Theatrical Head Carpenter/Fly Operator, Center for the Arts

State University of New York at Buffalo; Georgia (VT); On-site; USD 49,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center for the Arts at a leading university seeks a Theatrical Head Carpenter/Fly Operator. This role involves overseeing technical aspects of performances, managing rigging, and mentoring students. The ideal candidate has a background in technical theater, strong communication skills, and a commitment to safety. Join a dynamic team dedicated to delivering exceptional cultural experiences.

Benefits

Professional development financial support

Inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of professional experience in stage carpentry or rigging.
• Proven ability to perform technical tasks with a focus on safety.
• Experience in training junior staff or instructing in an educational environment.

Responsibilities

• Managing rigging and staging for events while ensuring safety.
• Supervising the stage running crew and mentoring students.
• Performing rigging, fly and rail operation duties.

Skills

Communication

Supervisory Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Associates degree in technical theater

Bachelor’s degree in technical theater

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Theatrical Head Carpenter/Fly Operator, Center for the Arts

Position Title Theatrical Head Carpenter/Fly Operator, Center for the Arts

The Center for the Arts ( CFA ) at the University at Buffalo within theCollege of Arts and Sciences is seeking a Theatrical Head Carpenter/Fly Operator. In this role you will execute technical and safety aspects of performances and events. This position focuses on day-of-show rigging, fly operation duties, and leading crews, including touring production personnel, to ensure work is performed safely and in accordance with industry standards. The individual ensures the safety and readiness of theaters and stage equipment, following proper rigging and staging practices. You will also supervise the stage running crew, ensuring efficient and safe task completion. The role also involves mentoring students in the department of Theatre and Dance for academic productions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing rigging and staging for events, enforcing university and industry policies, overseeing theatrical systems and equipment, ensuring venue safety, and coordinating staging.
• Performing rigging, fly and rail operation duties, while assisting with carpentry, and construction tasks, following industry safety standards.
• Ensure the safety and operational readiness of stage equipment and rigging systems through routine inspections, maintenance, repairs, and installations, following safety protocols under the supervision of the Technical Director.
• Provide hands-on mentorship and training to Department of Theater and Dance students in staging, rigging, rail operation, counter weight system and safe theatrical practices.
• Assist with the implementation of scenery and rigging for Dept. of Theatre and Dance academic productions

Through its facilities and programs, the Center for the Arts plays a significant role in accomplishing the mission of the University, presenting enriched educational and cultural opportunities through University performances, state and regional events, and national and international touring productions and exhibits.

The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest interdisciplinary academic unit at the University at Buffalo. With 30 departments, 16 academic programs and 23 centers and institutes in the arts and humanities, natural sciences and mathematics and the social sciences, the College offers more academic options than any other unit on campus.
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• Our benefits , where we prioritize your well-being and success to enhance every aspect of your life.

University at Buffalo is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and, in keeping with our commitment, welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associates degree in technical theater or a related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirement.
• Minimum two years of professional experience in stage carpentry, rigging, or equivalent experience in presenting live events.
• Proven ability to perform technical tasks, such as rigging, fly/rail operation, and carpentry with a focus on safety.
• Strong knowledge of technical theater, live event and touring production, and current safety practices in the entertainment industry.
• Excellent communication, supervisory, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage diverse teams while maintaining safe work environments.
• Commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive environment and delivering excellent customer service.
• Experience in training junior staff or instructing in an educational environment.
• Seeking candidates who aspire to obtain ETCP Rigger certification, and we will provide professional development financial support to help you achieve this goal.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in technical theater or a related field.
• Experience leading professional and student crews in a multi-venue or academic environment
• Experience in fall protection, lockout/tagout procedures, and operating mobile elevated work platforms.
• Advanced safety certifications preferred but not required (e.g., OSHA -30, ETCP -certified Rigger (Theater)
• Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., Vectorworks) for rigging and production design.
• Carpentry/scenery and welding experience is a plus

Physical Demands

• Ability to move 50 pounds, work at heights (including truss walking, weight loading, and up-rigging), and operate mobile elevated work platforms safely.
• Flexible schedule, including availability for nights, weekends, and long production shifts.
• Commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive environment and delivering excellent customer service.

Salary Range

Salary Range $49,300 - $53,000

Additional Salary Information

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Campus

Campus North Campus

Posting Alerts

Special Instructions Summary

All application materials should be submitted via UB Jobs. Application materials submitted directly to the posting contact will not be acknowledged and cannot be considered.

Additional Information

Is a background check required for this posting?

Is a background check required for this posting? Yes

Background Check Notification Employment in this position will be contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and any other information required by federal or state law, and University at Buffalo policies, including the completion of a criminal history check.

Contact Information

Contact's Name

Contact's Pronouns

Contact's Pronouns she/her/hers

Contact's Title

Contact's Title HR Specialist

Contact's Email

Contact's Email [e-mail]

Contact's Phone

Contact's Phone [phone]

Posting Dates

Posted

Posted 04/08/2025

Deadline for Internal Applicants

Deadline for Internal Applicants 04/22/2025

Deadline for External Applicants

Deadline for External Applicants 05/28/2025

Date to be filled

References

Number of References Required

Number of References Required 3

Reference Cutoff Date

Instructions to Applicant

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you a SUNY employee eligible for special consideration as a result of retrenchment?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Please indicate your current employment affiliation with the University at Buffalo.
  • Faculty
  • Faculty Student Association (FSA)
  • Research Foundation Employee
  • State Classified
  • State Professional
  • UB Foundation
  • TA/GA
  • Student
  • No Current Employment Affiliation
• * How did you first hear about this employment opportunity?
  • AcademicKeys.com
  • CareerExposure.com
  • CareerWomen.com
  • Chronicle of Higher Education
  • DiversitySearch.com
  • GoogleJobs.com
  • HERCjobs.org
  • HigherEdJobs.com
  • IMDiversity.com
  • Indeed.com
  • LinkedIn.com
  • MBACareers.com
  • Conference
  • Personal Referral
  • UBJobs.buffalo.edu
  • Other

UB is an AA/EOE and welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Arrangements will be made if an applicant has a disability in order to provide access to the application, interview and selection process upon request. Reasonable accommodation requests must be made in a timely manner by email at [e-mail] or by phone [phone].