SMTD Lighting Supervisor (Temporary)

Colorado State University; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University in Fort Collins is seeking a full-time Temporary Lighting Supervisor to support all SMTD productions. You will lead electrics tasks, hang and focus lighting, wire and build practicals, and troubleshoot equipment while maintaining safety and compliance.

This role manages a crew of student electricians and collaborates daily with production leadership. The ideal candidate has experience as a theatrical electrician, familiarity with ETC EOS consoles, Vectorworks, and

Qualifications

• Experience as a theatrical electrician with ETC systems.
• Proficiency with EOS consoles and networking protocols.
• Knowledge of CAD lighting software (Vectorworks, Lightwright).
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and work at heights.
• Strong organization, self-motivation and reliability.
• Clear, industry-standard communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Manage SMTD productions lighting needs and crew.
• Hang and focus lighting plots, wire and build practicals.
• Troubleshoot equipment and ensure safety compliance.
• Communicate progress daily with production leadership.
• Support inventory, equipment maintenance, and shop operations.

Skills

Theatrical Electrician

ETC networking

ETC EOS consoles

Vectorworks

Lightwright

Electrical wiring basics

Organization / self-motivation

Clear communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Theatre

Tools

ETC EOS Family consoles

ETC networking protocols

Vectorworks

Lightwright

Job description

Job Description

Position Summary The full-time Temporary Lighting Supervisor position supports the lighting operations for all School of Music, Theatre, and Dance productions in progress. This role works to complete a variety of electrics-related tasks throughout the production process. The Lighting Overhire assists in ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely execution of lighting operations. Full Consideration Date September 12, 2026 (position will remain open until filled)

Brief Work Unit Description

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance (SMTD) at Colorado State University is recognized as a distinctive program in the performing arts within the state’s land-grant university. Our state-of-the-art facility provides dance, music, and theatre students with the opportunity to work side-by-side with an outstanding faculty of internationally recognized artists, directors, designers, performers, and scholars in a highly inspiring and professional environment.

Essential Job Duties

• Manage all SMTD productions lighting needs.
• Lead a crew completing electrics tasks, including hanging and focusing lighting plots, wiring and building practicals, and troubleshooting equipment.
• Communicate daily progress and emergent needs with the Director of Production.
• Maintain safe working practices and ensure compliance with departmental and university safety policies.
• Manage time efficiently and complete tasks independently as needed.
• Support inventory management, equipment maintenance, and other lighting shop operations as assigned.

Conditions of Employment

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check.
• Supervision Lead a crew of 4–8 student electricians.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience as a Theatrical Electrician
• Experience with ETC networking protocols.
• Proficiency in ETC EOS Family consoles.
• Working knowledge of Computer-Aided Drafting software for lighting, including Vectorworks and Lightwright.
• Knowledge of basic electrical wiring.
• Physical strength, coordination, and flexibility to safely lift up to 40 pounds, climb ladders, and work at height in catwalks, scissor lifts, and Genie lifts.
• Evidence of organization, self-motivation, and self-sufficiency.
• Ability to communicate clearly using industry terminology.
• Team-oriented approach and collaborative work ethic.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (BA or BFA) in Theatre or related field.
• Professional experience in lighting design, production electrics, or theatrical lighting systems.
• Experience supervising or mentoring student crews.
• Familiarity with theatrical production processes in an academic or professional setting.

Salary Range

$20-$23

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.