The Wirtz Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) strongly committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion in all areas of its work, both on and offstage. We believe that the growth and vitality of theatre is dependent upon the inclusion of many voices.  We are excited to work with qualified individuals who bring diverse perspectives and life experiences to the workplace.



Position: Assistant Technical Supervisor

Job Opening ID: 49793

Salary Range: $50,000- $55,000, full University benefits package including health, vision, dental, 401K matching, tuition

Position Start Date: Immediately

Application Link: https://careers.northwestern.edu/psp/hr857prd_er/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL+Action=U+FOCUS=Applicant+SiteId=1+JobOpeningId=49793+PostingSeq=1

Or visit Careers.northwestern.edu and search 49793



Position Overview:

The Assistant Technical Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the high-quality construction, installation, integration and operations of all required scenic elements. This position supervises, instructs and mentors temporary professional staff, graduate assistants, work-study students and student crews in the construction, building, handling and rigging of scenery. They are also responsible, in cooperation with other staff, for the maintenance of staging areas and equipment in all Wirtz performance spaces. This is a full-time position, reporting to the Technical Supervisor and the Production Manager.



Position Responsibilities:

The Assistant Technical Supervisor provides expertise for the construction and engineering of scenic elements for each Wirtz production with consideration for budgetary and time constraints. They are responsible for working with the Technical Supervisor to generate necessary drafting and information for the construction of designed scenery and ensure that scenery is executed safely with a high level of craftsmanship and efficiency. This position executes projects alongside the scenic carpenters; they are responsible for instructing and supervising graduate and undergraduate students in techniques necessary for construction, handling, rigging, installation and operation of all scenic elements, while prioritizing and modeling the safe use of tools and equipment. Additionally, they maintain a clean workplace, assist in the maintenance and general upkeep of tools, equipment and inventory; prioritize safety and best working practices; and maintain and update Safety Data Sheets for all products employed.



The successful candidate must possess outstanding communication skills and the ability to collaborate with both student and professional designers and across all production departments. The position requires collaboration with design and directing faculty to support student learning goals.



Essential Skills and Attributes:

Self-motivated team player who handles pressure well while working in a deadline-oriented industry and embracing a safety orientated work environment.

Open-mindedness and ability to collaborate successfully with a wide range of colleagues including students, faculty and theater professionals

An ability to produce high quality scenery as specified in design renderings

Strong ability to generate and analyze drafting for the purpose of construction and installation

Experience in budgeting and labor management.

Knowledge of common metal, plastics, fabric, wood-working tools and techniques; knowledge of painting techniques and applications

Excellent organizational skills

Exemplary work habits and the ability to teach them to others

Experience leading teams in the construction and installation of scenic elements; ability to organize and establish priorities for the work of others

Undergraduate degree OR equivalent experience; 3+ years professional experience in creating scenery




Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

Experience in an educational environment-- Scenic Construction or Design

Basic working knowledge of sewing

Knowledge of OSHA standards and safety protocols




Work Environment and Physical Demands: The Assistant Technical Supervisor is expected to be hands-on in the execution of all scenic applications. This position requires that applicants be able to lift 50 pounds. The position may require work with hazardous materials and use of specialized safety equipment.



Qualified candidates will be expected to comply with the Wirtz Center+rsquo;s and Northwestern University+rsquo;s Covid Safety plans, which continue to be updated per latest state and Federal guidelines.