Technical Assistant

Met Opera; New York (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Opera seeks an enthusiastic Technical Assistant to support the Technical Director in production documentation and technical support. This role involves drafting production materials, attending rehearsals, and managing essential documentation. Ideal candidates possess a degree in a relevant field and have a solid understanding of technical backstage operations, along with strong communication and problem-solving skills. This is a full-time position with a salary in the range of $50,000 - $55,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of technical backstage operations required.
• Experience with drafting procedures is necessary.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support technical documentation for assigned productions.
• Attend rehearsals and distribute production notes.
• Maintain production books and document the production process.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Time management

Computer literacy

Teamwork

Education

Degree in Theater, Design, Engineering, or Architecture

Tools

Autodesk AutoCAD

MS Office

Adobe Photoshop

3D modeling software

Job description

The Production Department of The Metropolitan Opera oversees all production and technical details related to the development, creation, rehearsal, and performance of the opera repertory, presentations and special events, as well as the operation, maintenance, and improvements of the Metropolitan Opera stage, shops, and warehouses. The Technical Assistant provides direct support to the Technical Director with the development and documentation of technical details for new productions, the Met Opera repertory, presentations, and special events

Primary Responsibilities

• Drafting support for assigned productions in accordance with Metropolitan Opera CAD standards.
• Production documentation support for assigned productions.
• Attend rehearsals, publish and distribute production notes for assigned productions.
• Maintaining and updating production books and drawings sets for assigned productions
• Maintaining pertinent or assigned production department documents
• Photograph and document the production process; including model, technical, lighting, costume, property, assembly, construction, rehearsal and performance images for assigned productions.
• Preparing technical documents for presentations and special events as assigned.
• Preparing technical documents for rentals of Metropolitan Opera productions as assigned. Giving building tours as required
• Other duties or responsibilities as assigned by the Technical Director

Skills and Qualifications

• A degree in Theater, Design, Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent professional experience is required.
• Basic knowledge and experience with all aspects of technical backstage operation is required.
• A solid fundamental knowledge of standard scenery construction, handling, and rigging methods as well as knowledge of standard theatrical lighting techniques is essential.
• Experience with standard technical and theatrical drafting procedures is required.
• An ability to clearly communicate technical and artistic concepts in writing is essential.
• Problem solving skills, including the ability to synthesize and evaluate solutions in three-dimensional space, are required.
• Interpersonal and communication skills are crucial, as well as the ability to work on a team in a fast-paced, detail-oriented workplace.
• In-depth experience with one or more specialty fields (structural, mechanical or electrical engineering, theatrical lighting, scenic or costume design, welding, rigging, electronics, hydraulics, computer programming, architecture, music, project management, etc.) is desirable.
• Time management skills, the ability to multitask and prioritize competing tasks are required.
• Computer literacy is essential, including MS Office applications and Adobe Photoshop and Acrobat.
• Autodesk AutoCAD experience is mandatory. Experience working in a 3D drafting environment is desirable.
• Computer aided rendering/visualization skills (Autodesk 3D Studio Max or similar) and/or solid modeling or digital prototyping skills (Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Inventor, or similar) are desirable.
• Basic understanding of photographic principles and operation of a modern digital interchangeable-lens camera is desirable.

Physical Demands

• Must be flexible, willing to help when asked.
• Ability to work well with all personality types.
• Ability to navigate stairs (including ships' ladders), sloped surfaces, and other irregular walking surfaces.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to work at a computer screen for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry 25 lbs. a short distance.

$50,000 - $55,000 a year

The Metropolitan Opera is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and existing employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship status, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.