Role Description
Faculty/Service:
Faculty of Arts, Design and Social Sciences
Job Title:
Senior Technician Performing Arts: (Lighting, Audio & Visual Design)
Grade:
5
Category:
Support
Job Purpose:
Working within Performing Arts providing specialist lighting and audio visual design support, to
Performing Arts staff and students. To include, but not limited to preparation of materials and
equipment for teaching sessions, stock/materials control and specification, ordering, care and routine
maintenance. Including expertise in Performing Arts, introducing innovative techniques into areas of
research and academic delivery. With special emphasis on lighting, audio, visual design and production
management in support of production activity across Performing Arts Programmes.
Responsible to:
Principal Technician (Arts)
Generic Duties and Responsibilities:
In line with the University’s Mission, Corporate Strategy and Leadership Attributes, you will:
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Support the Principal Technician by contributing to the provision of professional expertise and
support ensuring that the service provides high levels of stakeholder satisfaction.
Support the needs and expectations of relevant stakeholders by following the University’s
standard processes, procedures and practices as appropriate.
Contribute to the development of a collaborative, collegiate and inclusive culture which includes
sharing information and good practice with others.
Organise, plan and prioritise own work activities, and the work of others where appropriate, to
contribute to the achievement of Faculty objectives and professional standards.
Instruct and advise staff and students on the type and most effective use of facilities and
equipment available to support the teaching and research programmes
Preparation of the facilities, materials and equipment for use by students and staff, as required, in
support of the academic/ research programmes
Maintenance of an up to date knowledge of health and safety procedures and issues relating to
their work environment and across the faculty.
Supervision of routine procedures, and implementation of HSAW policies within specialist facilities
to HSAW standards in accordance with the needs of teaching and appropriate research
Responsibility for the control of equipment/materials and physical resource for practical sessions,
ordering, care, routine maintenance and PAT testing of tools and equipment
Identifying current and future resource needs, e.g. equipment, physical resource, and associated
consumable items, and maintaining stock levels as appropriate. Advising the academic staff, with
regard to resource needs.
Collaborate with academic and technical colleagues in the development of the facilities to inform
Research and Academic Programme development and to contribute ideas towards the
improvement of operations in their section, and the resultant services to users
Contribute to the planning and development of the support service through liaison with the
Principal Technician to ensure that the needs and expectations of relevant stakeholders are met.
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Involvement in planning specialist facility layout and costing of apparatus & resourcing for new
and existing facilities.
Develop and maintain a professional knowledge of their own area of responsibility by engaging
with CPD as appropriate
Demonstrate a flexible attitude to change which will support the University in meeting existing
and future needs.
Act corporately, promoting the ‘One University’ principle and promoting the Faculty or Service
within and outside the University where appropriate. Work co-operatively and maintain effective
relationships with partners as appropriate to own area of responsibility.
Undertake other duties and responsibilities as required.
Specific Responsibilities:
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Provide specialist lighting, sound and AV technical support and design, primarily to performance
staff and students, to include but not limited to preparation of materials and equipment for
teaching sessions, stock/materials control and specification, ordering, care, routine maintenance.
Planning, designing and rigging of lighting for productions.
Manage, maintain and audit all lighting and AV equipment used in performing arts spaces.
Liaising with Directors and stage manager to ensure specialist lighting and sound equipment is
suitable for requirements.
Ensuring the staff and student welfare and maintaining a good working knowledge of all relevant
health and safety, legislation and good working practice in specialist spaces.
When required may be required to liaise with resident staff at other performance venues.
Advise and demonstrate to students and staff the use, capabilities, techniques and safe operation
of equipment, apparatus and materials in accordance with the needs of the academic
programme.
The operation of live and recorded sound as well as the operation, rigging and maintenance of a
range of AV and lighting equipment.
Provide support to academic staff working within the faculty in relation to teaching and learning,
research and consultancy and professional practice.
Undertake relevant and appropriate continuing professional development and training in order to
ensure that their practice and skills are contemporary and able to support a range of performing
arts practice.
Operate as the production manager on performances and events in consultation with academic
staff.
Advise, assist and instruct staff and students on the appropriate procedures for the operation,
monitoring, maintenance, security and use of equipment and facilities in Performing Arts, in
accordance with the needs of the academic and research programmes.
The post holder will routinely address staff and students groups with information of a highly
specialist nature. This involves detailed explanations of lighting and performance concepts to
embrace theoretical conclusions. This will involve leading timetabled practical sessions as well as
supporting other access to specialist facilities.
Production and development of learning materials, for use by students and staff in practical
settings, in line with specified academic outcomes.
Assistance with the planning and construction of exhibitions, performances, galas and shows in
consultation with academic staff.
Management of the equipment loan system for students.
Any other duties as may reasonably be required by the Principal Technician within the scope of
the grade. The particular responsibilities of all members of staff are likely to vary over time,
according to the needs of the service.
This Role Description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and will be subject to periodic
review by the line manager and appropriate others in discussion with the post-holder.
Person Specification
Faculty/Service:
Job Title:
Grade:
Faculty of Arts, Design and Social Sciences
Senior Technician Performing Arts (Lighting, Audio and Visual
Design)
5
E/D
1.
2.
3.
Specific Knowledge
Comprehensive knowledge of creative industry level practices, processes and
procedures relevant to the role including excellent knowledge of contemporary
theatre/performance, sound and lighting design
Demonstrated knowledge and professional production management and/or
stage design experience in the Performing Arts sector in the past 2 years
Excellent working knowledge of key developments in contemporary theatre with
K
workflows
proven
links with the industry and knowledge of companies/practitioners
Ability to develop and demonstrate new skills especially in IT and theatre design
and computer software
Good working knowledge of current health and safety regulations and
procedures
Appreciation of the standards for the conduct and output of the role
5.
E
D
D
E
E
Understanding of relevant policies and procedures, as they affect the role
E
Personal Abilities and Skills
Excellent inter-personal skills
An ability to clearly communicate complex concepts
An ability and willingness to learn new advanced manufacturing processes
A willing and helpful attitude
Commitment to Team working
Commitment to on-going personal and professional development
E
E
E
E
E
E
Experience
Experience of working in an academic environment
Experience of planning and organising the activities of self and/or others
D
E
Experience of working with relevant specialised processes, systems and
procedures
Experience of working independently to mitigate unforeseen problems and
circumstances
Experience of contributing to the development of current working methods
Demonstrable success in building good relationships with key internal and
external parties
Planning and carrying out demonstration sessions supported by documents and
handouts
4.
E
Education/Training
First degree or equivalent experience, preferably in a discipline relevant to the
role, and/or proven relevant professional experience.
Other Requirements
E
E
E
E
E
E
Full Time working to the Faculty’s technical service flexi time scheme, with some
evening and weekend working.
37 hours per week.
There may be a requirement to work off site.
Legend:
E
D
= Essential
= Desirable