Item 3.A-August 9, 2013
ADMINISTRATIVE FACULTY POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE
To expedite and facilitate the PDQ review process, please send the PDQ and Org Chart electronically to
marshag@unr.edu for discussion and for initial review before routing PDQ for approval signatures.
Questions - call UNR Faculty HR at 682-6114
INSTRUCTIONS: See http://www.unr.edu/hr/compensation-and-evaluation for complete instructions.
Incumbent(s) Name (if applicable): Michael Fernbach
Position #(s): 10369
Current Title: Specialist, Tech/Theatre Design (JCC 77072)
Current Range: 3
Department: Theatre and Dance
College/Division: College of Liberal Arts
Account #(s): 1101-112-2201
Action Proposed: (check all that apply)
( ) New position: Proposed Range:
Proposed Title:
( ) Title Change, Proposed Title:
(X) Proposed Reassignment from Range 3 to Range 4 (disapproved-remains at R3)
( ) Revised PDQ only (no change in range or title)
JCC (Current
( ) Line of Progression (show titles below)
or new HR
Range:
assigned):
I certify that the statements in this description are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
____________________________________________________________
Employee’s Signature
__________________
Date
I/we have reviewed the statements in this form and they accurately reflect the job assignments.
____________________________________________________________
Immediate Supervisor’s Signature Robert Gander, Chair, Theatre and Dance
__________________
Date
____________________________________________________________
Director/Chair/Dean Heather Hardy, Dean, College of Liberal Arts
__________________
Date
Approved for Salary Placement Committee review.
____________________________________________________________
__________________
Pres / Vice Pres / Vice Prov Signature Stacy Burton, Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs Date
Action Approved by the Provost/President (Completed by Faculty HR):
77072 Range:
3
Pos #(s): 10369
JCC:
EEO: 3A
Eff: 8/1/2013
Approved Title: Specialist, Technical/Theatre Design
Employee signs on “final” stamped approved PDQ and sends to HR for personnel file.
Employee Signature:_______________________________________________ __________________
Date
Printed Name: ____________________________________________________
Rev: 10/1/2012
Position Description - Specialist, Technical/Theatre Design
Page 2
1. Summary Statement: State the major function(s) of the position and its role in the
university. Attach an organizational chart with positions, ranges, and names for the division
which reflects the position in it as well as those supervised in the department. (This section is
used for advertisement of the position.)
The Specialist, Technical/Theatre Design, provides technical expertise and support for the Theatre
and Dance Department productions. The individual teaches for-credit classes in theatre lighting and
sound design, design aesthetics and drafting, automated lighting, backstage practicum, and computer
drafting. The Specialist instructs and supervises Theatre and Dance students and student workers in
lighting, sound, audio visual, and special effects equipment and is responsible for theatre scheduling,
equipment maintenance, and staffing. The position reports to the Chair, Theatre and Dance.
2. List the major responsibilities, including percentage of time devoted to each. Provide
enough detail to enable a person outside the department to understand the job (percentage
first with heading and then bulleted information).
60% - Technical and Artistic Design, Theatre and Dance Productions
 Design, plan, integrate and implement lighting, sound and special effects for Theatre and
Dance productions
 Provide technical and artistic consultation for all productions
 Attend preparatory meetings to contribute original ideas for technical and artistic concepts
 Act as the liaison between guest performers and the department to insure lighting and other
equipment needed for performances is available and ready
 Supervise students and student workers in the setup of stage requirements for productions
30% - Administrative Operations
 Research and assess new equipment needed and insure maintenance and upkeep of current
equipment; maintain inventory of equipment
 Purchase and maintain lighting, sound and special effects equipment for the department
 Schedule events and coordinate technical and staff requirements for Redfield Theatres for
outside department users
 Schedule HVAC needs for Redfield Theatres
10% - Instruction
 Teach courses to instruct students in theatre design aesthetics and drafting, in theatre lighting
and sound design, in automated lighting and AutoCAD, and in the proper operation of
theatrical lighting, sound, and special effects equipment
 Oversee and assist with backstage practicum classes
 Provide technical expertise and supervise lighting and sound design students for student
dance and theatre productions
3. Describe the level of freedom to take action and make decisions with or without
supervision and how the results of the work performed impact the department, division and/or
the university as a whole.
