Senior Scene Technician (6332) About Berkeley
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Departmental Overview
The mission of Cal Performances is to produce and present performances of the highest artistic quality, enhanced by programs that explore compelling intersections of education and the performing arts.
Senior Scene Technicians have demonstrated expertise in one or more areas of stage specialization and can work independently in that area with general supervision from the Senior Director of Operations, Head Carpenter, Head Electrician, Audio/Video Department Head, Event Manager, or Event Sponsor, or their designees. Incumbents have familiarity with technical areas outside of their specialization and are able to perform general duties in those areas. Under the general supervision of the Stage Supervisors, Event Managers, or designated touring personnel, the incumbent will be responsible for the implementation of technical elements of events in Cal Performances' venues or other venues as assigned. Senior Scene Technicians shall have an understanding of and a demonstrated ability to function under performance conditions.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: July 20, 2026
Responsibilities
Production Implementation
Under the supervision of the Stage Supervisors or their designate, the incumbent will be responsible for one or more of the following tasks:
Assists with the implementation of all technical-related elements required by events during pre-hangs, load-ins, rehearsals, shows, load-outs, and changeovers. Performs general stage duties as needed.
Assists full crew with various off-stage tasks, including but not limited to: loading and unloading of trucks, set-up or strike of staging, audio, video, lighting, and/or scenic elements as required in non-performance spaces (e.g., mezzanine events, off-site rehearsal spaces, lobby displays, donor residences, etc.).
Gathers all necessary equipment and safely transports it from storage to the stage for events; returns all gear to storage when it is no longer needed. Follows and improves upon existing systems for identifying and repairing broken items, ensuring all items are in good condition and ready for use. Maintains storage areas in a clean and organized manner.
Practices and enforces safe working habits. Immediately reports unsafe situations and conditions to their supervisors. Proactively works to prevent accidents and manage risk levels on stage and in their work area.
Consistently executes cues correctly per production or in-house instruction.
Engage in maintenance and inspection procedures as required
Other duties as assigned.
Specialization
Senior Scene Technicians have a demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas and can work independently in that area with general supervision from either the Stage Supervisors, Event Managers, Touring Staff, or their designees. Senior Scene Technicians have familiarity with technical areas outside of their specialization and are able to perform general duties in those areas.
Areas of Specialization
Stage Carpentry, Properties, and Rigging:
Safely and appropriately implement production carpentry and property elements as directed. Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair theatrical carpentry system components, including but not limited to: counterweight rigging systems, spot or point rigging systems, block and tackles, and electric chain hoists. Demonstrated skill with overhead rigging, including pulling and assembling points, and weight loading. Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs theatrical properties system components, including but not limited to: in-house or production-supplied equipment, risers, chairs, safety rails, and curtains. Lead other Scene Technicians in specific activities such as: constructing and/or assembling of scenery, hanging soft goods, assembling props, stage setup, cleaning of the stage and off-stage areas, pipe and drape, and general implementation of production carpentry and properties needs. Any and all assigned show running activities, and general clean up and maintenance of work areas and equipment.
Lighting:
Correctly and appropriately hang, circuit, focus, and color lighting plots based on in-house or production-generated paperwork. Operate and maintain lighting system components, including but not limited to: follow-spots, conventional lighting fixtures, LED lighting fixtures, automated lighting fixtures, dimmers, power distribution, transformers, control systems, opto-splitters, and lighting network equipment. Troubleshoot and repair general lighting systems. Work safely at heights, including mobile elevated work platforms, ascend/descend ladders in Front of House lighting positions, and over the overstage grid area. Program, record, and operate cues on industry-standard computerized lighting control consoles as needed. Ability to, or willingness to learn, the operation of a follow spot. Lead other Scene Technicians in specific activities such as: hanging and circuiting of electrics, hanging and circuiting of booms, focus, color changes, and general electrics show running activities, as well as general clean up and maintenance of electrics work areas and equipment.
