Lead Electrician & Production Manager

Des Moines Performing Arts; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Des Moines Performing Arts is seeking a Head Electrician/Production Manager to lead electrical and lighting operations across DMPA venues.

The role requires coordinating production needs, supervising a stagehand crew, and maintaining equipment with a strong emphasis on safety and collaboration. A background in major productions and touring is preferred, with leadership and technical expertise essential.

Qualifications

• Five+ years as a theatrical electrician; at least two years as Head Electrician in a major venue.
• Experience advancing productions and coordinating electrical and lighting requirements.
• Experience supervising production crews and/or union stagehands in live entertainment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a core Production Team member in technical discussions for events.
• Interpret rider needs and plan lighting/electrics for productions.
• Design, hang, wire, color, and program lighting/electrical elements for shows.
• Coordinate rental event electrical needs, schedules, staffing, and post-show reporting.
• Supervise and develop production crew, including training and performance feedback.
• Ensure load-in/load-out is staffed and safe; address issues in real time.
• Promote safety, professionalism, and collaboration among staff.
• Maintain production documentation, event records, and schedules.
• Communicate event schedules and staffing to stakeholders.
• Support payroll, purchasing, budgeting, and other admin tasks.
• Oversee maintenance of electrical equipment and preventative maintenance.
• Manage electrical shop safety and cleanliness.
• Serve as Event Manager when needed; basic A/V and lighting setup.

Skills

Theatrical lighting

Electrical distribution

Leadership

Communication

Production planning

Technical problem solving

Safety and risk management

Organization and time management

Education

High school diploma

Technical training/education

Tools

ETC Eos

Vectorworks

CAD software

Job description

Des Moines Performing Arts is seeking a Head Electrician/Production Manager to lead electrical and lighting operations across DMPA venues.

The role requires coordinating production needs, supervising a stagehand crew, and maintaining equipment with a strong emphasis on safety and collaboration. A background in major productions and touring is preferred, with leadership and technical expertise essential.