Production Automation Technician

• Reports to: Associate Technical Director

• Compensation: $33.16 per hour plus benefits

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 13.

Applicants must submit a resume and portfolio to be considered for the position.

THE ORGANIZATION

This Production Automation Technician works closely with the Technical Direction team in approach, research and technical design required for the construction, installation, and maintenance of scenic automation systems. This position will assist in the engineering and construction of prototypes, automation systems, non-traditional scenic elements/effects and other special projects as needed. The Production Automation Technician enforces and helps to monitor health and safety procedures regarding automation systems. The person in this role will be expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

Every year more than 500 people, both on stage and off, help ensure our success in creating and supporting the highest level of theater. As an organization, we are committed to our values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Guthrie Theater would like to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Dakota People and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations, including the Ojibwe and other Indigenous nations.

THE POSITION

This Production Automation Technician works closely with the Technical Direction team in approach, research and technical design required for the construction, installation, and maintenance of scenic automation systems. This position will assist in the engineering and construction of prototypes, automation systems, non-traditional scenic elements/effects and other special projects as needed. The Production Automation Technician enforces and helps to monitor health and safety procedures regarding automation systems. The Production Automation Technician is expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

This position is full-time, non-exempt, and benefits-eligible. Compensation for this role is $33.16 per hour plus benefits and is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement with IATSE Local 13. The schedule will be Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., 40 hours per week, 44 guaranteed weeks per season, following the CBA.

The Guthrie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an equitable environment that finds strength in diversity of identity, experience and perspective. We are dedicated to hiring and developing talented teams which are inclusive and welcoming to individuals with different backgrounds, thoughts, and abilities. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Construct, Install, and Maintain Automated Scenery and Effects

• Construct, troubleshoot, advise on and maintain automated scenery as required by any given design.
• Construct prototypes as necessary.
• Build special projects such as automation systems, mechanical effects and other non-traditional elements.
• Interpret designs and working drawings.
• Work individually or as part of a team on projects as assigned.
• Report directly to the Associate Technical Director and work collaboratively with Technical Direction team and Scene Shop Coordinator to implement and maintain automation systems related to Guthrie productions.
• Provide technical assistance and solutions to address issues of safety, function, aesthetics and fabrication.
• In collaboration with the Technical Direction team, coordinate with other production departments to develop plans for the efficient integration of automated scenic elements.
• Determine efficient building processes for automated equipment, including accurate estimates of time and materials needed.
• Transition between tasks and projects when designs or priorities shift.
• Assist with construction of more traditional types of scenery when necessary.
• Attend technical rehearsals and preview performances if necessary.

2. Maintenance of Spaces and Supplies

• Participate in load-in and strike of automation equipment and scenic elements.
• Create service logs and carry out regular inspection and maintenance of automation equipment.
• Where applicable, assist with maintaining rigging equipment and ensure safety compliance in coordination with the Technical Direction team.
• Carry out weekly and seasonal maintenance of both production spaces and related workspaces and equipment.
• Clean and organize workspaces, tools, raw materials and scenic elements.
• Complete weekly inspections of automation equipment actively being used in productions

3. Special Projects and Duties

• Become familiar with design concepts and work with the Technical Direction team to engineer automated scenery and complex effects.
• Work in conjunction with the Technical Direction team to research equipment and technology advancements and make recommendations for new and replacement purchases of automation and stage equipment.
• Evaluate and see to the repair of equipment as necessary. Coordinate with the Technical Direction team to determine the appropriate means for repairs.
• Monitor automation parts stock. Request purchases with the appropriate purchaser as approved by the Technical Direction team.
• Lead dialog with outside vendors and suppliers when troubleshooting existing equipment and/or investigating the purchase of new equipment.

4. Leadership

• Take an active and positive role in setting and maintaining the levels of production craftsmanship and artistic excellence.
• Foster a work environment incorporating the Guthrie values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.
• Advise and assist other Carpenters when requested. Work with Technical Direction team and the appropriate purchaser to ensure information and materials are available to complete all assigned shop projects in a timely and accurate manner.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Extensive experience in a large-scale theater shop environment with design, construction, and maintenance of complex stage machinery and automation equipment, including hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and networking systems.

• Advanced knowledge of mechanical design and the physics of stage machinery.
• Advanced knowledge of electronics, including safe and efficient wiring, relay and switch logic; basic understanding of PLCs; and computer networking.
• Advanced-level electrical knowledge and skills.
• Advanced rigging knowledge.
• Knowledge of a wide range of tools, materials and techniques to make appropriate choices in automation fabrication and scenic construction.
• Can take an active leadership role in setting and maintaining the levels of production craftsmanship and artistic excellence.
• Knowledge in wood and metal scenic construction.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD to work with necessary drawings.
• ETCP (rigging/electrical) and hoist certifications are desirable but not required.
• OSHA 30 certification is desirable but not required.
• Strong commitment to health and safety in the workplace.
• Reflective of the dynamic schedule of the theater, a willingness and ability to work flexible hours/days (within or in addition to the guaranteed 40-hour work week) including evenings and weekends if needed and scheduled, is desired.
• Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams that exemplify diversity of identity, experience, and perspective, including but not limited to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, family and/or marital status, creed, religion, ancestry, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, body size/type, status with regard to public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

Applicants must submit a resume and portfolio to be considered for the position.

THE LOCATION

The Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the largest city in the state, Minneapolis offers a large variety of parks, lakes, great food, festivals, malls and more.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving not only the local Twin Cities community but the industry as a whole.  In addition to a competitive salary, the Guthrie offers top-notch employee benefits and staff perks.

A NOTE FROM HUMAN RESOURCES

Applicants must submit a resume and portfolio to be considered for the position.

Apply online here:

https://recruiting.ultipro.com/GUT1000/JobBoard/47c392e4-6d7f-1e47-226b-ee862ea48cfb/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=5203bfd9-9343-4ec1-bbbf-3646b628adb7