Lead Painter

Portland Center Stage; Portland, Northern (OR, KY); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Paid Time Off

403(b) retirement plan

Complimentary tickets to PCS

Job summary

Portland Center Stage seeks an experienced Lead Painter to plan and realize paints, textures, and finishes for theatrical scenery and props. The role involves coordinating with the paint team, scheduling tasks, and ensuring quality across multiple productions.

The position is seasonal, full-time, non-exempt, with a starting wage of $28.67 per hour and full benefits. Candidates must be able to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with scenic painting and textures.
• Ability to translate designer notes into painted scenery.
• Knowledge of color theory and mixing.

Responsibilities

• Communicates with designers to plan paints and textures.
• Paints scenery and props per production needs.
• Maintains stock and mixes paint for productions.
• Plans paint schedule with the Technical Director.
• Oversees additional painters as needed.

Skills

Paint techniques

Color matching

Communication

Team coordination

Tools

Sprayers

Ladders

Scaffolding

Genie lifts

Paint mixing tools

Job description

Position Summary

The Lead Painter plans and realizes paints, textures, and finishes for theatrical scenery and props. They will work collaboratively with other members of the paint team, overseeing team/project scheduling as the work demands. The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated individual who can work both independently and with-in a team. The candidate must be goal and process oriented who thrives in a multi-project environment.

This position is seasonal, full time, and non-exempt.

Essential Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Technical Director to communicate with designers to plan and realize paints and textures for theatrical sets and props.
• Paints and textures all scenery and, in conjunction with the prop department, necessary props.
• Maintains stock and mixes paint needed for scenery and props for productions.
• Works with the Technical Director to budget the paint departments material and labor resources for productions.
• Works with the Technical Director to plan and carry out the paint schedule during the build process.
• Communicates all purchases and expenditures to the Technical Director in a timely fashion.
• Works with the Props Head to coordinate paint schedules with the props department.
• Coordinate with Head Carpenter moving & arrangement of all scenery to be painted in conjunction with the build schedule.
• Repaints scenery onstage as needed based on designer notes.
• Prepares touch-up kit and instructs stage crew on scenery touch-up.
• Maintains paint shop in an orderly and safe manner.
• Partners with staff painters and oversees additional painters as needed.
• Attends technical rehearsals, as scheduled by the Technical Director, to take note of painting to be completed or modified as needed.

Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to use drawing, plastering, painting and sculpting tools, air and pump sprayers, ladders, scaffolding, and lift systems.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good knowledge of paint color mixing theories and practices, and an ability to closely match colors and paint.
• Ability to independently translate designers' renderings, notes and color elevations into full scale painted scenery.
• Advanced knowledge of scenic painting techniques, layout and paint application skills, and color mixing.
• The ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks and work spaces.
• Able to face challenges and problem solve with a positive and imaginative mind-set.
• Exhibits a positive attitude with good communication and interpersonal skills.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to climb ladders, scaffolding, and to operate Genie lifts.
• Ability to continue working under challenging spatial conditions, lifting, reaching, climbing.
• Ability to maneuver awkward scenic objects and various painting equipment and tools.
• Ability to lift and move 50 lbs with or without assistance.
• Able to work well independently and as part of a team, and to deadlines.
• Must be comfortable working in an environment in which directions and priorities can change rapidly.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive a cargo van or 16' box truck.

Salary & Benefits

• Full-time, non-exempt, seasonal (no less than 36 weeks/year, and 36-hours/week).
• $28.67/hr (current Tier A rate)
• Medical benefits, including health, dental and vision available 1st day of month following hire.
• Generous Paid Time Off policy
• 403(b) retirement plan available with employer match
• Complimentary tickets to all PCS productions

Union Position

This job is represented by IATSE Local 28. PCS may accept applications from non-union applicants and applicants from outside the Portland metro area if the role is not filled from IATSE Local 28.

For union questions, contact: [e-mail]

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement

Portland Center Stage is committed to advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Portland Center Stage does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to age, marital status, sexual orientation, or the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or disability. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Successful candidates will commit to an equitable and inclusive workplace, including but not limited to: racial equity, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, use of gender inclusive language, and cultural sensitivity. Learn more about our commitment and expectations at https://www.pcs.org/idea and https://www.pcs.org/social-justice-at-pcs-our-commitment-to-anti-racist-theater