Technical Paid Scene Shop Supervisor Berkeley Repertory Theatre Berkeley, CA US 10/05/2026

Playbill, Inc.; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

403(b) plan

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Holidays

Professional development

Job summary

Berkeley Rep in Berkeley, CA seeks an experienced Scene Shop Supervisor to lead maintenance, safety, and workflow from pre-production to postproduction.

Reporting to the Technical Director, you will manage tools, CNC equipment, inventory, and shop safety, coordinating with facilities and production teams.

This in-person role requires hands-on leadership, problem-solving, and a commitment to antiracism, equity, diversity, inclusion, and access initiatives.

Qualifications

• Extensive scenic carpentry and metalworking experience.
• Deep CNC fabrication and machining knowledge.
• Strong understanding of using and repairing scene shop tools.
• Ability to research and build custom tools and jigs.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.
• Excellent organization and communication across departments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee shop maintenance and safety to keep tools, inventory and space ready.
• Lead training for new hires and seasonal staff.
• Manage load in/out and understand construction drawings.
• Operate Shopbot CNC Router and Torchmate Plasma Cutter and train staff.
• Collaborate with Facilities and Technical Direction on capital projects.
• Maintain SDS database for shop materials.

Skills

Scenic carpentry

Metal working

CNC fabrication

Shop tools maintenance

Microsoft Office

Clear communication

Tools

ShopBot CNC Router

Torchmate CNC Plasma Cutter

Job description

CONTACT NAME

Faith Elder

DESCRIPTION

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Technical Director and Associate Technical Director, the Scene Shop Supervisor serves as a key member of Berkeley Rep’s Scene Shop. This position focuses on project workflow and overall maintenance in the scene shop and ensures operations are carried out safely and productively while meeting production deadlines. In addition to problem-solving workflow and construction issues, this role also functions to oversee the overall maintenance, safety and wellness of the scene shop, ensuring that all tools, equipment and inventory are properly maintained, assembled, and utilized.This position must be performed in person at Berkeley Rep campuses and is not eligible for remote work.

Key Responsibilities

Shop Maintenance

• Develop a complete and thorough understanding of all scene shop equipment, tools, and inventory in both wood working and metal working to keep the scene shop a safe, organized, and smooth-running space from pre-production to postproduction.
• Create, manage, and implement a frequent and consistent inspection and maintenance schedule for all equipment in the scene shop area.
• Work closely with the Technical Direction team to manage a digital log listing the status of all equipment and tools, any repairs conducted, and anticipated depreciation or replacement.
• Work closely with facilities and the Technical Direction team to manage a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) database for shop and construction materials.
• With the Technical Direction team, research, recommend, build and help implement new shop equipment, custom jigs, techniques, and safety practices to benefit shop staff.
• Manage and lead annual scene shop tool training, conduct training for new hire staff and over-hire staff throughout the season.
• Report repairs and maintenance needs for shop tools, equipment, and/or low inventory stock, to the Associate Technical Director.
• With the Technical Direction team, maintain close communication with the Facilities Department to ensure Scene Shop, Addison Shop, Medak Metal Shop, Harrison Storage, as well as the Medak Loading Dock and Second Floor storage spaces are proactively maintained.

Shop Management

• With the help of the Technical Direction team; supervise load in and load out activities at the theater as assigned.
• Develop a complete and thorough understanding of all construction drawings for each construction project.
• Manage the CNC queue and provide operational oversight of both the Shopbot CNC router and the Torchmate CNC plasma cutter, serving as the resident expert in the operation and maintenance of both machines, as well as the training of shop floor personnel in proper operation and safety procedures.

Special Projects and Safety

• With guidance from the Technical Direction team, write CNC files for the Shopbot CNC router and the Torchmate plasma cutter from AutoCAD Files and Designer PDF’s.
• Participate in fabrication projects and prototyping on the shop floor, as assigned.
• Make recommendations for the Scene Shop capital projects and improvement list, including identifying repair and replacement needs, and prepare recommendations for the Technical Director on prioritization, resourcing, and execution.
• Represent the Scene Shop as necessary during inspections of Berkeley Rep production and fabrication spaces.
• Demonstrate a high degree of coachability and ability to integrate feedback into daily workflows and processes.
• Actively participate in workshops and training, including harassment prevention, bystander intervention, and antiracism, equity, diversity, inclusion, and access initiatives.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Significant experience in scenic construction and scenery installation including, but not limited to, scenic carpentry and metal working.
• Deep knowledgebase of CNC fabrication and machining.
• Deep understanding of using and repairing scene shop tools such as but not limited to: Saws (table, compound miter, bandsaw), metal working tools, welders, CNC’s, and hand tools.
• Ability to research, build, and assemble specific tools and jigs.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of materials and hardware used in theatrical scenery.
• Knowledge of automation equipment, motors, and drives.
• Experience with theatrical rigging and fabrication techniques.
• A strong interest in and commitment to antiracism, equity, diversity, inclusion, and access (AEDIA) initiatives.
• Ability to organize and communicate information clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to interact with a diverse group of constituents including visiting directors, designers, artists, administrative staff, and technical crews.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities in high stress situations.
• Ability to identify critical issues, prioritize, and work collaboratively across multiple departments.

Berkeley Rep is an equal opportunity employer and offers a full range of employee benefits including 85% employer-paid health and dental insurance, optional vision, FSA, and 403(b) plans, professional development support, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.