Head Electrician - The Shed

About The Shed



The Shed is a new cultural institution of and for the 21st century. We produce and welcome innovative art and ideas, across all forms of creativity, to build a shared understanding of our rapidly changing world and a more equitable society. In our highly adaptable building on Manhattan’s west side, The Shed brings together established and emerging artists to create new work in fields ranging from pop to classical music, painting to digital media, theater to literature, and sculpture to dance. We seek opportunities to collaborate with cultural peers and community organisations, work with like-minded partners, and provide unique spaces for private events. As an independent nonprofit that values invention, equity, and generosity, we are committed to advancing art forms, addressing the urgent issues of our time, and making our work impactful, sustainable, and relevant to the local community, the cultural sector, New York City, and beyond.



About the Position



This is a Local No. 1, IATSE union position and on an as-needed basis. The Head Electrician will have strong leadership and technical skills, work well under short time constraints, and be able to pivot easily from one task or idea to another. They should be experienced with all aspects of lighting production, and have an in-depth knowledge of NYC vendors and practices. Theater, music, and event production experience is essential, as is an open, creative approach to the production process. Sensitivity to varying artists’ and clients’ needs and patience amidst changing priorities will help immeasurably in this position. A desire to create a world class producing venue is key to success in this position.



The Head Electrician will report to the Director of Production and will work on theatrical performative events in the Griffin or other fixed-building space. The Head Electrician will oversee stage operations as it relates to the installation and operation of lighting elements. The Head Electrician will work closely with the Director of Production, Production Manager, Technical Director, Production Supervisors, and the creative team to assist in managing the lighting process. A flexible schedule is a requirement. Patience and a good-natured attitude will be essential.



Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:



Perform and/or supervise all the responsibilities of the lighting/electrics process



Represent The Shed to designers, visiting crews, and management staff by creating a cordial, cooperative, and welcoming atmosphere; model and support the mission and values of The Shed by working collaboratively with the design and management teams



Supervise and lead the lighting/electrics crew in the installation and operation of the lighting design necessary for theatrical productions mounted at The Shed



Identify and engage crew as approved by management for the filling of work calls



The Head Electrician is accountable for the implementation, operation, and maintenance of the lighting design, as well as lead crew members in load-ins, technical rehearsals, run crews, and load-outs of all theatrical productions; crew size will vary based on the needs of the project



Program and operate the lighting console for all performances, rentals, and events



Have extensive background with moving light technology, LED theatrical fixtures, and conventional theatrical lighting fixtures



Attend production meetings and notes sessions as requested by management



Work with the Production Manager to process payroll on a daily or weekly basis



Maintain a safe working environment in the context of the production’s design; alert management to any personnel, technical, or safety issues which may arise at any time and ensure that proper safety procedures are adhered to



All employees are expected to adhere to all published company policies for The Shed



Act as Production Electrician on Shed-produced projects as assigned by management



Secondary Responsibilities:



Recommend and evaluate practices, policies, and equipment and make recommendations regarding equipment usage and purchases



Maintain tools, equipment, gel, electrics hardware, and expendables



Be available after-hours for phone calls, texts, or emails from management



The ability to read, evaluate, and implement lighting designs from CAD drawing and prints is required



The ability to work collaboratively with a team and work with a variety of personalities



Other duties as assigned



This position is subject to a dynamic working environment in which duties and responsibilities may change; employees are expected to be flexible and responsive to changes in the scope of their duties



Qualifications & Essential Skills:



Strong technical knowledge and experience in theater lighting, including power distribution, power tie-ins, conventional and moving light operation and maintenance, and safe rigging practices



Experience with Vectorworks for analyzing designer drawings



Working knowledge and comfort with Microsoft Office Word and Excel; proficiency in communicating via email and phone; knowledge of the Google Suite of software



Demonstrated proficiency coordinating multiple parts of a production, establishing priorities, and following through on time



ETCP Electrical Certification preferred but not required at time of hiring



Demonstrated experience programming and operating ETC EOS and Gio’s lighting consoles



Minimum Requirements



As part of terms of employment you must be or become a Local No. 1, IATSE member



Five or more years of experience as Head Electrician or Assistant Head in a professional theater production or a professional theatrical venue



Familiarity and experience in working in the NYC theater industry



Demonstrated proficiency in Lightwright



Ability to lift 50 pounds or more occasionally and 25 pounds frequently



The physical ability to stay on one’s feet (standing, walking) for long days (16 hours), multiple days in a row



Ability to work a flexible schedule as needed



Compensation



Compensation for this position is $46.13 per hour, as dictated by collective bargaining agreement.



Application Process



Interested candidates should complete an application and submit résumé and cover letter in a single Word or PDF document saved as candidate's first and last name through our Career Center page. Only résumés and cover letters submitted in this format will be reviewed. No phone calls, please.



The Shed is dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, transgender, and nonbinary candidates. This position will remain open until filled and until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates is identified. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the arts field are strongly encouraged to apply. Whether you’re new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.




Salary: $46.13 per hour