Production Team Member – Audio/Tech Lead

WaterFire Arts Center Gallery; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

WaterFire Providence is seeking a Production Team Member and Audio/Tech Lead to assist in coordinating lighting events and other special events in downtown Providence. Under the supervision of the Director of Events and Operations and the Production Manager, you will help manage setup, run, and strike of equipment.

The role requires hands-on experience in electrical, audio, and stage tech, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work long hours, nights and weekends in

Qualifications

• Proficient in electrical, automotive, metal work, carpentry, or painting.
• Experience with live event production, AV systems or technical theater preferred.
• High School Diploma and 2+ years of relevant work experience or equivalent vocational training.
• Must be able to comfortably and safely lift and carry at least 70 lbs.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Event Production & Live Event Execution.
• Assist with set-up, troubleshooting, repair, and strike of all equipment and infrastructure at every downtown Providence WaterFire lighting.
• Support installation and basic operation of sound systems, microphones, speakers, lighting fixtures, and playback systems.
• Assist with cable runs, speaker placement, lighting focus, and power distribution under supervision.
• Provide real-time troubleshooting support during live events for event staging, audio, lighting, and sound equipment.
• Provide on-site support for all other WaterFire event teams, including staff, sponsors, and volunteers.
• Brainstorm, implement, and execute event plans and timelines.
• Assist in loading and unloading event trucks for each WaterFire event lighting.
• Comply with and understand all safety rules and job hazards.
• Proactively communicate and work collaboratively with the WaterFire Production team, staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Assist in training event day staff and volunteers to improve overall performance and productivity.
• Inspect, maintain, and repair event equipment, including audio gear, lighting fixtures, electrical components, staging materials, tents, torches, and special operations equipment.
• Perform preventative maintenance to maintain the quality and inventory of all WaterFire warehouse equipment, tools, and materials.
• Maintain WaterFire boats, river installations (braziers and buoys), and associated marine systems.
• Assist in maintenance and minor repair of event vehicles, including U-Hauls and pick-up trucks.

Skills

Electrical

Automotive

Metal work

Carpentry

Painting

Live event production

AV systems

Technical theater

Gmail

MS Office

Google Drive

Google Docs

Google Calendar

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Production Team Member – Audio/Tech Lead

REPORTS TO: Production Foreman

OVERVIEW

WaterFire Providence, one of the leading creative placemaking practitioners in the country, is currently seeking an individual to join its growing team. Under the supervision of the Director of Events and Operations and the Production Manager, the individual will serve as a Production Team Member and be involved in the coordination and production of all aspects of the lighting events in downtown Providence and other special events produced by this world-renowned arts organization.

Candidates for this position will be highly organized individuals who have proven experience in one specialized trade or more and thrive in a fast-paced, creative, collaborative environment. These individuals will gain firsthand experience in effective communication, organization, and planning to increase the capacity of a small and growing non-profit organization that is known worldwide.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Event Production & Live Event Execution
• Assist with set-up, troubleshooting, repair, and strike of all equipment and infrastructure at every downtown Providence WaterFire lighting, including tents, staging, electrical distribution, lighting systems, audio systems, and specialty installations.
• Support installation and basic operation of sound systems, microphones, speakers, lighting fixtures, and playback systems.
• Assist with cable runs, speaker placement, lighting focus, and power distribution under supervision.
• Provide real-time troubleshooting support during live events forevent staging, audio, lighting, and sound equipment.
• Provide on-site support for all other WaterFire event teams, including staff, sponsors, and volunteers.
• Brainstorm, implement, and execute event plans and timelines.
• Assist in loading and unloading event trucks for each WaterFire event lighting
• Comply with and understand all safety rules and job hazards.
• Proactively communicate and work collaboratively with the WaterFire Production team, staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Assist in training event day staff and volunteers to improve overall performance and productivity.

Equipment Maintenance & Facilities

• Inspect, maintain, and repair event equipment, including audio gear, lighting fixtures, electrical components, staging materials, tents, torches, and special operations equipment.
• Perform preventative maintenance to maintain the quality and inventory of all WaterFire warehouse equipment, tools, and materials.
• Maintain WaterFire boats, river installations (braziers and buoys), and associated marine systems.
• Assist in maintenance and minor repair of event vehicles, including U-Hauls and pick-up trucks.

Qualifications:

• Proficient in one or more of the following fields: electrical, automotive, metal work, carpentry, and painting.
• Exposure to live event production, AV systems, or technical theater preferred.
• High School Diploma and two or more years of relevant work experience or equivalent vocational training required.
• A working knowledge of power tools is required.
• Marine and/or automotive repair experience is a plus.
• Forklift and Scissor Lift skills preferred.
• Ability to operate effectively in a team, contributing positively to team operations and working relationships.
• Requires attendance at all WaterFire event lightings.
• Ability to work long hours, including nights and weekends, outdoors in any type of weather.
• Flexible and adaptable - very important in this rapidly evolving organization.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills and resolutions.
• Knowledge of Gmail, Microsoft Office, and Google (Drive, Documents, & Calendar) preferred.
• Must be able to comfortably and safely lift and carry at least 70 lbs.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

Benefits & Wages:

This is a full-time, hourly wage position. Competitive salary commensurate with experience, starting between $24-$27 per hour. Advancement opportunities available. Job schedule is typically Monday to Friday days; adjusted during events with nights and weekends as needed.

WaterFire Providence History

WaterFire®, the award-winning sculpture/event created by Barnaby Evans and installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence, has been praised by Rhode Island residents and international visitors alike as a powerful work of art and a moving symbol of Providence’s renaissance. WaterFire has captured the imagination of over ten million visitors, bringing to life downtown, and revitalizing Rhode Island’s capital city.

WaterFire first premiered 30 years ago, created as the private project of Evans, an independent artist. The community loved the work. After several years of successful stagings and in response to community demand, Evans partnered with an existing arts non-profit to continue to develop WaterFire and its role in the social and cultural landscape of Rhode Island. In June of 1999, WaterFire Providence was established as an independent 501(c)3 arts organization, with Evans as its founding Executive Director.

The WaterFire Arts Center, which opened its doors to the public in 2017, is a multi-use exhibition and event space located on Valley Street that includes the WaterFire staff offices, Wilbury Theatre, and classroom space for the Wheeler School CitySide program. Events in the space include galas, conferences, lectures, theater productions, exhibitions, expos, and private events.

The mission of WaterFire Providence is "to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement, and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire for all to enjoy." WaterFire Providence has established itself as an internationally acclaimed work of art that has become the most popular arts event in the state.

WaterFire Providence is an equal-opportunity employer.