Assistant Technical Director
Company: Fairmont State University
Job Location: Fairmont, West Virginia
Category: Arts and Museum Administration
Type: Full-Time
Type of Position: Staff - Full Time
Department: Dept of Humanities
Appointment Length: July - June (12 mo)
Benefits Eligible?: Yes
Requested Part-Time Staff Hours: NA
F.T.E.: 1.00
Grant Funded Position?: No
Description of Job Duties and Responsibilities
About the Position:
The Assistant Technical Director is responsible for departmentally produced shows, including theatrical productions for Masquers, Town and Gown, and Academy for the Arts; musical productions for the Fairmont State bands and choirs, and special events, as required. The position provides scenic construction and technical support. Assists students in the execution of related projects. Assists the Technical Director in maintaining the Scene Shop as a safe and efficient working environment.
Responsibilities
Production support
- Works with the Technical Director in executing scenic designs for productions;
- Works within the confines of established production budgets and productions schedules;
- Works within University purchasing guidelines and coordinate with the Technical Director to obtain materials and services for the realization of designs and other production requirements.
- Oversees the construction, installations, operations, maintenance and removal of the scenery and other elements that fall under the responsibility of the scene shop for each production.
- Operates and supervises students in use of relevant digital technology, including AutoCad, LED/automated fixture programming, digital sound boardm and Qlab.
Student supervision
- Guides students as to the proper construction and execution of projects;
- Supervises and mentors students fulfilling design or other production assignments as it relates to the scene shop.
Scenic Construction
- Works with Technical Director to determine proper methods for construction of scenic elements and create construction drawings as needed;
- Carries out the construction of these elements in a timely manner;
- Communicates any needs or adjustments regarding construction to the Technical Director
- Works with the Technical Director to build, buy, modify or otherwise source suitable furniture and hand props for events within the production's constraints of time and budget; and
- Assists the Technical Director in coordinating approved external scenic, furniture and properties rentals requests.
Shop Maintenance
- Follows schedules established by the Technical Director for periodic maintenance of Scene Shop resources; and
- Incorporates cleaning time into each day's schedule to maintain an uncluttered and safe work area.
Communication, leadership, planning, analytical skills, and decision making
Communication
- Provides frequent, constructive feedback to staff as appropriate.
Leadership
- Ensures staff has the necessary knowledge, skills, and/or abilities to accomplish goals; and
- Gives staff opportunities to enhance knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experiences.
Planning, Analytical Skills, and Decision Making
- Exercises good judgment and analytical skills as needed in making decisions and solving problems; and
- Effectively identifies and addresses root problems, plan and coordinates projects efficiently and effectively.
Minimum Required Education
BFA in Technical Theatre, or BA in Theatre with a focus and appropriate experience in Technical Theatre
Required Licenses and/or Certifications
None
Minimum Required Qualifications
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation:
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (often several hours at a time during events or performances)
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 25-50 pounds (e.g., props, equipment, staging materials)
- Ability to climb ladders, scaffolding, and work at heights up to approximately 15 feet (e.g., focusing lights, hanging equipment, accessing grid
- Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach overhead frequently
- Ability to use hands and fingers to handle tools, equipment, and controls (e.g., lighting/sound equipment, rigging tools)
- Ability to work in a variety of environments, including low-light backstage settings and elevated or confined spaces
- Ability to hear and respond to verbal cues in a fast-paced performance environment
- Ability to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by performance schedules
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions (if loading/unloading or events require it)
- Ability to work with external groups who may want to use the theatre's facilities for their own events
- Ability to operate basic theater or stage equipment safely
- Comfort working in high-noise environments during performances or setup
Preferred Qualifications
N/A
Requisition Number: 2026087SP
Number of Vacancies: 1
Anticipated Hire Date: Negotiable
Job Close Date: 08/31/2026
Open Until Filled: No
