Performing Arts District Technical Specialist (Performing Arts Technician Ii)

Position Summary

The Performing Arts District (PAD)Technical Specialist provides support for four stages for the PAD performances, productions, practicum classes, showcases, special events, tours, and workshops. This includes, but is not limited to, assisting with and supervising the installation and removal of all scenic, lighting, sound and projection equipment, overhead rigging, and audience risers for Prebys Theatre productions and specified Mainstage Productions.  This position also supervises and trains undergraduate and graduate students including work study students, graduate assistants, and student crew members.  The PAD Technical Specialist is responsible for ensuring their work is in compliance with legal requirements, industry standards and best practices.  This position is also responsible for the maintenance and repair of theatre lighting, sound, and projection inventory.

SDSU is an innovative institution that promotes and supports diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do: research, teaching, professional development, student experiences in and outside the classroom, and community relationships. Our values compel us to foster such an environment, where community members of all identities can thrive. We embrace SDSU's identity as a Hispanic-Serving Institution on the border and recognize our residence on Kumeyaay land. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to serving and/or addressing issues related to underrepresented populations.

This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position. This position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation. Standard SDSU work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.

The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts (PSFA) is one of eight instructional units of San Diego State University.  The College is comprised of ten diverse departments and schools:  the departments of Aerospace Studies, Military Science and Naval Science; the schools of Art, Design and Art History, Communication, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Journalism and Media Studies, Music and Dance, Public Affairs, and Theatre, Television and Film as well as ten research centers. 

Additionally, the College oversees the Performing Arts District, which serves as a regional powerhouse in training and performance and is a vibrant hub for collaboration and bringing together various disciplines and providing students with state-of-the art facilities to nurture their talents and thrive. 

For more information regarding the Performing Arts District, click here.

Education and Experience

One to two years of experience working for a theater, repertory or stock company engaged in the applicable production specialty such as costume construction, stage and set construction, lighting production, and/or sound/audio production. This background normally would be achieved through professional training or applicable college coursework and practical

Key Qualifications

• Four to Five years of practical experience in any field of technical theatre, preferably in any of the following disciplines (Scenic, Lighting, Sound, or Projection Design or Technology) is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in any of the following disciplines of technical theatre production (Scenic, Lighting, Sound, or Projection) is preferred.
• ETCP certification (rigging-theater, electrician, power distribution) is preferred.
• Ability to assist in the training and work direction of a diverse range of students involved in productions.
• Knowledge of Lighting, Sound, and Projection system set-up and integration (including networking for Lighting, Sound, and Projection systems).
• Working knowledge of Lighting, Sound, and Projection equipment repair (including Moving Light, and  LED lighting fixtures) 
• Ability to analyze equipment problems and determine what repairs are needed.
• Knowledge of, or the ability and willingness to learn, theatrical rigging standards and practices, including counterweight systems.
• Knowledge of current safety standards and practices.
• Experience with installation of Dance flooring.
• Ability to work at heights of 50 feet or more.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 70 pounds.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• CA drivers license or the ability to obtain one within 10 days of hire.
• Basic first aid and CPR certification or the ability to obtain certifications within 10 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary upon appointment is not expected to exceed $4,584 per month. 

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department's fiscal resources.

San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For more information regarding SDSU benefits, please click here.

CSU Classification Salary Range: $3,733 - $6,755 per month. 

Diversity and Community at SDSU

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. 

Through our commitment to equity and inclusion, we encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement.  For more information, click here.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU's Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Supplemental Information

Initial review of the required application materials, including cover letters and resumes, will begin on November 14, 2023.  To receive full consideration, apply by November 13, 2023.  The position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

SDSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers all qualified candidates for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered military and veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Tina Deesen at tdeesen@sdsu.edu