PRAx Student Tech

OSU Oregon State University; Corvallis (OR); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Part time

Job summary

Oregon State University seeks PRAx Tech students for 5 part-time positions (up to 24 hours/week) to support AV, lighting, and video operations for PRAx productions and events. After training, you may assist with stage setup/teardown, run lighting and audio gear, and help with backstage management.

Ideal for students interested in technical theatre, concert production, or AV technology; flexible schedule based on events, with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in professional-grade

Qualifications

• Must be academically enrolled in a high school, community college, or university and pursuing a program or course of study
• Must meet Academic Standing Requirements; students on academic suspension are not eligible for employment
• Must meet the applicable minimal enrollment standard
• High School student: Regularly enrolled in a high school or participating in a home-schooling program
• Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate student: 6 credit hours per term
• Undergraduate international student: 12 credit hours per term*
• Graduate student officially admitted to Graduate School: 5 credit hours per term
• Graduate international student officially admitted to Graduate School: 9 credit hours per term*
• International students may be allowed to carry fewer hours than specified above and still be considered “full-time” by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A reduced course load is approved by the Office of International Services (OIS), and must be provided to the Student Employment Center.
• Required Interest in audio-visual technology, technical theatre, or live production or events.
• Willingness to learn technical systems and follow detailed instructions.
• Strong sense of responsibility and ability to work under pressure.
• Willingness to learn new skills and follow directions.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Punctuality and reliability.
• Excellent teamwork skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively across multiple mediums (radios, comms, email, etc.)
• Comfortable with moderate physical activity, including lifting up to 50 lbs, working on ladders or in tight backstage spaces.
• A valid driver's license.
• Comfortable working at elevated heights.
• This position requires driving a University vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the University; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Motor Vehicle History Check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions (as per Voluntary and Compulsory Driver Standards OSU Standard 125-155-0200) as per OSU Standard 576-056-0000 et seq.
• Preferred Basic knowledge of lighting, audio, or video equipment (training will be provided).
• Experience with digital mixing consoles, lighting boards (ETC preferred), or video projection.
• Understanding of show timelines.

Responsibilities

• Operate lighting boards, audio consoles, microphones, video switchers, and projection systems as assigned.
• Assist in setup and teardown of lighting, sound, and video equipment for rehearsals, performances, and events.
• Run cables, hang lighting fixtures, set up speakers, and assist with focusing and testing equipment.
• Monitor equipment during live events and assist with troubleshooting.
• Follow cue sheets and instructions for running shows smoothly.
• Support event operations: Maintain equipment inventory and assist with regular maintenance checks.
• Collaborate with directors, designers, and stage managers to meet artistic and technical needs.
• Adhere to all safety guidelines.
• Assist with setup and breakdown of events (tables and chairs), greenrooms/ dressing room and stage elements.
• Support load-in and load-out.
• Move equipment, furniture, and materials safely around performance or audience areas.
• Participate in scene changes and/or backstage operations during live events.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of backstage areas and storage rooms.
• Follow safety protocols and respond promptly to instructions from supervisors.
• Attend scheduled trainings, rehearsals, and crew calls as required.
• Upon completion of required training, Tech may be assigned to duties: Stage manage Conduct local driving Support art and venue preparation Other duties as assigned.

Job description

Department: PRAx

Position Summary

This recruitment will be used to fill 5 part-time (a maximum of 24 hours per week) PRAx Tech positions for the Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts (PRAx) at Oregon State University (OSU). The PRAx Tech supports the implementation of PRAx productions, performances and events. Upon completion of training, the PRAx Tech will be assigned to support AV, lighting and other technical shifts at PRAx events. The role will support setting up, operating, and maintaining high standards of audio, lighting, and video work in live performance environments. They will also be scheduled for stage crew shifts as needed, which includes assisting in the setup and strike (tear-down) of scenery, props, lighting, sound, and other backstage elements as well as tables, chairs and other materials for events. This is an ideal opportunity for students interested in technical theatre, concert production, or AV technology.

This position will: Gain hands-on experience with professional-grade AV and theatre technology. Develop practical skills in lighting, sound engineering, and video systems. Learn how to troubleshoot and maintain technical equipment. Build experience for future work in entertainment or live event production.

