Temporary Overhire Electrician

The New School; West Virginia; On-site; USD 34,440 - 44,083; Part time

Job summary

The New School’s College of Performing Arts is seeking an Overhire Electrician to support lighting for drama productions, operas, concerts, and more. This in-person role reports to the Master Electrician and offers as-needed scheduling with no guaranteed weekly hours.

Qualified candidates will have prior entertainment electrician experience, strong teamwork, and knowledge of lighting technology, LEDs, and reading light plots. Night and weekend hours may be required.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as an entertainment electrician is required.
• Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills.
• Ability to work under tight timelines with a positive attitude.
• Familiarity with safety procedures for theatrical lighting, rigging, and heights.

Responsibilities

• Implement lighting designs for CoPA productions under direction of Master Electrician.
• Repair and maintain lighting equipment in CoPA venues as assigned.
• Perform lighting hang, focus & strikes for productions.
• Adhere to safety permits and coordinate with university partners.

Skills

Entertainment lighting

Lighting theory

Reading light plots

Team player

Flexibility with hours

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Design and Technology

Tools

ETC EOS Paradigm control systems

Multi-parameter lighting equipment

Job description

INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

Join The New School At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to over 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design, The New School for Social Research, Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts, Parsons Paris, and the College of Performing Arts. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward‑thinking institutions in the world.

POSITION/ROLE OVERVIEW

The College of Performing Arts at The New School is seeking to add highly qualified Overhire Electricians to join its Lighting department. Reporting to the Master Electrician, the Overhire Electrician is directly responsible for the installation of lighting equipment and systems under the direction of the Master Electrician in venues controlled by the College of Performing Arts, assigned university space, and outside venues as needed. This includes, but is not limited to, drama productions, operas, concerts, experimental productions, external performance partnerships, and musical theatre. The Overhire Electrician is an integral and vital collaborator who thrives in a dynamic, fast‑paced, and highly team‑oriented environment. This is an overhire position without regular or guaranteed weekly hours. Opportunities for work will be scheduled on an as‑needed basis by the Lighting department and may be renewed pending institutional need and availability of funding.

CORE CAPABILITIES, PRIMARY DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement the lighting designs for CoPA productions under the direction of the Master Electrician or their designee.
• Perform repair and maintenance of lighting equipment and systems in CoPA venues as assigned by the Master Electrician.
• Perform lighting hang, focus & strikes for CoPA productions under the direction of the Master Electrician.
• Perform work in compliance with and under permits for all fire, health, and safety matters for CoPA venues and productions in coordination with University partners as it relates to lighting or effects.
• Provide additional responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience as an entertainment electrician is required.
• Exceptional ability to navigate challenging situations diplomatically.
• Interpersonal skills that allow the individual to function in a variety of settings among widely different groups of people.
• The ability to work productively, graciously, and with an appropriate sense of humor under strict time constraints.
• Understanding of the principles of entertainment lighting, lighting technology, low‑voltage LEDs, and electrical theory.
• Ability to read and execute light plots.
• Flexibility and a “team player” sensibility.
• Knowledge of safety procedures for theatrical lighting, rigging, and safety when working at heights.
• Flexible hours as needed, based on project assignment to include nights and weekends.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Design and Technology.
• Experience in an educational or teaching environment.
• Experience working with ETC, EOS, and Paradigm control systems.
• Experience working with multi‑parameter lighting equipment.

WORK MODE

This position is primarily in‑person and is based on campus to support effective in‑person collaboration and engagement.

SALARY RANGE

$27.00/hour

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward‑thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.