Senior Production Technician

Duke PA; Durham, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 61,033,000 - 96,049,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University is seeking a Sr. Production Technician to support daily events and productions across campus, operating lighting, audio, video, rigging, and stage systems.

You will mentor student workers, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and help ensure safety and high professional standards for all performances.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in theatre or closely related field.
• No experience beyond the degree is necessary, but four years of related technical events support or theatre production may substitute for the degree.
• ETCP certification in one or more disciplines is preferred.
• Experience with Vectorworks, Lightwright, and QLab.
• Knowledge of DMX512, RDM, ETCNet, and DMX-based infrastructure.
• Experience working in performing arts centers or live event venues.

Responsibilities

• Support daily theatre and event operations across campus performance and mixed-use venues.
• Install, maintain, program, and operate lighting, audio, video, stage, and production equipment.
• Execute technical setups, rehearsals, performances, and strikes while ensuring production quality and operational efficiency.
• Operate and troubleshoot modern production technologies, including lighting systems, sound systems, projections, rigging, fly rail systems, and stage machinery.
• Assist with scenic construction, painting, carpentry, and related production activities.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Excellent communication

Project management

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in theatre or closely related field

Tools

ETCP Certification

Vectorworks

Lightwright

QLab

Job description

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Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique talents, experiences, and perspectives each team member brings. As a Production Technician, Sr., you will play a critical role in delivering exceptional event and performance experiences across campus. Whether supporting theatrical productions, concerts, lectures, or special events, you will work alongside artists, faculty, students, producers, and technical professionals in a collaborative environment where creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation thrive.

Your technical expertise and commitment to excellence will help create memorable experiences while fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for performers, guests, and the Duke community.

Be Bold.

Bring your passion for technical theatre and live event production to one of the nation's leading universities. In this role, you will operate and support advanced lighting, audio, video, rigging, and stage systems while helping ensure every event is executed safely, efficiently, and at the highest professional standards.

You will have opportunities to develop specialized expertise, mentor student workers, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and contribute to productions that inspire learning, creativity, and community engagement.

What You’ll Do

Production & Venue Operations

• Support daily theatre and event operations across campus performance and mixed-use venues.
• Install, maintain, program, and operate lighting, audio, video, stage, and production equipment.
• Execute technical setups, rehearsals, performances, and strikes while ensuring production quality and operational efficiency.
• Operate and troubleshoot modern production technologies, including lighting systems, sound systems, projections, rigging, fly rail systems, and stage machinery.
• Assist with scenic construction, painting, carpentry, and related production activities.

Event Support & Client Service

• Partner with event organizers, artists, faculty, students, and campus departments to deliver successful events.
• Coordinate technical requirements and ensure appropriate resources are provided for each event.
• Monitor equipment utilization and maintain accurate event documentation to support operational and billing processes.
• Uphold professional service standards and represent Duke positively during all event interactions.
• Coordinate and oversee student employees and contracted production personnel.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new staff and student workers.
• Foster teamwork by communicating expectations, sharing technical expertise, and promoting a collaborative work environment.
• Support student organizations and campus partners in achieving production goals.

Scheduling & Safety

• Help manage event schedules, staffing needs, work hours, and operational timelines.
• Maintain strict adherence to safety standards, policies, and industry best practices.
• Promote a culture of workplace safety during production planning, installation, operation, and teardown.
• Maintain regular communication with venue management, technical staff, administrative teams, and event stakeholders.
• Participate in production meetings and departmental discussions.
• Support departmental initiatives and perform additional duties that contribute to University and division objectives.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

Education

Work requires a thorough background in technical theatre normally acquired through a four-year course of study in theatre or closely related field.

Experience

No experience beyond the degree is necessary, however four years of directly related technical events support or theatre production experience may substitute for the required degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) certification in one or more disciplines, including:
• Arena Rigger
• Theatre Rigger
• Experience working in performing arts centers, academic theatres, or live event venues.
• Knowledge of modern entertainment networking and control protocols, including DMX512 and Remote Device Management (RDM).
• Familiarity with ETCNet and DMX-based infrastructure.
• Experience programming and operating digital lighting consoles and advanced lighting systems.
• Knowledge of digital audio networking and console operation for live sound reinforcement.
• Understanding of video projection systems, source management, lens selection, and signal routing.
• Working knowledge of industry-standard software such as Vectorworks, Lightwright, and QLab.

Core Competencies

• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
• Strong independent problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to collaboration, service excellence, and professionalism.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals of varying experience levels and backgrounds.
• Valid North Carolina driver's license with the ability to maintain eligibility to operate Duke vehicles.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position supports live events and theatrical productions and requires:

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders, work from lifts, and utilize required fall protection equipment.
• Ability to work at heights, in low-light environments, and around theatrical production equipment.
• Regular exposure to noise, dust, rigging systems, catwalks, and production environments.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as event schedules require.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided in accordance with applicable laws and University policies.

Choose Duke.

At Duke, you'll join a world-renowned institution committed to excellence, innovation, learning, and community impact. Beyond supporting extraordinary performances and events, you'll have opportunities to grow professionally, develop advanced technical skills, collaborate with talented colleagues, and help create experiences that enrich campus life.

At Duke, your work matters because every performance, every event, and every audience experience contributes to our mission of education, discovery, and service.

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.