STAFF USHER

JOB SUMMARY

The San Francisco Symphony sets the highest possible standard for excellence in musical performance. Our patrons’ experience of excellence at Davies Symphony Hall however, begins well before the first note is played.

Whether it’s before the performance, during intermission, or after the concert, our patrons interact with ushers in a variety of ways. You all play a very special role as ambassadors to the public, and your own “performance” contributes to the enormous pleasure and satisfaction that is the San Francisco Symphony experience.

The Staff Usher position is a part-time position. The work hours are flexible and can include morning, evening, and weekend hours. Staff Usher shifts are scheduled by the House Manager on an “as needed” basis. Shifts are subject to availability. This position is not eligible for San Francisco Symphony sponsored benefits. However, this position may be eligible for certain benefits through select ordinances of the City of San Francisco.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Usher responsibilities are divided into three parts: Pre-Patron Arrival, Patron Arrival, and Post Concert. The responsibilities listed below are an outline of common duties performed on a given night. There may be other minor responsibilities as outlined by the House Manager.

Pre-Patron Arrival

• Check in with House Manager to discuss the evening program.
• Distribute program booklets to boxes throughout the house.
• Input ticket scanners with the current performance code, distribute, then retrieve scanners at opening and close of performances.
• Provide House Manager with nightly attendance capacity.
• Give orientation to volunteer ushers, check-in and assign seating areas to volunteer ushers, and ensure proper dress code of volunteers.
• Inspect seating area for broken or missing chairs, report any broken chairs, lights, faucets, doors, etc. to House Manager, and ensure handicapped seats have been removed by the Stage Electrician.
• Check emergency flashlights are in working condition.

Patron Arrival, Seating and Concert

• Timely opening and closing of doors.
• Greet and address patrons’ questions and concerns.
• Scan tickets and direct patrons to ticketed area.
• Ensure food and drink is not taken into restricted areas.
• Resolve ticket issues i.e. duplicate tickets, unreadable tickets, etc. and seating issues i.e. poor sightlines, fear of heights, etc.
• Resolve disputes between patrons i.e. talking, disruptiveness.
• Respond to notices of camera flashes, videotaping, cell phones, etc.
• Respond quickly to unexpected handicapped needs in the seating area and assist patrons with a wheelchair if transportation is needed. Also, assist patrons with walkers, storing and returning when needed.
• Organize late-comers and implement late-seating in a timely fashion.

Post Concert

• Coat-room duties include receiving and returning coats, bag, bikes etc.
• Coat-room ushers distribute and return assisted listening devices.
• At close of performance scan seating area for lost and found items.
• Clear seating area of patrons with special attention to patrons in restrooms.
• Set-up, break-down, and facilitate artists’ CD and book signings.
• Check in with House Manager before clocking out at the end of the evening.

Other

• Work at offsite locations, i.e. Palace of the Legion of Honor, Stern Grove, etc.
• Attend Emergency Response Plan meetings, implement Emergency Response Plan when necessary and place radio call to First Aid staff when needed.
• Attend Red Cross sponsored CPR, AED and Life Saving courses.
• Attend committee meetings, i.e. Ushers’ Liaison Committee.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required to become a member of the Theatrical Employees Union – Local B-18.
• Experience as an usher in a performing arts venue.
• Must be able to provide usher coverage for an assigned area for an extended period of time, which may include standing.
• Able to work weeknights and evenings.
• Customer service and patron or guest service experience preferred.
• Ability to work with and supervise volunteers.
• Excellent verbal communication.
• Conflict resolution experience in customer service and retail.
• Flexible attitude and patient/tactful in resolving conflict.
• Professional/polish in appearance and polite demeanor.
• Ability to use scanner and two way radio/walkie talkie.
• Follow appropriate dress code including children’s concert uniform (provided), business attire for day time performances, and formal attire for evening performances.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required to become a member of the Theatrical Employees Union – Local B-18.
• Experience as an usher in a performing arts venue.
• Must be able to provide usher coverage for an assigned area for an extended period of time, which may include standing, walking up and down stairs and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Able to work weeknights and evenings.
• Customer service and patron or guest service experience preferred.
• Ability to work with and supervise volunteers.
• Excellent verbal communication.
• Conflict resolution experience in customer service and retail.
• Flexible attitude and patient/tactful in resolving conflict.
• Professional/polish in appearance and polite demeanor.
• Ability to use scanner and two-way radio/walkie talkie.
• Adhere to appropriate dress code including children’s concert uniform (provided), business attire for daytime performances, and formal attire for evening performances.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please visit www.sfsymphony.org/careers. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at ccarter@sfsymphony.com or you may call us at 415-503-5334.

EEO STATEMENT

In alignment with the values statement above, the San Francisco Symphony celebrates diversity and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The San Francisco Symphony believes that diversity and inclusion among our employees is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the San Francisco Symphony will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.