Temporary Production Assistant

Southeast New Mexico College; Carlsbad (NM); On-site; USD 31,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

Southeast New Mexico College in Carlsbad, NM seeks a Temporary Production Assistant to support theatre productions in partnership with Carlsbad High School Performing Arts Center.

As a seasonal role, you assist with backstage operations, setup and strike, schedules, and coordination of volunteers. You work evenings and weekends as required, focusing on safety and documentation while collaborating with CMS staff.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent with 1 year theatre production experience
• Equivalency: any equivalent combination approved by HR
• Knowledge of theatrical production processes and live performances preferred

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute theatrical productions and related events
• Support rehearsals, performances, and production meetings
• Assist with setup, operation, and strike of scenic, lighting, sound, and staging elements
• Maintain production records and inventory
• Provide backstage and front-of-house support

Skills

Theatrical production

Communication

Organization

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Associate's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Required: Associate’s degree from an accredited institution in any field. One (1) year of experience in assisting with theatrical production work in any capacity.

Equivalency:Any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience as approved by the Human Resources Department.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Grade:Four (4)

Salary:$22.26 - $25.60 Per Hour DOE

Background

Located in Carlsbad, New Mexico, Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) is a newly independent public community college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. A proud Hispanic Serving Institution, it awards certificates and associate degrees that serve the needs of its region and prepare students to transfer to programs at other colleges or universities. SENMC offers Early College and Dual Credit programs in collaboration with local high schools.

Southeast New Mexico College enjoys the strong support of its community, and has been awarded several grants, which include $11.7 million from the U.S. Department of Energy and several multimillion-dollar grants from the U.S. Department of Education for student support.

The college’s diverse employee pool includes 38 full-time faculty, 48 adjunct faculty, and 112 staff members.

SENMC offers a generous benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, and college tuition reimbursement.

More information on SENMC can be obtained from its website at https://senmc.edu.

Purpose and Scope

Reporting to the Director of Theatre Partnerships and Production, the Temporary Production Assistant provides support for all activities associated with the planning, preparation, rehearsal, execution, and strike of theatrical productions presented through Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) in partnership with Carlsbad Municipal Schools (CMS).

The Temporary Production Assistant assists with production logistics, backstage operations, technical support, set and property management, audience services coordination, and other production-related activities. This position will work at SENMC and at the Carlsbad High School Performing Arts Center (PAC) and provides operational, technical, and administrative support for theatrical productions presented through the partnership between Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) and Carlsbad Municipal Schools (CMS). This position is designated as a temporary, seasonal assignment supporting theatre productions and is contingent upon production schedules, operational needs, and available funding.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists the Director with the coordination and execution of theatrical productions and related events.
• Supports day-to-day production activities including rehearsals, performances, technical rehearsals, and production meetings.
• Assists with setup, operation, maintenance, and strike of scenic, lighting, sound, projection, and staging elements as assigned.
• Coordinates the movement, organization, storage, and inventory of costumes, props, furniture, equipment, and production materials.
• Assists performers, directors, designers, technicians, faculty, staff, volunteers, and community participants during rehearsals and performances.
• Provides backstage and front-of-house support before, during, and after productions.
• Maintains safe and organized workspaces in accordance with applicable safety procedures and guidelines.
• Assists in monitoring production schedules and ensuring assigned tasks are completed in a timely manner.
• Supports visitor, patron, and participant engagement by providing courteous and professional customer service.
• Assists with transportation and delivery of production-related materials and equipment as needed.
• Supports community engagement activities, workshops, outreach events, and educational programming related to theatre productions.
• Assists with maintaining production records, inventories, and documentation.
• Works collaboratively with CMS personnel regarding the use of production facilities and equipment at the Performing Arts Center.
• Assists in recruiting, coordinating, and supervising volunteers as directed.
• Attends production meetings, rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performances.
• Assists with post-production evaluations and recommendations for future improvements.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of theatrical production processes and live performance operations.
• Basic knowledge of technical theatre including scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, props, and stage management practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, community members, volunteers, and external partners.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and complete assignments with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated customer service skills and professional demeanor.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to adapt to changing production requirements and schedules.
• Ability to function effectively in a diverse educational and community environment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and standard business technology.
• Ability to solve problems and respond appropriately to unexpected production challenges.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and irregular schedules as required by rehearsal and performance demands.

Work Environment and Physical Demand

• Work is performed primarily at the Carlsbad High School Performing Arts Center and other SENMC-approved locations.
• Reach and grasp objects.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb ladders, and work at varying heights.
• Stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements.
• Use manual dexterity and fine motor skills.
• Operate standard office equipment and theatrical production equipment.
• Use of video display terminal.
• Communicate information orally and in writing.
• Receive and understand information through oral and written communication.
• Work in theatrical environments that may involve low lighting, elevated sound levels, and frequent movement of equipment and materials.
• Proofread and check documents for accuracy.
• Work a fluctuating schedule, including evenings, weekends, and extended hours during production weeks.

Performing the essential functions of this position requires the use of a computer throughout most of the workday, the ability to navigate a typical office environment, significant amounts of interpersonal interaction including oral and written communication, and the ability to keep track of multiple tasks, projects, deadlines, information sources, and business processes. This job description is intended to be generic in nature and describe the essential functions of the job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities, and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

Affirmative Action Statement

SENMC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.