Scene Technician

University of California, Santa Cruz; California; On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

UC Santa Cruz is seeking a Scene Technician for the Quarry Amphitheater to assist in the installation and operation of stagecraft elements for events, under the direction of production staff. The role covers lighting, sound, scenery, and multimedia support as part of a production team.

Candidates need two years of college and one year of theater production experience, plus proven time management and the ability to coordinate across technical areas.

Qualifications

• Two years of college and one year of theater production experience.
• Knowledge of most aspects of production.
• Proven time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Unloading/loading trucks, setting up/striking staging and/or scenic elements, arranging lighting and sound equipment, performing maintenance functions, and running production-related errands.
• Specialized work in Lighting, Sound, or Multi-Media as directed; install, operate, troubleshoot, and repair systems per production needs.

Skills

Production knowledge

Time management

Teamwork

Lighting maintenance

Sound systems

Multimedia systems

Communication skills

Job description

JOB POSTING

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

05-18-2026

About Uc Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

Department Overview

The Quarry Amphitheater (QA) at UCSC is part of an exclusive family of concert venues that exist throughout the United States. It shares this designation with destination venues like Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, Sigmund Stern Grove in San Francisco, and the Gorge Amphitheater in Washington. Its unique asymmetrical design nestled in a redwood landscape makes for a setting that is best appreciated in person. The completed first phase of the renovation project expanded the venue seating capacity to just under 3,000 audience members, placing the QA as the largest outdoor venue in Santa Cruz and Monterey County with fixed staging and seating.

The QA is an exceptional outdoor facility positioned to become the region’s most influential and important venue. The QA staff collaborates with the Student Development and Engagement/Dean of Students (SDE/DOS), one of four units within the Division of Student Affairs and Success. SDE/DOS provides a range of programs, services, resources, and experiences for all students with a focus on student engagement, leadership, basic needs, and a sense of belonging. Equity and social justice are at the core of the unit's approach to working with students and cultivating a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming campus community.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Quarry Amphitheater General Manager, and as directed by the General Manager, Production Manager, Senior Scene Technicians, or designated production personnel, the Scene Technician assists in the installation of elements of the various theatrical stagecraft areas (lighting, sound, scenery, props, etc.) for events at the Quarry Amphitheater.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $27.06/hourly

Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: This position is not eligible for benefits

Schedule Information

• Part-time, Variable
• Percentage of Time: 15%, 6 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Sun, TBD
• Shift Includes: Day, Evening, Night, Weekend

Employee Classification

Employee Classification: Limited appointment

Job End Date: 1 year from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: TX, Technical

Job Code Classification: SCENE TCHN (006333)

Travel: Never or Rarely

Job Duties

50% - General Production Assistance

• Practicing safe working habits assists the entire crew in one or more of the following tasks:
• Unloading/loading trucks.
• Setting up/striking staging and/or scenic elements.
• Arranging lighting equipment.
• Arranging sound equipment.
• Performing maintenance functions.
• Running production-related errands.

50% - Specialized Production Assistance

Works with proficiency in a specific area of specialization (listed below) as directed.

• Lighting:
• Using knowledge of basic electrical theory and physical law, correctly and appropriately hangs/circuits lighting plot.
• Performs operation and maintenance of most lighting components (follow spots, ellipsoidal spotlights, PARs, fresnels, dimmers, control systems, amx/dmx converters).
• Performs programming, recording, and operation of cues on basic lighting consoles and some computerized control systems.
• Sound:
• Using knowledge of basic audio and acoustic theory and physical law, correctly and appropriately installs sound system.
• Performs operation and maintenance of most sound system components (communication systems, comp/limiters, effects units, equalizers, noise gates, midi, amplifiers, speakers, dynamic/electret/pressure zone/phase coherent microphones, recording and reproduction devices, and industry-standard control consoles).
• Troubleshoots and repairs sound systems and plots.
• Mixes lecture events, taped performances, and small live-reinforced events.
• Multi-Media:
• Using knowledge of basic multi-media theory and physical law, correctly and appropriately installs various multi-media systems.
• Operates most multi-media components (slide projectors, dove units, film projectors (16mm), video projectors, VCRs.
• Troubleshoots and repairs multi-media systems and plots.
• Using critical skill and aesthetic judgment, operates equipment to the Event Sponsor or Production Manager’s specification.

Required Qualifications

• Two years of college and one year of experience in theater production and/or equivalent education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of most aspects of production.
• Proven time management skills.
• Ability to maintain most lighting components, including having some knowledge of computerized lighting control systems.
• Ability to correctly and appropriately install a variety of sound systems and troubleshoot and repair sound systems and plots.
• Ability to correctly and appropriately install, operate, troubleshoot, and repair most multi-media systems and plots.
• Ability to coordinate across technical areas to ensure the timely realization of the event.
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with a team.
• Ability to communicate professionally.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated intermediate knowledge and experience sufficient to operate theatrical rigging equipment.
• Working knowledge of basic rigging, electrical, audio and acoustic, and multi-media theory and physical laws.
• Ability to mix lectures, taped performances, and small live-reinforced events.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to work in conditions of variable temperature/weather with possible exposure to strong, unpleasant odors, high levels of noise and vibrations, and exposure to dust and allergens.
• Ability to ascend/descend ladders with or without accommodation.
• Ability to sustain exposure to dusty, noisy environments and inclement weather as necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to work overtime including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays to meet operational needs, and work an alternate work schedule shift as required.
• Ability to observe safe work practices, as directed.
• This is a seasonal, on-call position averaging 8-14 hours per day during productions, possibly 2-5 days in a row. Because of the event-oriented nature of the work, daily and weekly schedules, shift breaks, days off, and time off are subject to change as required to fulfill job duties, and at the discretion of the Quarry Manager.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available at: https://chancellor.ucsc.edu/annual-security-reports/.

This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.