Scene Shop Supervisor

Chapman University; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Chapman University seeks a Scene Shop Supervisor to oversee the CSW Scene Shop operations, ensuring safe and efficient production support for student projects. The role trains students on power tools, certifies shop workers, and coordinates with faculty and Dodge College staff on productions.

You will manage tool maintenance, safety compliance, and the ShopBot CNC router, while maintaining compliance with university safety standards and policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in theatrical/film/TV art department and/or set construction.
• 3–5 years of scene shop management experience.
• Strong knowledge of scene shop practices and CNC operation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee CSW Scene Shop operations and safety.
• Supervise student productions and coordinate transportation of scenic elements.
• Run safety and training workshops to certify tool usage.
• Hire and train student shop assistants.
• Review cut files for ShopBot and ensure safe feeds/speeds.

Skills

Leadership

Safety orientation

Organization

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in theatrical/film/TV art dept or set construction

Tools

ShopBot CNC

CNC

CAD (Vectorworks)

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in‑person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Position Information

Position Title

Position Type

Position Type Regular

Job Number

Job Number SA98024

Full or Part Time

Full or Part Time full‑time 40 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification Non‑Exempt

Anticipated Pay Range

Anticipated Pay Range $33.00-38.00

Pay Range Information

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary

The Scene Shop Supervisor will oversee the general operations and safe use of the Chapman Studios West ( CSW ) Scene Shop and related facilities. They will train students on safe and proper operation of power tools and oversee student production activities in the space. Communicate standard operating procedures and track individual certifications while also maintaining a safe and tidy environment that complies with university safety standards and legal requirements. Oversee safe operations of the ShopBot CNC Router and check submitted cut files for errors.
As a member of the Production Support Team, the Shop Supervisor will coordinate with Dodge staff and faculty in scheduling productions in the shop and keep the team apprised of design changes or challenges. They will play an active role in the vetting of student Stage Proposals. They will also coordinate with the departments of Fire & Life Safety and Risk Management to ensure that the Scene Shop complies with all university policy. Other responsibilities include duties assigned by the Production Support Manager.

Responsibilities

• Oversee general operations of the CSW Scene Shop
  • Working with student teams, staff and faculty to evaluate design scope and feasibility. Provide feedback on Shop capacity and ability to support productions of various sizes.
  • Perform yearly self‑inspection in addition to periodic (at least quarterly) inspections of the CSW facilities to verify compliance with university policy.
  • Maintain all hand and power tools. Track tools being checked out to students and respond to equipment failures.
  • Monitor the proper storage, usage and disposal of chemicals and materials such as paints and stains. Retain a database of Safety Data Sheets for all materials in the Shop. Coordinate with EH&S on the disposal of universal waste.
  • Ensure that the shop facilities and paint cage are kept clean and always present a professional appearance.
• Supervise student productions in the Scene Shop
  • Supervise work being performed in the shop to ensure that proper procedures are being followed. Assist students as time permits.
  • Oversee the transportation of scenic elements between the scene shop and various Dodge College filming locations.
  • Ensure that everyone using the shop are entirely familiar with general policies and procedures, including safety policies.
  • Support classes taught in the Scene Shop.
• Run safety and training workshops to certify students using tools
  • Create and implement Scene Shop training documentation, forms and workflows as needed.
  • Conduct Scene Shop Workshops to train/certify students on safe use of shop tools and facilities. Maintain Scene Shop Certified Crew list.
  • Ensure that students are trained in the proper selection and use of PPE , and that it is being worn by all people as needed in the facility.
• Hire and train student shop assistants
  • Manage student employees working the Scene Shop to assist with the enforcement of policies, ensure proper usage of tools and maintain cleanliness of the facilities.
• Review files submitted for cutting on the Shopbot CNC router
  • Train student employees on the safe operation of the CNC router.
  • Review and correct cut files submitted by students. Ensure safe feeds and speeds settings and check for pathing errors.
  • Service and maintain the CNC router and router bits.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in theatrical, film/TV art department and/or set construction
• 3 – 5 years of experience in scene shop atmosphere with scene shop management experience
• Working knowledge of modern industry standard scene shop practices and terminology
• Working knowledge of typical prop/sets facility procedures and rentals
• Ability to read and interpret technical and build drawings
• Experience with CNC , preferably ShopBot
• Strong organization and time management skills with ability to multi‑task, follow up, prioritize whether working independently or as part of a team
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to interact with a diverse group of individuals at all organizational levels including faculty, students, staff and other members of Chapman community.
• Strong computer skills in the use of Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• Technical skills to learn and use enterprise software systems.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to anticipate and identify design or construction problems
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy and to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Previous experience in the supervision and training of staff.

Desired Qualifications

• Working knowledge of CAD programs such as Vectorworks
• Knowledge of Chapman policies and procedures
• OSHA and MEWP 2A, 3A training a plus

Special Instructions to Applicants

At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in‑person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Minimum Number of References

Minimum Number of References 3

Maximum Number of References

Maximum Number of References 3

Pre‑screening Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Required Documents
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • 3 References Listed on One Page
• Optional Documents
  • Letter of Recommendation 1
  • Letter of Recommendation 2
  • Certification/License

MAIN CAMPUS
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 997‑6815
RINKER HEALTH SCIENCE CAMPUS
9401 Jeronimo Road
Irvine, CA 92618
© 2019 CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening, and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.