Production Technician, Senior

Duke Careers; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 44,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University is seeking a Senior Production Technician to lead technical operations for concerts, recitals, and events across Duke venues. You will manage audio, video, lighting, livestreaming, and recording workflows while ensuring safety and excellence in production.

The role requires a degree in technical theatre or related field and hands-on experience in live productions, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends to support performances.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre or related field, or equivalent experience.
• One year of experience supporting technical productions in a theater, concert venue, recording studio, or related setting.
• Knowledge of audio, video, lighting, livestreaming, and stage production technologies.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends based on performance and rehearsal needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead setup, operation, and maintenance of audio, video, lighting, livestreaming, and stage systems for performances and events.
• Operate sound, video, lighting, and livestream equipment to ensure high-quality execution.
• Program and maintain lighting and audio systems to support diverse production needs.
• Coordinate stage setups and strikes with faculty and staff to meet production requirements.
• Record, edit, and manage audio/video content for archival and educational use.

Skills

Audio

Video

Lighting

Livestreaming

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Technical Theatre or related field

Tools

Lighting consoles

Digital audio consoles

Video switchers

Streaming platforms

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You.

At Duke University, we celebrate individuality, creativity, and the unique perspectives each member of our community brings. As aSenior Production Technician, you will play a vital role in supporting world-class musical performances, educational experiences, and special events across Duke’s renowned performance venues. Your technical expertise and collaborative approach will help create exceptional experiences for students, faculty, guest artists, and audiences while contributing to Duke’s mission of excellence in education, research, and the arts.

Working within the Department of Music, you will be part of a dynamic team that values innovation, professionalism, safety, and service. This nine-month, bi-weekly position offers the opportunity to blend technical production skills with artistic support in one of the nation’s leading academic environments.

Be Bold.

As aSenior Production Technician, you will provide technical leadership and production support for concerts, recitals, rehearsals, livestreams, recordings, and special events in Baldwin Auditorium, Nelson Music Room, Biddle Music Building, and other Department of Music venues.

What You’ll Do

Production & Technical Operations

• Lead the setup, operation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and strike of audio, video, lighting, livestreaming, and stage production systems used for performances, rehearsals, recitals, and special events.
• Operate professional sound reinforcement, recording, livestreaming, lighting, and video production equipment while ensuring high-quality event execution.
• Program and maintain digital and computerized lighting, audio, and production systems to support diverse artistic and performance needs.
• Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot production equipment to maximize reliability, functionality, and performance quality.
• Ensure all production activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with departmental standards and best practices.

Performance & Rehearsal Support

• Coordinate and execute stage setups and strikes, including music stands, chairs, risers, pianos, percussion instruments, microphones, and related performance equipment.
• Transport, position, and prepare instruments and production equipment throughout Department of Music facilities as needed.
• Operate sound systems during rehearsals and performances, including microphone placement, audio mixing, recording, and signal management.
• Run lighting, audio, video, and stage equipment during live events by following production cues and event requirements.
• Collaborate with faculty, guest artists, staff, and event stakeholders to ensure technical requirements are met and production expectations are exceeded.

Recording & Livestream Production

• Record, edit, mix, and prepare audio and video content for archival, educational, promotional, and performer use.
• Manage recording workflows, session files, digital assets, and associated hardware and software systems.
• Operate and monitor livestream production equipment to ensure a high-quality audience experience.
• Create and manage event broadcasts on departmental streaming platforms, including YouTube and other digital channels.
• Coordinate, direct, and oversee student technicians, stagehands, graduate assistants, and contracted production personnel.
• Provide training on production practices, equipment operation, safety procedures, and performance venue protocols.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that promotes learning, accountability, and professional growth.
• Ensure compliance with all Duke University and departmental safety standards.

Communication & Operational Excellence

• Maintain accurate inventories of audiovisual, production, and departmental technology equipment.
• Communicate equipment maintenance needs, damage reports, and operational concerns to departmental leadership.
• Partner with Duke Arts and Venue & Production Management teams to address venue-related technical issues and enhance event operations.
• Participate in departmental staff meetings, production planning meetings, and other collaborative initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental priorities and operational needs.

What You’ll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre, Music Production Technology, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One year of experience supporting technical productions in a theater, concert venue, recording studio, performing arts organization, or comparable environment.
• Knowledge of audio, video, lighting, livestreaming, and stage production technologies.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced event environment.
• Flexibility to work a schedule that includes evenings and weekends based on performance and rehearsal needs.
• Commitment to safety, customer service, and operational excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience programming and operating modern lighting consoles and advanced lighting control systems.
• Understanding of digital audio consoles, audio networking technologies, and digital signal workflows.
• Experience with livestreaming technologies, PTZ cameras, video switchers, and hardware or software encoding systems.
• Working knowledge of IP networking, including switches, routers, and networked audiovisual systems.
• Experience training and supervising student employees or technical support personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional production quality.

Why You’ll Love Working at Duke

• Support inspiring performances, student achievement, and artistic excellence within a leading academic institution.
• Collaborate with talented faculty, guest artists, students, and colleagues across Duke’s vibrant arts community.
• Gain exposure to a wide range of performance technologies, production environments, and creative projects.
• Build your career through professional development, continuous learning, and hands-on technical challenges.
• Enjoy Duke’s comprehensive benefits, wellness resources, and commitment to employee success.
• Join an inclusive culture where innovation, collaboration, and respect are valued every day.

Choose Duke.

At Duke University, you’ll join a community dedicated to education, research, patient care, and service that changes lives around the world. The Department of Music enriches campus and community life through exceptional performances, teaching, and creative expression. As a Senior Production Technician, your work will directly support these efforts by creating the technical foundation that allows artists, educators, and students to thrive.

At Duke, our greatest strength is our people. We are committed to fostering an environment where every employee feels valued, empowered, and inspired to do their best work.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $21.30 to USD $33.52. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an’individual’s age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [e-mail]; phone: [phone]).

Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

Read more about Duke’s commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination at hr.duke.edu/eeo.