Technical Supervisor

Penn State University; Lower Swatara Township (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State Harrisburg is seeking a Technical Supervisor to provide primary operational support and technical leadership for theatre productions, academic programming, campus events, touring performances, and community events.

The role requires coordinating production logistics, overseeing scenic construction, maintaining systems, and supervising student crews with a focus on safety and high-quality performances. Expect a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends to supervise events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre or related field, plus 3 years in tech theatre.
• Experience supervising student staff or production crews.
• Proficiency in scenic construction, lighting, audio, video, stage operations, rigging, and streaming tech.
• Strong knowledge of safety, inventory, and production coordination.

Responsibilities

• Technical Production & Live Events: Lead setup, operation, troubleshooting, and strike for productions and events.
• Coordinate work calls, rehearsals, load-ins, strikes, venue changeovers, and space prep.
• Scenic Construction & Shop Operations: Construct, install, modify, and strike scenic elements; train student employees.
• Systems & Equipment Maintenance: Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair theatre systems; maintain inventories.
• Student Supervision & Mentorship: Recruit, schedule, train, supervise, and mentor student crews.
• Administration & Safety: Maintain calendars, run sheets, work orders, safety records, and compliance.

Skills

Technical theatre

Supervisory experience

Lighting

Audio

Video

Streaming tech

Communication

Safety management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

ETC

Dante

QLab

Vectorworks

Microsoft 365

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State Harrisburg is seeking a Technical Supervisor for the Mukund S. Kulkarni Theatre. Reporting directly to the Technical Director, this position serves as the primary operational support and backup, extending operational capacity and ensuring continuity of daily theatre operations. The Technical Supervisor provides advanced technical expertise, operational coordination, scenic construction, and independent problem-solving for theatrical productions, academic programming, campus events, touring performances, and community events. Because this role actively oversees live productions and event execution, it requires a flexible schedule, including regular evening and weekend hours to supervise student staff and ensure the overall success of events. Working collaboratively with the Technical Director, Performing Arts Operations Specialist, Special Events staff, faculty, students, community partners, and visiting artists, this role supervises student employees and contracted crews while promoting a safe, efficient, and high-quality performing arts environment.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Production & Live Events: Lead setup, operation, troubleshooting, and strike for productions and events. Operate lighting, audio, video, projection, staging, rigging, and streaming/broadcasting systems. Interpret technical documentation and serve as Technical Supervisor, Crew Chief, Board Operator, or Lead Technician. Support touring shows, guest artists, recordings, and multimedia presentations.

Operations & Production Logistics: Coordinate work calls, rehearsals, load-ins, strikes, venue changeovers, and performance space prep. Participate in production meetings, post-event evaluations, and planning/implementation alongside faculty, staff, students, clients, and vendors.

Scenic Construction & Shop Operations: Construct, install, modify, and strike scenic elements based on technical drawings. Operate and maintain scene shop tools and equipment, maintain shop organization, and train/supervise student employees in construction and shop safety.

Systems & Equipment Maintenance: Inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and conduct preventive maintenance on theatre systems. Maintain equipment inventories and records; recommend upgrades and replacements.

Student Supervision & Mentorship: Assist with recruiting, scheduling, training, supervising, and mentoring student employees. Assign work, track hours, monitor performance, develop crew leaders, and provide hands-on technical instruction.

Administration & Safety: Maintain event calendars, run sheets, work orders, paperwork, and purchasing documentation. Conduct safety inspections, maintain safety records, and enforce compliance with University safety policies.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre, Theatre Production, Event Production, Arts Administration, or a related discipline (or equivalent combination of education and experience), plus 3 years of progressively responsible experience in technical theatre, live event production, or performing arts operations.

Supervisory Experience: Experience supervising student employees or production crews.

Technical Skills & Expertise: Demonstrated experience in scenic construction, lighting, audio, video, stage operations, theatrical rigging, and streaming technologies.

Operational Knowledge: Proficiency in theatre operations, production coordination, equipment maintenance, inventory management, customer service, and safety management.

Core Competencies: Strong communication skills, independent judgment, and operational problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in higher education performing arts, institutional special events, and touring productions.

Experience with livestreaming and hybrid events.

Experience with ETC, Dante, QLab, Vectorworks, and Microsoft 365.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $64,668.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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