Theater Services Projection Technician

Loyola Marymount University; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Loyola Marymount University is seeking a Projection Technician to operate projection facilities across LMU’s three theaters. You will support classes, screenings, and events, ensuring high-quality sound and image performance.

You will assist in scheduling student workers, coordinating with vendors, and maintaining projection equipment to meet safety and educational standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in film/video exhibition or related field.
• Advanced knowledge of film projection and video exhibition.
• Experience loading and projecting 35mm and 16mm film preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee projection equipment for class screenings in all theaters.
• Assist student workers with projection equipment and practices.
• Perform quality checks on projection equipment and troubleshoot issues.
• Schedule vendor repairs and coordinate with Facilities and IT.

Skills

Film projection

Multi-venue management

Troubleshooting

Team supervision

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Premiere

After Effects

ProTools

Avid Media Composer

MS Office 365

Zoom

Teams

Slack

MM Budgeting

MM Scheduling

Job description

Overview:

The Production Administration Team (PAT) at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) – School of Film and Television (SFTV), a top-ranked film school, supports student productions and serves students in Film Production, Screenwriting, Recording Arts, Animation, and Film Studies. The students in Film Production produce approximately 800 films per year. Each project is overseen by a staff member in PAT. Projects are monitored for adherence to rules, policies, and procedures codified in the SFTV Handbook, and most importantly, for the highest level of workplace safety. PAT provides services and maintains available facilities and equipment in 5 buildings across two campuses, including sound stages, scene and prop shop, professional cinema-quality camera packages, grip/electric equipment, and production sound equipment for both project and classroom use. For a more complete list of equipment and facilities, please see the SFTV website.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Theater Services Administrator, the Theater Services Projection Technician will assist the Theater Services Administrator in operating all projection facilities for the school, including current and future film, tape, and disc venues. The Projection Technician will assist in the scheduling and training of student workers, and support classes by sourcing films for screenings. The Projection Technician will also assist in the maintenance of projectors and projection equipment, including coordination with external vendors. The ideal candidate brings a collaborative mindset, a deep understanding of professional projection standards, and a commitment to fostering a safe, educational, and creatively empowering environment for emerging filmmakers.

Position Specific Accountabilities:

• Oversee the operation of projection equipment for class screenings in all three theaters across LMU campuses (Mayer Theater, Broccoli Theater, and Playa Vista Campus Theater).
• Assist student workers in the use of projection equipment and standard projection practices during class screenings and events.
• Conduct sound, visual, and overall performance quality checks on all projection equipment.
• Troubleshoot equipment when necessary to ensure classes and events run smoothly.
• Advise the Theater Services Administrator of any maintenance and/or repairs needed.
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs when needed.
• Schedule vendor repairs of all current and future projection equipment when necessary.
• Collaborate with central university departments such as Facilities Management and Information Technology Services, in addition to internal SFTV staff and administrators, as needed to ensure smooth operation of projection facilities.
• Coordinate the rental, delivery, and return of rented DCPs and Film Prints used in the theaters.
• Collaborate with the Programming Committee, internal and external event producers, and designated SFTV staff to coordinate and review the audio, lighting, sound, and screening expectations during special programming, including screenings and events held in the theaters.
• Attend meetings and review materials, including but not limited to digital assets and run-of-shows, in preparation for special programming.
• Operate sound and visual equipment during special programming, including but not limited to screenings and events.
• Maintain and update both the physical SFTV Library of films and the online catalog of films, in addition to the web-checkout media catalog.
• Use department and university-approved systems and accounts for all operational needs, including but not limited to email correspondence, documents, files, and asset management.
• Review and follow university policy and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned to or requested.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Typically a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Incumbent will be expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of University and federal regulation/policy changes.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and simultaneously on multiple projects, maintaining a high caliber of quality.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in progressively responsible positions in film and/or video exhibition and/or video engineering technology.
• Advanced knowledge in the areas of film projection and/or video exhibition.
• Practical knowledge and experience loading and projecting 35mm and 16mm film preferred.
• Experience with setting up, installing, or maintaining the use of microphones, speakers, and various projection equipment.
• Experience with digital sound equipment and cables.
• Experience in public screening and events.
• Exemplary communication skills (both written and oral) evidenced by background in preparing comprehensive reports incorporating complex highly technical information.
• Familiarity with Computers and IP Networking Systems.
• Exceptional troubleshooting skills.
• Must possess a strong ability to multitask.
• Experience in multi-venue management is preferred.
• Keen understanding of the role of academic support staff in interaction with students is required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to allow some weekend work during production periods (~10 weeks/semester).
• Demonstrated ability to supervise multiple reports expected.
• Experience in project management strongly desired.
• Ability to mentor students required.
• Ability to assist students in the development of professional attitudes and disciplines expected in the entertainment industry.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must be organized, detail-oriented, and demonstrate initiative, quick problem solving, thinking ahead, and follow-through.
• Proven ability to work calmly and efficiently in a high-pace, high-volume environment.
• Ability to work both independently and follow direction.
• Must be proactive.
• Highly developed crisis/conflict management skills required, specifically de-escalation.
• High degree of empathy, respect for and ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, ages and cultures required.
• Keen understanding of the role of academic support staff in interaction with students is required.
• Understanding of organizational structure and ability to follow instructions and defined processes.
• Excellent computer skills and knowledge of industry standard software expected, including MS Office 365 suite, Word, Excel, Outlook, Zoom, Teams, Slack, MM Budgeting, MM Scheduling, HotSheets, Premiere, After Effects, ProTools, and Avid Media Composer.

Staff Term (Fixed Term)

Salary range $30.43 - $38.07 Salary commensurate with education and experience. Please note that this position may not be eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Constantly required to sit, feel, use finger movement, speak clearly, hear conversation, see near and far. Frequently required to stand and walk. Occasionally required to lift, carry and push up to 25 lbs., stoop, kneel, reach high and low, use depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment is normal.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

Mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Frequent calculating, interrupted work, variety of interrelated tasks, sustained concentration, use of reasoning, judgment, resourcefulness, analytical ability, and ingenuity.

EEO Statement

Loyola Marymount University is an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin (including language and language use restrictions), ancestry, disability (mental and physical) including HIV and AIDS, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), denial of Family and Medical Care Leave, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age 40 or over, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other bases protected by federal (including but not limited to Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990), state or local law. The University does not discriminate on these bases, or any other basis protected by law, in the administration of any of its education or admissions policies, scholarship or loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered policies and programs, or in its employment policies and practices. All University policies, practices, and procedures are administered in a manner consistent with LMU's Jesuit identity and character. To learn more about the University's Statement of Non-Discrimination policy and related grievance procedures, click here. To report questions or concerns about sex-based discrimination, please contact [e-mail] or 310.568.6105. To learn more about Federal & State Employment Notices, click here.

Additional Information

Founded in 1911, Loyola Marymount University is a Carnegie classified R2 institution rooted in the Jesuit and Marymount traditions. We are committed to fostering a diverse academic community rich in opportunity for intellectual engagement and real-world experience. We enroll an academically ambitious, multicultural, and socioeconomically diverse student body. We recruit, retain and support a diverse faculty committed to excellence in teaching, research, scholarship and creativity. Our three campuses are rooted in the heart of Los Angeles, a global capital for arts and entertainment, innovation and technology, business and entrepreneurship. LMU is a unique and rewarding place to work. As you consider your employment opportunities with our institution, we encourage you to take the time to learn about the university community and how it distinguishes us from other places of employment. We are proud of the programs, benefits and services we provide our community. We strive to ensure an inclusive environment in all aspects of campus life that fosters a strong sense of trust and mutual respect.