Fine Arts and Theater Facilities Technician (Short-Term)

Rancho Santiago Community College District; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Rancho Santiago Community College District is seeking a skilled technician to assist in the design, fabrication, and installation of theatrical sets and gallery installations. You will operate lighting, sound, and projection equipment and coordinate with faculty, students, and community groups to support exhibitions and performances.

The role requires knowledge of stage equipment, safety, and the ability to lift heavy items; a valid California driver’s license is preferred for prop and equipment

Qualifications

• Experience with lighting, sound, electrical equipment and set fabrication.
• Evidence of coordinating theatre productions with student assistants and external groups is preferred.
• Knowledge of gallery installation and exhibition design is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in design and construction of stage sets and gallery installations.
• Direct student assistants and stagecraft classes in building sets and managing props.
• Operate lighting, sound, projection and related theatre equipment during performances and exhibitions.
• Repair and maintain lighting equipment and shop tools.
• Coordinate productions with internal departments and outside groups.

Skills

Stage fabrication

Set construction

Lighting equipment

Communication

Education

Technical theater training

Tools

Shop tools

Lighting controls

Sound equipment

Job description

About Rancho Santiago Community College District

RSCCD is one of the most established districts in the state and has been in operation for nearly 50 years. Located in the heart of Orange County, it is one of the largest of California's 72 community college districts, based on the number of credit and non-credit students. RSCCD encompasses 25% of Orange County's total area and serves a population of more than 700,000 residents in the communities of Anaheim Hills, Orange, Santa Ana, Villa Park, and portions of Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Tustin, and Yorba Linda. The district includes Santiago Canyon College and Santa Ana College, as well as the Centennial and Orange Continuing Education Centers, the Digital Media Center, the Joint Powers Fire Training Center, the Orange County Sheriff's Regional Training Academy, the College and Workforce Preparation Center, and the District Operations Center. RSCCD’s three (3) auxiliary Foundations are actively involved in supporting both community and campus programs.

RSCCD’s student population is a direct reflection of the diverse communities in the surrounding neighborhoods. As a whole, the district has the honor of serving approximately 55,537 students: 51% Hispanic/Latinx, 20% White, 9% Asian & Filipino, and 2% are African American. RSCCD is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and serves predominately historically underrepresented students. There is a commitment to foster student centered values among our employees to provide equitable student learning, academic excellence, and workforce development. By delivering high-quality educational programs and student support services, the district ensures that students have the appropriate resources to achieve their goals.

At RSCCD, our mission is to integrate diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice into all aspects of student academics and employee relations. Thus, creating transformational experiences that prepares students and employees to engage in the world with a renewed sense-of-self. Through this commitment, Rancho Santiago Community College District strives to cultivate a learning environment that prioritizes respect, to ensure that RSCCD stakeholders feel valued and supported throughout their academic and professional careers.

About the Position

The ideal candidate will demonstrate cultural competency in serving diverse community college populations, including faculty, management, and students from varied ethnic, racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This includes those with differing abilities, AB 540 students, DACA recipients, Foreign Residents, VACA participants, and Continuing Education students. They will support RSCCD’s mission to promote self-awareness, knowledge, and communication skills, enabling all members of the college community to participate creatively and confidently in an ever-changing world.

Candidates will contribute to an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture that supports the diverse needs of faculty, management, staff, and students. They will effectively provide services and support to individuals with differing academic preparation levels and unique learning or workplace needs, ensuring equitable access and opportunities for success. Candidates should demonstrate cultural competency, sensitivity, equity-mindedness, and a commitment to anti‑racism in all interactions and contributions. Through their role, they will empower students to achieve their educational and career goals while promoting a positive and inclusive environment where faculty and management can thrive, fostering creativity, confidence, and lifelong learning throughout the college community.

Class Summary

Under general supervision – assists in the design, directs and assists in fabrication and construction of stage sets, gallery wall systems, shelves, pedestals, platforms and other structures as needed for exhibitions; maintains and operates theater lighting, sound, projection and other stage equipment; maintains and operates gallery lighting; maintains theater and gallery shop and storage areas; performs related duties as required.

