Caf Show Engineer

Berklee College of Music; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 26,174; Full time

Job summary

Berklee College of Music’s Caf Shows team is seeking passionate and motivated student engineers to support Berklee Caf Shows, a student‑run initiative that preserves a Berklee tradition of live performances.

Engineers cover 2–3 shows per week, handle setup and teardown, manage front‑of‑house mixing, monitor mixing and lighting, and attend weekly meetings. Hourly rate is $16.97; shows run 10:00–11:00 PM, Tuesday–Sunday, during an eight‑week fall and spring period.

Qualifications

• Professionalism and maturity.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• General knowledge of audio signal flow.
• Availability to meet the demands of the role throughout the semester.
• Prompt and reliable email communication.

Responsibilities

• Work 2–3 shows per week.
• Handle setup and teardown of performances.
• Manage front‑of‑house mixing, monitor mixing, and lighting for live performances.
• Hold weekly office hours to complete tasks such as signing artist contracts, conducting artist production meetings, and performing general office maintenance.
• Collaborate with a team consisting of: 10 engineers, 2 marketing coordinators, 2 managers.
• Follow the Caf Shows Employee Rules and Expectations document.

Skills

Professionalism

Maturity

Fast-paced environment

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Audio signal flow knowledge

Education

Current or prospective MP&E student

Tools

ProTools

Job description

In order to participate in Berklee Student Employment, a student must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

• Current student at Berklee College of Music or Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
• Enrolled at least half‑time in a degree, diploma, or certificate‑seeking undergraduate or graduate program.
• Summer is the only semester in which a student can maintain employment without being enrolled; in this case the student must be pre‑registered for the upcoming fall semester.
• High‑school students cannot apply during fall or spring semesters.
• Have a valid United States Social Security Number (SSN).
• Remain in valid Visa status as applicable.
• A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA; students in their first semester may work even without an official GPA until completion of the first semester.
• Federal Work‑Study students may apply.
• Be in good disciplinary standing.
• Must be located in the U.S.

The Caf Shows team is seeking passionate and motivated individuals to help take Caf Shows to the next level! As a student‑run initiative, we value team members who are not only enthusiastic about live sound but also dedicated to upholding and innovating Caf Shows as a Berklee tradition. If you’re eager to contribute fresh ideas and skills, we encourage you to apply.

Caf Shows Engineers play a key role in maintaining one of Berklee’s longstanding traditions: nightly performances in the Berklee Cafeteria. These shows occur from 10:00–11:00PM, Tuesday through Sunday, during an 8‑week period each fall and spring semester. Performances primarily showcase original music, including artist and band sets, open mics, and themed events, drawing an average crowd of 150 attendees per show. Engineers are responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of these performances.

Primary Responsibilities

• Work 2–3 shows per week.
• Handle setup and teardown of performances.
• Manage front‑of‑house mixing, monitor mixing, and lighting for live performances.
• Hold weekly office hours to complete tasks such as:
  • Reviewing and signing artist contracts.
  • Conducting artist production meetings.
  • Performing general office maintenance.
  • Uphold Berklee and Office of Student Activities policies and procedures.
  • Attend regular team meetings.
• Collaborate with a team consisting of: 10 engineers, 2 marketing coordinators, 2 managers.
• Follow the guidelines in the Caf Shows Employee Rules and Expectations document.

Requirements

• Professionalism and maturity.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• General knowledge of audio signal flow.
• Availability to meet the demands of the role throughout the semester.
• Prompt and reliable email communication.

Preferred Skills

• Current or prospective MP&E student.
• Proficiency in live sound operation (e.g., mixing, miking techniques, routing, cable wrapping, setup/teardown).
• Knowledge of ProTools.
• Familiarity with media and photography.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt.
• Physical capability for heavy lifting.

Work Hours and Compensation

• Hours per week (total): Up to 12.5 hours
• Shows: 5–7.5 hours (8:00PM–11:30PM)
• Office hours: 2 hours
• Hourly rate: $16.97

Hiring Manager: Shawn Moore