Scenic Production Assistant

PBS Wisconsin; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

PBS Wisconsin, a service of Wisconsin Public Media, is hiring a Scenic Production Assistant to build the studio sets and props seen in its television productions. This is a carpentry-focused, hands‑on role: most of the work involves framing, cutting, assembling, and finishing scenic elements in the shop, then installing and striking them in the studio or on location for special events.

Beyond the build itself, this position collaborates with the lead scenic designer to plan, design, and furnish

Qualifications

• Hands-on carpentry experience.
• Ability to read plans.
• Ability to build scenic or theatrical elements.
• Experience creating construction drawings for designs

Responsibilities

• Assist in building, installing, and taking down scenic sets and props for studio and remote productions and events.
• Keep the scene shop and storage areas clean, organized, and free of clutter
• Maintain accurate inventories and records of scenic equipment and properties
• Other scenic and production‑related responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Hands-on carpentry

Read plans

Scenic/theatrical elements

Education

HS Diploma

Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Job Category

University Staff

Employment Type

Temporary (Fixed Term)

Job Profile

Stagehand TE

Job Summary

PBS Wisconsin, a service of Wisconsin Public Media, is hiring a Scenic Production Assistant to build the studio sets and props seen in its television productions. This is a carpentry-focused, hands‑on role: most of the work involves framing, cutting, assembling, and finishing scenic elements in the shop, then installing and striking them in the studio or on location for special events.

Beyond the build itself, this position collaborates with the lead scenic designer to plan, design, and furnish productions. Keeps tools, equipment, and storage areas clean, organized, and accurately inventoried, using the existing inventory database.

Responsibilities

• Assist in building, installing, and taking down scenic sets and props for studio and remote productions and events.
• Keep the scene shop and storage areas clean, organized, and free of clutter
• Maintain accurate inventories and records of scenic equipment and properties
• Other scenic and production‑related responsibilities as assigned.

This position reports to the lead scenic designer.

We're especially looking for someone with hands‑on carpentry experience — comfortable running shop tools, reading plans, and building scenic or theatrical elements from the ground up. Being able to create construction drawings for designs is a plus but not required

This position is classified under UW–Madison's Stagehand TE standard job title (Job Code TE012, Temporary Employee category), with the working title of Scenic Production Assistant.

This is a part‑time (50%), non‑exempt, hourly appointment with a one year term

The successful candidate can anticipate working an average of 20 hours per week, with some weeks being more and some less depending on production schedules and deadlines.

This position works on‑site at PBS Wisconsin's studios at Vilas Communication Hall on the UW–Madison campus. Given the hands‑on nature of building, installing, and maintaining scenic elements, this position is not eligible for a flexible work agreement.

Hours are generally scheduled Monday–Friday during standard business hours; evening and weekend work will be required as needed to support scenic event installs, strikes, and live productions.

This position occasionally requires travel to off‑site locations.

Driver Authorization

It is expected that employees will make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibilities and essential job functions. Information about UW‑Madison Driver Authorization can be found at businessservices.wisc.edu

Key Job Responsibilities

Department

Wisconsin Public Media/PBS WI

Compensation

We anticipate paying $20-22 per hour, with actual pay dependent on qualifications and experience.

Required Qualifications

• Hands on carpentry experience
• Ability to read plans
• Ability to build scenic or theatrical elements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience creating construction drawings for designs

Education

H.S. Diploma Preferred Minimum

Contact Information

Lili Gagliano, [e-mail]

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