Level of Freedom:
The Specialist provides leadership and technical expertise to faculty and students in the performance
of assigned responsibilities. The position makes daily decisions without direct supervision on technical
Position Description - Specialist, Technical/Theatre Design
Page 3
and management of theatre and dance productions and applies own judgment in resolving problems
out of the normal scope of work. The Specialist instructs and supervises the work of students and
student workers on all productions. The incumbent provides technical assistance and coordinates
productions with Theatre and Dance academic faculty and students and with guest performers. The
position researches and assesses need for new equipment and makes recommendations to the
supervisor for approval. The supervisor is consulted on long-term goals and mission of the program
and gives final approval on purchases of new equipment for Theatre and Dance productions and
instruction curriculum for students.
Impact:
The design decisions made by the Specialist impact the final product of Theatre and Dance
Department productions which are the primary representations to the general public. Decisions
regarding the instruction of students in the use of theatrical equipment impact their safety as well as
the longevity of the equipment. Equipment purchase decisions impact the departmental and
production budgets. The final product from the position is very visible to the public and therefore has
a direct impact on the perception of the University and its reputation.
4. Describe the knowledge, skills (to include cognitive requirement and verbal and written
communication), and abilities (to include task complexity, problem solving, creativity and
innovation) essential to successful performance of this job (in bullet format).
Knowledge of:
 Theatrical lighting and sound design
 Operation of computerized lighting consoles
 Operation of analog and digital sound consoles
 Automated lighting fixtures, set up and operation
 Theatrical sound equipment, set up and operation
 Curriculum, instruction, or learning methodologies
Skills:
 Effective verbal and written communication of design concepts to directors and other design
and production staff
 AutoCAD and WYSIWYG computer program proficiency
 Organizational skills for scheduling and staffing for non-departmental uses of facilities
 Theatrical design and production
 Decision-making and problem-solving skills
 Interpersonal and human relations skills
 Supervisory skills, including an ability to teach and mentor staff and students
Ability to:
 Maintain theatrical lighting and sound equipment
 Communicate with other faculty, staff and students in a precise, timely and cordial manner
 Be sensitive to gender, disabilities, and cultural and ethnic diversity issues
5. Describe the type of personal contacts encountered in performing the duties of the job.
Explain the nature and purpose of these contacts: i.e., to provide services, to resolve
problems, to negotiate.
Internal
Faculty and staff
Reason for Contact
To coordinate administrative needs of productions and provide
production design and implementation
Position Description - Specialist, Technical/Theatre Design
Students
Other campus departments
External
Off campus groups
Guest performers
Page 4
To teach technical courses in theatre and dance production,
design and implementation
To manage and schedule requests for use of Redfield Theatres
Reason for Contact
To manage and schedule requests for rental of Redfield Theatres
To act as a liaison with the department for scheduling and
production of performances
6. Indicate the minimum qualifications which are necessary in filling this position should it
become vacant. Please keep in mind the duties/responsibilities of the position rather than the
qualifications of the incumbent.
a.
Minimum educational level, including appropriate field, if any.
Master of Fine Arts degree from a regionally accredited institution with emphasis in
Theatrical Design
b.
Minimum type and amount of work experience, in addition to the above required
education necessary for a person entering this position.
Master’s of Fine Arts degree and two years of experience in theatrical lighting and
sound system operations and maintenance plus instruction of students in theatre and
dance productions
Preferred Licenses and Certifications: None
c.
Indicate any license or certificate required for this position.
None