Representative Duties

Assists in the design and constructs sets from set designer's plans and elevations; directs student assistants and stagecraft class who assist in constructing sets; uses shop equipment such saws and drills; coordinates productions of Theatre, Dance and Music Department, outside groups and community services groups including lighting, sound, set or stage, projection, curtain; designs arrangements and layout and maintains equipment needed for successful productions; repairs lighting equipment; assists in the design and layout of the art gallery from the gallery director's plans; directs student assistants and gallery production students who assist in the preparation of the gallery and installation of artwork; designs lighting for each exhibition; maintains equipment and supplies for gallery preparation of exhibitions; provides cleaning, maintenance and organization of shop and storage areas; drives to pick up and return theater props and equipment or artwork to artist studios, museums and other galleries.

Organizational Relationships

This class reports to the designated administrator or supervisor. May direct the work of student assistants and works with resident and outside groups who have productions, performances, concerts, events and lectures as well as outside artists and/or galleries who are part of gallery exhibitions. This class must have flexible work hours to accommodate day and evening performances or events.

Training and Experience

Any combination of training and/or experience equivalent to college or special training in fine arts or technical theater production and one year of responsible experience in theater or college drama or stage productions, involving all of the major technical aspects such as lighting, sound, electrical equipment and set design and fabrications or gallery or museum exhibition installation and design.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Good Knowledge of: materials, equipment, and methods used in set fabrication and construction or gallery installation and construction of walls, pedestals, shelves, small lifts and other special structures; lighting equipment, lighting controls, sound systems, projection equipment, and related electric and electronic theater equipment and facilities, and of their practical operation, maintenance, and repair; operation and maintenance of power shop tools and equipment.
• Ability to: design, fabricate, and construct stage settings, exhibition settings and arrangements; train and direct student assistants; communicate with resident and outside groups, galleries and museums personnel authorized to make presentations, assist them in making proper and practical plans, and cooperate with them in production work; operate lighting, sound, and other electrical and electronic stage equipment; properly light an art exhibition and make minor design changes and repairs. Able to lift 50 lbs and climb 12 foot ladder.
• License: valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

Additional Qualifications

Candidate must demonstrate clear evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff, and the community.

A Complete Application Packet Must Include the Following

1. RSCCD Online Application
2. Resume – details all relevant education, training, and other work experience

Application Screening

Job announcements will include screening criteria to be used during screening and interviews. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Education experience (breadth and depth)
• Work experience (breadth and depth)
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with others
• Bilingual ability (if needed)
• Demonstrated experience and sensitivity to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Professional growth activities
• Specialized skills training
• Leadership skills
• Written and/or oral communication skills
• Presentation
• Problem Solving.

Based on the information presented in the application materials, a limited number of candidates with qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a written test and an oral interview.

Meeting the position's minimum requirements does not guarantee advancement in the selection process. Candidate qualifications will be assessed to determine those who meet and exceed requirements and are deemed the most competitive in the applicant pool.

Interview

• Oral communication skills
• Presentation
• Problem-solving skills

A predetermined set of questions will be asked of all applicants interviewed. Applicants are requested to provide thorough yet concise information on their related experience to ensure the correct evaluation of their qualifications. Evaluation criteria will be applied consistently to all applicants.

Disability Accommodations

Individuals who require reasonable accommodations in the Application or Interviewing Process in accordance with ADA should notify the Recruitment Office in the Human Resources Division at least two days prior to the closing date, by calling [phone].

Conditions of Employment

The selected candidate is required to complete the following before employment as part of the onboarding process:

1. Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
2. Provide a certificate of Tuberculosis Exam.
3. Fingerprints (by a Live Scan Agency at the candidate's expense, and clearance must be received before the first day of employment)

The Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) is an equal opportunity employer. The policy of the District is to encourage applications from persons who are economically disadvantaged and individuals belonging to significantly underrepresented groups within the District’s workforce, including ethnic and racial minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. No person shall be denied employment because of ethnicity or race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or political or organizational affiliation.

RSCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional employment offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if RSCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.