Assistant is a full-time, non-exempt, position that shall work with the Head Electrician in the accomplishment of responsibilities pertaining to the department. This position requires the crew member to directly interact with clients and Extra Crew members and requires a positive and supportive attitude as well as a strong work ethic both when working with the clients and Extra Crew members.

The work responsibilities, conditions of employment, and wage conditions of the Assistant are governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local No. 13, St. Paul, Minnesota and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. The position is also governed by all Ordway personnel policies for full-time employees, where such policies do not conflict with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assist Head Electrician on productions in both the Music Theater and McKnight Theatre, providing pre-production, production and post-production services.

2. In the absence of the Head Electrician, the Assistant provides work direction for all Extra Crew personnel, and other personnel as circumstances dictate.

3. Responsible in conjunction with the Head Electrician for maintenance, repair, handling, operating, and supervision of all systems related to OCPA Production Electrics Department, including theatrical and architectural lighting systems and their components; control consoles and associated software; auxiliary control system electronics hardware and software; dimmer rack electronics and associated hardware; electrical distribution system circuitry; high-voltage distribution feeder systems; low-voltage control signal distribution systems; electrical raceways, wiring, panels and hardware; portable multi-conductor cabling and wiring devices; lighting instrumentation, fixtures, and associated hardware; and other system elements.

4. Responsible for the proper maintenance, repair, handling, and operation of production electrical equipment and elcrtromechanical devices at the Ordway. This includes orchestra enclosure power distribution, movement and lighting circuitry; orchestra pit lift power and safety circuitry; work light power and control circuitry; power tools; and other related equipment and devices.

5. Provide technical support for clients and users of the Ordway as well as artists engaged by the Ordway, in the production and presentation of events as it pertains to the Electrics department. Such support would include the interpretation and coordination of lighting design plots and concepts; the engineering and supervision of concerts, presentations, and theatrical productions; the determination, layout, and coordination of lighting system specifications; the supervision and coordination of electrical shop work; and other necessary and/or appropriate areas of support.

6. Assist other production department personnel when engaged non-jurisdictionally in the set-up, operations, technical production and strike of concerts, recitals and events.

7. Analyze and implement improvements on department related systems for efficiency, operations effectiveness and safety.

8. Analyze and implement improvements on department related systems for efficiency, operations effectiveness and safety.

9. Provide input on equipment purchases, rentals, repairs and upgrades.

10. Provide recommendations to Production Department management regarding personnel required, both in number and skills, to meet department schedules and responsibilities when department head is absent.

11. Assist with maintaining inventory of department spare parts, tools and supplies.

12. Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required and/or assigned.

Qualifications

Education
High School diploma required. College degree preferred (B.A. or B.F.A.) or equivalent experience.

Skills, Knowledge, Ability

  • Must possess a working knowledge of electrical work for the professional theatre, as well as a professional skill level, and trade "craftsmanship" associated with the ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the electrics department.

  • A minimum of five years working experience as a professional theatrical electrician is preferred.

  • Basic understanding of electrical principles, formulas, drawings, stage lighting plots and basic computer literacy.

  • Must be familiar with and keep up to date with professional theatre practices and techniques, as well as equipment operation and maintenance.

  • Membership in the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (I.A.T.S.E.) is highly desirable. Must be able and willing to become and remain a member of Union Local 13 or tender periodic dues and initiation fees to the union.

  • Must possess ability to work cooperatively with a variety of clients, and serve as liaison with departments to coordinate and plan efficient work schedules.

  • Experience with large staffs and complex schedules are preferred.

  • Must be able to use and understand various kinds of test equipment, tools, and meters such as volt, ohm, and amp meters.

  • Must have working familiarity with all other standard theatrical equipment.

  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Equipment Operated

  • Intelligent lighting including ETC console operation, color scrollers, and moving heads, console programming, hang and focus of shows, running light board during performances, operating lighting equipment and all forms of conventional lighting instruments.

  • Working knowledge of touring and portable theatrical lighting systems, including the specifications and operations of control consoles and auxiliary panels, system interface electronics, dimmer racks, power distribution panels, multi-conductor cabling and circuitry, theatrical lighting instrumentation and hardware, and other system elements.

  • Working experience and/or knowledge of comparable equipment listed in #3 and #4 above.

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