Lighting Designer (Performing Arts Technician III) - Green Music Center

Sonoma State University; Sonoma (CA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement through CalPERS

Tuition waiver

Paid holidays

Job summary

Sonoma State University is seeking a Performing Arts Technician to provide live support for performances at the Green Music Center and various campus events. Candidates must have at least ten years of experience in live lighting, audio, and video services, as well as knowledge of stage rigging and lighting consoles.

This full-time position offers a salary range of approximately $4,626–$6,739 monthly, depending on qualifications, along with comprehensive benefits including medical and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten years’ experience providing live lighting, video, and audio services.
• In-depth knowledge of lighting consoles and rigging for live events.
• Familiarity with stage etiquette and professional organizations is desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide live support for performances, including lighting and audio.
• Setup and rig lighting, operate consoles, and execute stage changes.
• Work variable hours, including nights and weekends.

Skills

Live lighting experience

Video services knowledge

Audio equipment familiarity

Stage etiquette knowledge

Job description

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Associate Director of Production at the Green Music Center, and with additional direction from the show‑related stage manager, the Performing Arts Technician provides comprehensive live support for performances and events. Responsibilities include setup and rigging of lights, wiring and focusing lights, programming and operating lighting consoles, as well as live audio and video support. The position also involves stagehand duties such as executing stage changes before and during performances. The role requires frequent work on nights and weekends, often past midnight.

Work Environment

The primary location is the Green Music Center, but duties may be performed at various sites on the Sonoma State University campus or at off‑campus events. The schedule is variable, with mandatory overtime, weekend, and evening hours as directed by the supervisor. The employee must maintain regular attendance and adhere to the established overtime policy.

Key Qualifications

• Minimum of ten years’ responsible experience providing live lighting, video, and audio services for indoor and outdoor concerts, attendances, and other live entertainment events.
• In‑depth knowledge of lighting consoles, live lighting rigging, video equipment, stage wiring, patching, rigging projection screens, drapery, power cable management, and related hardware.
• Familiarity with stage etiquette and membership in professional audio/theatrical organizations is desired.
• Successful completion of a pre‑placement exam.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full‑time, exempt position that may lead toward permanent status following a successful probationary period. Step placement will be based on relevant qualifications and professional experience and will not exceed Step 19 (approximately $6,606 per month). The CSU Classification Step Range for this position is $4,626–$6,739 per month (Step 1–Step 20). Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement through CalPERS, tuition waiver, vacation and sick leave, 15 paid holidays, and participation in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Equal Opportunity & Mandated Reporting

Sonoma State University is an affirmative action/Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. This position may be considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements of CSU Executive Order 1083.

For questions related to the application process, please contact [e-mail]. The ADA Coordinator is also available at [e-mail] to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.