Sound:
Correctly and appropriately installs, operates, and maintains sound systems and their components. Utilizes past experiences to assist and inform best practices based on the individual needs of each production. Understands and employs the appropriate software for multi-channel audio playback, loudspeaker management, digital mixing consoles, wireless microphone and monitoring systems, and audio networking devices. Understanding and ability to generally coordinate RF in a diverse wireless environment. Ability to appropriately mic and wire a stage based on standard stage plots and under the direction of Stage Supervisors or touring personnel. Troubleshoot and repair sound systems and components, including cabling. Using critical listening skills and acoustical knowledge to mix live performances appropriate to the genre and to the satisfaction of the event sponsor, A/V Department Head, or designate.
Audiovisual:
Correctly and appropriately installs and operates various multimedia visual systems. Maintains and troubleshoots multimedia systems and their components, including: computers, projectors, video cameras, large format and portable LED screens, matrices, extenders, and specialty cabling. Understands and employs appropriate software for camera and large format projector control and optimization, surtitles, video signal networking, switching, and distribution as well as livestreaming and captioning. Using critical skill and aesthetic judgment, operate audiovisual equipment to the satisfaction of the Stage Supervisors, Event Managers, Event sponsor, or their designees.
(20%) Crew Lead
Acts as a crew leader and actively engages in the work to meet the requirements of the production goals for Cal Performances events, rental events, and/or maintenance activities. Actively participates in technical rehearsals with the full crew and performers. This includes the ability to recognize unacceptable work and correct it or bring it to the attention of supervisors. Exhibits leadership by taking the initiative to join in with other crew when work is occurring, without waiting to be asked.
Interacts with Event Managers or designates, Stage Supervisors, touring production staff, artists, performers, and peers in a professional manner. Will utilize customer service techniques to collaboratively solve problems or clarify instructions. Coordinates with non-technical units to ensure smooth event running and timely realization of events.
Works with the Event Sponsors, artists, and performers, to determine and call cues for a given event. Helps to assign these cues among other available Scene Technicians when needed.
Ensures that industry-standard health and safety practices are observed in accordance with general industry practices, UC Berkeley standards, and specific training as provided by Cal Performances. Participates in our safety programs, including fall prevention and protection plans, and dropped object prevention plans. Proactively completes required UC training as assigned and pursues Professional Development opportunities.
Under the general supervision of the Stage Supervisors or designates, may direct crews for planned maintenance projects or other non-theatrical events without direct supervision.
Works with a staff with a wide variety of experience levels; motivates stage crew members and encourages participation and teamwork, modeling and promoting a respectful, civil, and professionally appropriate working environment.
Required Qualifications
Minimum 3 years of experience working in technical theater production in a professional live performance setting for performing arts (theater, dance, and music) presentations, concerts, recitals, conferences, broadcasts, and live streaming events.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to successfully interact with a diverse constituency, and the ability to work with people with varied backgrounds and skill levels.
Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to independently follow through to the successful completion of projects in a timely manner.
Use of the proper PPE to protect themselves and others in various work environments.
Willingness and ability to learn venue-specific systems and operating procedures, and to maintain and/or improve upon them.
Exhibits a positive, approachable attitude; open-mindedness and objectivity. Shows a willingness to collaborate and exudes general professionalism and civility at all times.
Able to quickly and easily adapt to changing situations and priorities in a professional manner.
Able to work long hours, overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to move and manage items weighing up to 50 lbs.
Ability to work at heights utilizing ladders and personnel lifts (once properly trained), around moving machinery, and with exposure to noise, vibration, dust, and drafts.
Willingness to continually learn and keep your skills up to date. Preferred Qualifications
Ability to recognize unsafe working practices and correct them or bring them to the attention of supervisors.
Ability to interpret and explain graphical plots, diagrams, and paperwork to others. These may be industry standard or customized for our venues.
Experience with the safe operation of personnel lifts, power tools, hand tools, pneumatic equipment, and material handling equipment.
Appreciation for a wide variety of performing arts, including dance, music, and theater, preferred.
Knowledge and understanding of IP system networking and general computer components.
Adequate computer skills and a high comfort level with technology.
Industry-recognized certifications are desired (ETCP, CTS, OSHA-10, OSHA-30, etc.) Salary & Benefits
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is: $31.23 to $35.04