Position Duties

• Ability to operate lighting boards, audio consoles, microphones, video switchers, and projection systems as assigned.
• Assist in the setup and teardown of lighting, sound, and video equipment for rehearsals, performances, and events.
• Run cables, hang lighting fixtures, set up speakers, and assist with focusing and testing equipment.
• Monitor equipment during live events and assist with troubleshooting.
• Follow cue sheets and instructions for running shows smoothly.
• Support event operations: Maintain equipment inventory and assist with regular maintenance checks.
• Collaborate with directors, designers, and stage managers to meet artistic and technical needs.
• Adhere to all safety guidelines.
• Assist with the setup and breakdown of events (tables and chairs), greenrooms/ dressing room (cleaning and resetting) and stage elements (scenery, risers, cables, etc.)
• Support load-in and load-out.
• Move equipment, furniture, and materials safely around performance or audience areas.
• Participate in scene changes and/or backstage operations during live events.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of backstage areas and storage rooms.
• Follow safety protocols and respond promptly to instructions from supervisors.
• Attend scheduled trainings, rehearsals, and crew calls as required.
• Upon completion of required training, Tech may be assigned to the following duties: Stage manage Conduct local driving Support art and venue preparation Other duties as assigned.

Transferable Skill Development

OSU is committed to ensuring students are prepared for success after graduation through intentional skill development as student employees. The competencies students develop while working at OSU are defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as the essential skills employers seek in their hires. In this position, students learn and build vital career-readiness skills in the primary areas below: Communication, Teamwork, Technology, Professionalism.

Qualifications

• Must be academically enrolled in a high school, community college, or university and pursuing a program or course of study
• Must meet Academic Standing Requirements; students on academic suspension are not eligible for employment
• Must meet the applicable minimal enrollment standard
• High School student: Regularly enrolled in a high school or participating in a home-schooling program
• Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate student: 6 credit hours per term
• Undergraduate international student: 12 credit hours per term*
• Graduate student officially admitted to Graduate School: 5 credit hours per term
• Graduate international student officially admitted to Graduate School: 9 credit hours per term*
• International students may be allowed to carry fewer hours than specified above and still be considered “full-time” by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A reduced course load is approved by the Office of International Services (OIS), and must be provided to the Student Employment Center.
• Required Interest in audio-visual technology, technical theatre, or live production or events.
• Willingness to learn technical systems and follow detailed instructions.
• Strong sense of responsibility and ability to work under pressure.
• Willingness to learn new skills and follow directions.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Punctuality and reliability.
• Excellent teamwork skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively across multiple mediums (radios, comms, email, etc.)
• Comfortable with moderate physical activity, including lifting up to 50 lbs, working on ladders or in tight backstage spaces.
• A valid driver's license.
• Comfortable working at elevated heights.
• This position requires driving a University vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the University; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Motor Vehicle History Check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions (as per Voluntary and Compulsory Driver Standards OSU Standard 125-155-0200) as per OSU Standard 576-056-0000 et seq.
• Preferred Basic knowledge of lighting, audio, or video equipment (training will be provided).
• Experience with digital mixing consoles, lighting boards (ETC preferred), or video projection.
• Understanding of show timelines.

Working Conditions/Schedule

Hours are based on the needs of events. Therefore, the schedule is variable and there is not a set number of hours guaranteed each week. Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays depending on event needs. Work is performed in theatres, concert halls, lecture venues, and outdoor event spaces. May involve standing for long periods and working in dim lighting or noisy environments. Exposure to technical equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Basic knowledge of lighting, audio, or video equipment (training will be provided). Experience with digital mixing consoles, lighting boards (ETC preferred), or video projection. Understanding of show timelines.

Salary Range

Salary Range:

Anticipated Start Date

Anticipated Start Date: 2026-09-10

Anticipated End Date

Anticipated End Date:

Company Culture

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job! Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS

• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide

For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns.

Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country.

Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life.
• OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical care insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

At Oregon State University, no qualified person shall, solely by reason of disability, be denied access to, participation in, or the benefits of, any program or activity operated by the University. If requested, OSU will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants in order to provide access to the application, interviewing and selection process. You are not required to note the presence of a disability on your application to receive an accommodation. Please request any reasonable accommodations for disability as early as possible in the application and search process. Requests may be directed to the hiring unit, or to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at [phone]. See Request an Accommodation Procedures for the OSU policy.

Oregon State University, in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, including Title IX and its regulations, does not unlawfully discriminate and prohibits discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, including in academic admissions and employment. The university prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin (including ancestry and ethnicity), citizenship, marital or family status, pregnancy or related conditions, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status / service in the uniformed service, or any other status protected by law or OSU policy.

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to OSU’s Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (link to https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr), or both. OSU’s Title IX Coordinator is the Executive Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (EOA).

For information on OSU’s nondiscrimination policy and procedures, including how to report information about conduct that may constitute discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, contact EOA by phone: [phone], email: [e-mail], mail/location: 330 Snell Hall, Corvallis OR 97331, or visit EOA’s website: eoa.oregonstate.edu.

Know Your Rights Oregon Family Leave Act: Department of Labor Family and Medical Leave Act: