Head Electrician - Cornell University, Department of Performing and Media Arts

The Department of Performing and Media Arts is housed within the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts. Its walls encompass the elements needed for teaching and performance in theatre, film, and media and dance: four performance spaces; dance and theatre rehearsal studios; a sound stage; scenery, costume and prop shops; sound and lighting design studios; and film editing and production suites. The Schwartz Center serves as a catalyst for the creative and intellectual endeavors of the many talented students, faculty and staff at Cornell.

The Head Electrician is a critical dual-role position, serving as both a pedagogical mentor and a lead technical expert in the Department of Performing and Media Arts. This role ensures that the sophisticated performance facilities of the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts are fully aligned with the department’s teaching mission, integrating complex facility systems with the artistic and instructional needs of faculty and students. 

This position is responsible for the maintenance, planning, and safe operation of conventional and automated lighting systems in support of all types of performances and events, as well as video projection systems in live and mediated productions.

This position will:

·         Support the teaching, both in classrooms and through mentoring, of the theory and methodologies of lighting and projection technologies.  

·         Implement the hang and focus of light plots across four theatres; repair and maintain the light stock, lighting supplies inventory, and projection equipment; and maintain the Light Lab Classroom. 

·         Create original lighting designs for small scale performances and events.

·         Oversee, plan and schedule student work in electrics and projection via Production Laboratory PMA 1610, Media Lab 1410, Production Crew 2610, and with work study students. 

·         Provide directly, and/or supervise students in providing, technical support to events and activities of student organizations and other groups using the Schwartz Center.   

 

Work schedule requires many evenings and weekend work in order to fully execute the light design, focus, touch-up, repairs as needed and changes from directors and designers; attendance at all rehearsals and shows required.   

 

This is a regular, full-time continuing 9-month appointment (full-time during the 9-month academic year; mid-August through mid-May) paid over 12 months. *

Required Qualifications: 

Master’s degree in lighting design and technology, theatre technology, or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Three to five years’ extensive experience in technical theatre including the operation and maintenance of electrical, mechanical, sound and lighting systems, and related equipment utilized in the performing arts.  Requires a strong background in production management and in-depth understanding of electrical and mechanical systems and equipment utilized in support of traditional and experimental artistic performances.  Ability to deal with often conflicting interests and demands of faculty and students.  Excellent communication and diplomacy skills.  Must have supervisory experience and the proven ability to cultivate and maintain collaborative effective work relationships.  Must be proficient in ETC ION and ETC Element lighting consoles, and QLab software.  Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.  

 

Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of cinematic lighting and an interest in working in both theatrical productions and film sets is a plus.

Salary: $54157-$62585