Production Technician, OFA

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts & Sciences; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University’s College Theater team seeks a Production Technician to support student productions and events. The role involves collaborations with the Production Manager, staff, and guest artists to manage designs, build, and technical operations for theater activities.

The position requires strong teamwork, CAD proficiency, and the ability to work evenings and weekends in a dynamic university setting, with a focus on safety and inclusive teamwork.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of experience in theater or related field.
• Experience with CAD software such as Vectorworks or AutoCAD.
• Excellent communication, judgment, discretion, and problem-solving ability.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Ability and willingness to work a varied schedule including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Production Manager to support undergraduate productions, including scenery, load-in, rehearsals, performances, and strike.
• Develops and executes technical aspects across scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, and projections.
• Mentors students on design and technical theatre elements and reviews design elements.
• Constructs build drawings and production documentation using CAD software.
• Maintains safety practices and supports a culture of inclusion and respect.

Skills

Theater experience

CAD software

Communication skills

Driver's license

Teamwork & independence

Tools

Vectorworks

AutoCAD

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community thatadvances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways,inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills andexpertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcomingenvironment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart ofHarvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduateprogram (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all ofHarvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin GraduateSchool of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athleticsand the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academicdepartments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a communityunparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest rangeof liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeksto foster an environmentof ambition, curiosity and sharedcommitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from allmembers of our community and prepares the next generation ofleaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Production Technician is a member of the College Theater teamat the Office for the Arts (OFA). The position supports theateractivities including management, design, construction,installation, material procurement, and technical operations forstudent productions and events. Successful candidates will becomfortable working with and supporting innovative studentproduction teams with varying skill levels, have a demonstratedability to work as part of a team with a variety of projects,vendors, and constituencies in a university environment, and beproductive working independently and without immediate supervision.The position reports to the Production Manager and works closelywith students, OFA staff, guest artists, and other productionpersonnel.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Undergraduate Production Support and Student Mentorship —45%

• Collaborates closely with the Production Manager to foster aninclusive and supportive environment for undergraduates withdiverse experience levels and abilities.
• Supports theatrical productions and daily operations related toHRDC and OFA-supported undergraduate productions, including sceneryconstruction, load-in, technical rehearsals, performances, andstrike.
• Works with the Production Manager and student show staff todevelop and execute technical aspects of productions acrossscenery, lighting, sound, costumes, props, projections, and relateddisciplines.
• Proactively addresses notes from technical rehearsals,problem-solves issues that arise, and communicates project statusand concerns to the Production Manager and appropriatestakeholders.
• Advises and mentors students on design and technical theaterelements and reviews structural and scenic design elements incoordination with the Production Manager.
• Using CAD software, constructs build drawings and otherproduction documentation for student and OFA-supported builds.

Technical Operations, Safety, and Training — 25%

• Supports the operation of technical equipment and workshopsthat promote a safe and healthy work environment; inspects,troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains tools and equipment.
• Hosts and supervises shop/tool trainings and build periods forundergraduate students.
• Supervises student labor, contingent employees, and productioncrews during assigned work calls, and assigns or delegates work asdirected by the Production Manager.
• Promotes adherence to OFA and Harvard University safetypractices and supports a culture of community, equity, diversity,inclusion, and respect among students and professional staff.
• Collaborates with students and professional staff and supportsopen and transparent lines of communication.

Facilities, Equipment, and Inventory — 20%

• Supports efforts to maintain and improve theater facilities,shops, storage, and student-used spaces.
• Assists with truck loading and unloading, warehouse and storageof production elements, and movement of scenery, props, equipment,and other materials.
• Helps maintain equipment, warehouse stock, supplies, andaccurate inventories, including student stock of props, costumes,and production materials.
• Supports student access to stock and equipment, includingcheck-out and return procedures, and advises students onappropriate equipment use.
• Assists with material procurement, rentals, purchasing, andequipment returns as assigned by the Production Manager.

Venue and Production Support — 10%

• Supports day-to-day scheduled use of theater and ancillaryspaces and assists with production, rehearsal, and eventneeds.
• May provide technical support for outside rentals, specialevents, and other OFA projects or productions as assigned.
• Serves as an on-site technical resource during assignedrehearsals, performances, load-ins, and strikes.

Working Conditions:

The work schedule and location will beset by the department at its discretion and based upon operationalneeds and objectives and consistent with College Policy, whichrequires 5 days on-site in Cambridge, MA during term time (firstday of classes through commencement), with the exception of studentbreaks. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designatedlocation, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvardregistered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details about the College policy will be discussedduring the interview process. Certain visa types and fundingsources may limit work location. Individuals must meet worklocation sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift and carry objectsweighing up to 50 pounds; comfort climbing ladders and working atheights.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• A minimum of 4 years of experience in theater, theatricaleducation or related field..

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience with CAD software, including Vectorworks orAutoCAD.
• Excellent communication skills, judgment, discretion, andproblem-solving ability.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Ability and willingness to work a varied schedule includingevenings and weekends.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with faculty,students, and staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to collaborate, mentor, and advise students with variedskills and backgrounds and to create a safe and inclusiveenvironment.
• Proficiency in one or more of the following: carpentry, stagelighting, costume/clothing construction, sound, projections, orrelated technical theater disciplines.
• Comfort and proficiency working with power tools and theatricalequipment, including supervising student or professional use.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University isunable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders thatall duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard orHarvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit worklocation. Individuals must meet work location sponsorshiprequirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 054. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage startingon day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuitionassistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes. Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.