Lighting Technician

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art; Bentonville (AR); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, is seeking a Lighting Technician responsible for providing audio, video, and advanced lighting support for events.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with lighting equipment and a passion for the performing arts. Duties include operating lighting equipment and assisting in production preparation. The position offers a unique opportunity to work in the vibrant cultural environment of the museum, engaging with artists and event staff.

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience in lighting.
• Extensive knowledge of lighting equipment and audio-visual systems.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain audio-visual lighting equipment.
• Manage inventory of lighting equipment and assist with production prep.
• Communicate effectively with artists and staff regarding lighting needs.

Skills

Audio-Visual systems competency

Lighting equipment operation

Team player

Basic computer literacy

Flexibility to adapt schedules

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Vectorworks

Job description

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non‑profit charitable organization.

About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary:

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non‑profit charitable organization with free admission.

The Momentary is a contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a ‘living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. You belong here: make the most of this moment.

Position Summary:

The Lighting Technician will provide audio, video, and advanced lighting support to the staff and artists throughout Crystal Bridges & the Momentary, facilitating the wide variety of technical needs required to support or produce the performing arts offerings and events that will take place in each venue.

The ideal Lighting Technician has experience in lighting equipment operation for meetings, conferences, concerts, lectures, dance, and theatre, with a self‑motivated desire to expand their knowledge of the field. The position requires a passion for supporting the production of high‑level events and contemporary performing arts.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Supporting internal and external events across multiple departments by operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting Audio‑Visual Lighting equipment at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary
• Maintenance, troubleshooting, and operation of lighting equipment and fixtures, Grand MA and ETC consoles, hoists, motors and truss.
• Communicating with touring acts, resident artists, and staff about their lighting needs. Interpreting and reviewing various plots.
• Acting as Light Board Operator for rehearsals and performances.
• Operating scissor lifts and fork lifts in a variety of environments.
• Rigging, focusing, cabling, inventorying and storing the facility’s lighting, projection and rigging equipment through utilization of hoists, lifts, ladders, and catwalk systems.
• Interpreting and generating technical paperwork such as stage plots, signal flow plans, and input lists
• Managing Audio‑Visual‑Lighting equipment inventory, including keeping detailed records of number and location of equipment, as well as detailed repair logs
• Assisting with a variety of production related prep, planning, and facilitation at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary.
• Attending meetings and walkthroughs as a representative of the production team.
• Performing additional duties as required.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Assist with a variety of production related prep, planning, and facilitation.
• Attend meetings and walkthroughs as a representative of the production team.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education, Training, and Traits

• High School Diploma or GED
• Extensive competency with Audio‑Visual systems, including digital audio mixing consoles, wireless microphone management, projection control systems such as Crestron, static and intelligent lighting systems, and more
• Proficiency with standard office equipment including basic computer literacy (word processing, spread sheets, e‑mail, etc.) telephone, and copy machines
• Ability to calmly and professionally adapt to changes in plans or the environment.
• Ability to meet deadlines and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability and willingness to be a team player both within the department and throughout the entire organization
• Flexibility to work adaptable schedules including long days, evenings, and weekends

Work Experience

• A minimum of two (2) years experience in lighting is required.
• The ideal candidate has familiarity with Vectorworks.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: Vision and hearing abilities to perform the essential duties as outlined above. Physical abilities required include a good level of fitness and the ability to perform manual labor including the occasional installation and operation of audio and video equipment, working from ladders and in elevated positions, and working in indoor and outdoor performing areas.
• Work Environment: Work will be performed in a theater and concert hall environment, museum and other performance spaces, and in communities served. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate, with the exception of concert performances.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States.

Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

Position Details:

Position Title: Lighting Technician

FLSA Classification: Non‑Exempt

Department: Production

Reports to: Production Manager

Date Reviewed: May 2026