Description:
ZACH creates exceptional theatre experiences that inspire and engage the Austin community. The Assistant Technical Director is a vital member of the technical design team, serving as the primary draftsman (drafting and drawing) for all ZACH productions; articulating construction methodology, rigging specifications, and critical technical solutions for the Scenic, Paint, and Properties departments. This role assists the Technical Director in the budgeting, preparation, assembly, load-in, and load-out process for all ZACH productions and in the daily operation of ZACH’s Scenic Studios.
Requirements:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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Responsible for producing AutoCAD Drawings for all ZACH Scenic Studios builds, including construction and technical drawings, load in/out drawings, truck packs, and other critical CAD-based documentation for the Scenic, Paint, and Properties shops.
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Assists in accurately budgeting materials and labor for each ZACH production as directed by the Technical Director based on scenic drawings and renderings, including preparation of budget templates and build, load-in, and load-out schedules.
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Assists in acquiring materials and special-order products and equipment with ample lead time on ZACH production and various special projects.
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Maintains a safety-oriented work environment while cultivating safe work practices in the shop and theaters during load-in, strike, day-to-day operations, and in the technical design of scenery from construction to assembly and load-in processes.
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Facilitates clear and effective communication between the Technical Director and shop staff, ensuring the carpenters, painters, and artisans understand each project's full design needs through various modes of communication: drawings, written, and verbal.
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Works with the Technical Director and shop staff in backlog creation meetings to ensure all scope estimations from the team are aligned with the needs of the stakeholders.
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Serves as a critical and timely member of quality control processes, reconciling construction drawings, building with construction drawings, and installation with designs.
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Assists with planning and follow through of scene shop and facilities improvements for the production department and special projects as assigned by the Technical Director.
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Supports the Technical Director in leading daily stand ups and overseeing daily operations, load-ins, attending design and production meetings, technical and dress rehearsal, and other meetings/events as needed.
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Assist in the maintenance and implementation of the Scenic Studios FIFO Materials Inventory and MSDS books.
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Attends all sprint planning, review, and retrospective meetings.
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Works with the team to help remove procedural impediments in the build process.
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Supports internal departments in the scheduling, logistics, and technical requirements of special events and rentals.
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Accomplishes other related tasks as needed, working collaboratively to ensure that all work is performed with a direct reflection of the Mission, Vision, and Values of ZACH Theatre.
EDUCATION, LICENSURE, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
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An MFA in Technical Direction and 2 years of theatrical construction experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience
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3 years of experience using AutoCAD for drafting and 3D modeling
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Experience working in MS Office including MS Word, Excel, and Google Suite
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Experience working with automation equipment (Creative Connors), theatrical rigging and counterweight fly systems, and scenic painting
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Valid Driver’s License and the ability to operate cargo vans and box trucks
This is an on-site, campus-based role. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
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Ability to lift, push, pull, or otherwise maneuver up to 75 lbs repeatedly, either alone or with assistance.
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Comfortable working on ladders, mechanical lifts, and in other high places.
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Comfortable working in confined spaces.
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May be required at times to work in conditions without climate control, such as shop floor, load-ins, and truck load/unload.
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May regularly be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
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The noise level in this role is typically moderate.
ZACH is committed to ensuring an equitable and inclusive workforce and we strive for a team that reflects Austin’s diverse culture. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, sex or age.