Interested in working for us?

Position Title: Assistant Technical Director

Pay: $800-$850/week on a W4 (Commensurate with experience)

Hours:  Full-Time seasonal position, begins ASAP,  40 hours a week through May 27, 2022. Hours are variable as determined by the needs of shop projects. Position may require nights, weekends, and over time. 

Benefits:  For the current fiscal year, all hourly employees accrue paid time off starting with their first hour worked. 

About Philadelphia Scenic Works

Philadelphia Scenic Works (PSW) is a fully outfitted theatrical scene shop, paint space and props shop that provides high-quality, affordable scenic and props fabrication, storage, and build space. PSW serves the Philadelphia region’s robust community of non-profit theatre companies and other cultural and educational organizations by maintaining the highest artistic standards, while embracing a more sustainable future through shared pools of recycled, reused, and repurposed stock and resources.

Location

Philadelphia Scenic Works space is located at 2855 Emerald Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134. Additional work will be conducted off site at project/client locations.

PSW is committed to building an inclusive and diverse community; Applicants must be comfortable working with diverse populations. PSW is an equal opportunity workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, ethnicity, race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. 

Vaccination Requirement

To protect the health and safety of all personnel and our customers, PSW is mandating that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to beginning work, unless a reasonable accommodation is approved by PSW.

PURPOSE

Philadelphia Scenic Works is in search of an Assistant Technical Director to support PSW’s Shop Foreman on projects and fabrication. The ATD will assist the Shop Foreman with overhire management, project planning, and build execution. 

MAJOR DUTIES:

The Assistant Technical Director must demonstrate clear competence as a carpenter, welder, rigger, and draftsperson. Any show the ATD is assigned to, they may be expected to lead portions of the build, install, or strike. During the course of any given project the Shop Foreman may have the ATD create build draftings, or create a cost out. Any draftings or cost outs created or edited by the ATD will be checked by Shop Foreman before moving on to either the client or the shop floor. The ATD is the eyes and ears of the Shop Foreman whether on site or in the shop. 

Essential Functions

• Staff management
• Open and Closing of Physical shop space
• Oversee rental clients
• Machine and Tool Usage
• Be able to lift and carry at least 80 - 100lbs.
• Prolonged standing, frequent bending and stooping
• Climbing of stairs and ladders
• Occasional work from height
• Materials acquisition
• Supervise external job sites
• Travel up to 60 miles
• Drive and operate machinery (Trucks *Up to 26 Foot Box*)
• Materials pricing
• Frequently requires hours on nights and weekends

Minimum Experience

• A high school diploma or the equivalent
• 4 years of progressively responsible experience in scenic construction for live events or film, ideally at the regional level or higher.

Minimum Tangible Skills

• Working knowledge of:
  • Rigging
  • Counterweight operations
  • Theatrical Construction
  • MIG Welding
  • Vectorworks
• Must be able to read and interpret build and design draftings
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in a team, and lead a crew
• Must be able to use hand and power tools effectively
• Comfortable driving box trucks, lifts, and other machinery

Preferred Qualifications (These are not required we encourage applicants with the minimum skills above to apply)

• A Bachelor’s degree in technical theatre or a related field is preferred.*
  *Acceptable equivalent experience and training includes 4 years of work in related field
• Working knowledge of:
  • TIG Welding
  • Vcarve Pro
  • G-code
  • Pex plumbing
  • Scenic Painting
  • Theatrical Electrics
  • Sound reinforcement
• Strong written communication skills
• Experience operating a CNC machine

JOB FUNCTIONS

Work Area

In most cases the work of the ATD will take place at the PSW workshop space in the Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia. Additional work locations will include off site theatres, museums, and other organizations. 

Supervision Structure

The ATD will report directly to the Shop Foreman. Job assignments, scheduling, and oversight will be handled by Shop Foreman.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The ATD will oversee any riggers, welders or carpenters on the shows they are assigned to, and should field any questions on the shop foreman’s behalf.