Technician, General Events

RWS Entertainment Group; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job description

To support and be a key point of contact for the day-to-day technical operation and maintenance of RWS Global events & experiences product, including daily power up/down, show operation, maintenance, fault finding, record keeping, compliance, and monitoring of all RWS Global events technical systems and other associated equipment installed and used within shows, walk through attractions, and any other RWS Global experiences. Ensuring that all technical elements are operated and maintained in compliance with health and safety and legal requirements, company policies and procedures, along with industry best practice at all times. To complete necessary compliance paperwork and documentation during routine and unplanned system operation and maintenance. To react swiftly to unforeseen scenarios or system faults and utilise previous experience and knowledge to fault find, diagnose, repair, or replace equipment as needed to maintain maximum system reliability and availability at all times. To make suggestions as appropriate for system improvements and upgrades. To take ownership of all areas of control continually striving to innovate and deliver excellent experiences to our clients and their guests.

KEY TASKS

Role & Responsibilities:

1. Follow all production deadlines. If a deadline cannot be met, provide written notice to the appropriate RWS Global Supervisor or Technical Director in advance.
2. Ensure all work complies with safety regulations (Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and all applicable local and international regulations).
3. Maintain compliance with all RWS Global and client policies, including codes of conduct, and travel/dress guidelines.
4. Complete all duties and services to the satisfaction of the Company and the Client.
5. Assist with overall production, technical, and documentation needs as reasonably requested.
6. Attend all required meetings, including creative meetings, production meetings, rehearsals, and walkthroughs (in-person or remotely) as required.
7. Prepare all required materials in advance of each meeting, rehearsal, or installation.
8. Create and maintain professional relationships with the Client, vendors, and contractors, ensuring all interactions meet RWS Global standards.
9. Provide regular updates and progress reports to RWS Global, including daily photos or documentation when requested.
10. Wear a company uniform when requested during on-site periods.
11. Perform site inspections, attend workshops, and support changes as requested.
12. Coordinate and collaborate with all RWS Global teams and departments (scenic, lighting, audio, video, costume, etc.) to support seamless production execution.
13. Organise and synthesise technical and artistic information from all production stakeholders.
14. Communicate effectively with vendors, contractors, and technical personnel for safe and professional execution of the project.
15. Demonstrate and explain project requirements to various stakeholders (including contractors, clients, and performers).
16. Train venue personnel in maintenance and operation of systems for ongoing use post-installation.
17. Perform all aspects of install and strike in accordance with industry standards and safety best practices.
18. Install, wire, and de-rig technical equipment as required, both indoors and outdoors.
19. Troubleshoot and assess all technical systems (lighting, audio, video, projection, rigging, power, lifts, tools, special effects, etc.).
20. Carry out routine maintenance and system checks as required to ensure safe and reliable operation.
21. Champion high standards in technical system installation, operation, and safety.
22. Support the creation and execution of maintenance schedules, monitor milestones, and report progress to management.
23. Maintain detailed compliance and fault documentation, and respond swiftly to issues to minimize impact on performance or guest experience.
24. Review show reports and technical feedback to proactively address technical issues.
25. Deliver cost-effective and innovative solutions to technical challenges.
26. Ensure all systems meet agreed specifications, budgets, and timelines.
27. Liaise with third-party contractors for system installation and ensure thorough knowledge transfer.
28. Use technical expertise to support system fault finding, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
29. Share best practices and collaborate across departments to support overall production goals.
30. Act as a health and safety role model; promote and enforce a safety-first culture.
31. Train team members on system operation and maintenance, developing detailed training documentation where needed.
32. Contribute to a positive and professional working environment that supports learning and excellence.

Qualifications & Skills:

1. In-depth knowledge and training in entertainment industry technical systems, including lighting, audio, video, show control, electronics, and effects equipment.
2. Working knowledge, training in, or general understanding of entertainment industry electrical systems including BS7909 and/or BS7671.
3. Working knowledge, training in, or general understanding of industry specific health and safety legislation.
4. Working knowledge of ethernet/IP network-based entertainment technical control systems and IT networking protocols.
5. Knowledge on any of the following systems – QSys, Mediamatrix, Medialon, Alcorn McBride, Chroma-Q Vista, Pharos, Hippotizer, 7th Sense Delta, Digico/Yamaha/Allen and Heath Mixing Desks.
6. Working knowledge of entertainment control system protocols such as TCP/UDP, MIDI, Artnet/RDM, Q-LAN, Dante, RS232/485, HDBase-T, SMPTE etc.
7. Electronic/AV System installation experience and techniques.
8. Planning, scheduling, and time management skills.
9. IPAF/PASMA Qualified.
10. Forklift/Telehandler Training.

Experience:

1. Proven experience and supervision of crews with varying levels of skill across all phases of production.
2. An extensive knowledge of safe construction and rigging practices in the theatrical and event production field.
3. Knowledge of all technical elements associated with commercial and theatrical lighting, audio, and video production systems and installation.
4. Knowledge of holiday lighting products, installation techniques, hardware specifications, and experience with low-voltage systems and installation.
5. Expertise with power tools, ladders, heavy machinery, aerial work platforms, electricity, and all applicable UK Health and Safety Standards.
6. Proven technical and mechanical skills, including experience with metal working, rigging, scenic construction techniques, and standard materials used in the entertainment and construction industries.
7. Familiarity with pneumatics, automation systems, and portable power distribution.
8. Experience creating technical drawings, two and three-dimensional drafting models, and instruction/operation manuals for users with various levels of technical understanding.
9. Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to quickly develop trusting, productive relationships with clients, vendors, staff, and all partners.
10. Valid UK Full driver’s license and current passport required.
11. Self-motivation with the ability to work independently.
12. Comfortability operating heavy equipment and hand tools while onsite, as well as standing for long periods of time, but often kneeling, bending, laying down, and working at heights.

Please Note: While this is intended to be an accurate description of the job, this is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the position, and may require that other or different tasks be performed as necessary and assigned.