Role Description Faculty/Service: Faculty of Arts, Design and Social Sciences Job Title: Senior Technician Performing Arts: (Lighting, Audio & Visual Design) Grade: 5 Category: Support Job Purpose: Working within Performing Arts providing specialist lighting and audio visual design support, to Performing Arts staff and students. To include, but not limited to preparation of materials and equipment for teaching sessions, stock/materials control and specification, ordering, care and routine maintenance. Including expertise in Performing Arts, introducing innovative techniques into areas of research and academic delivery. With special emphasis on lighting, audio, visual design and production management in support of production activity across Performing Arts Programmes. Responsible to: Principal Technician (Arts) Generic Duties and Responsibilities: In line with the University’s Mission, Corporate Strategy and Leadership Attributes, you will: Support the Principal Technician by contributing to the provision of professional expertise and support ensuring that the service provides high levels of stakeholder satisfaction. Support the needs and expectations of relevant stakeholders by following the University’s standard processes, procedures and practices as appropriate. Contribute to the development of a collaborative, collegiate and inclusive culture which includes sharing information and good practice with others. Organise, plan and prioritise own work activities, and the work of others where appropriate, to contribute to the achievement of Faculty objectives and professional standards. Instruct and advise staff and students on the type and most effective use of facilities and equipment available to support the teaching and research programmes Preparation of the facilities, materials and equipment for use by students and staff, as required, in support of the academic/ research programmes Maintenance of an up to date knowledge of health and safety procedures and issues relating to their work environment and across the faculty. Supervision of routine procedures, and implementation of HSAW policies within specialist facilities to HSAW standards in accordance with the needs of teaching and appropriate research Responsibility for the control of equipment/materials and physical resource for practical sessions, ordering, care, routine maintenance and PAT testing of tools and equipment Identifying current and future resource needs, e.g. equipment, physical resource, and associated consumable items, and maintaining stock levels as appropriate. Advising the academic staff, with regard to resource needs. Collaborate with academic and technical colleagues in the development of the facilities to inform Research and Academic Programme development and to contribute ideas towards the improvement of operations in their section, and the resultant services to users Contribute to the planning and development of the support service through liaison with the Principal Technician to ensure that the needs and expectations of relevant stakeholders are met. Involvement in planning specialist facility layout and costing of apparatus & resourcing for new and existing facilities. Develop and maintain a professional knowledge of their own area of responsibility by engaging with CPD as appropriate Demonstrate a flexible attitude to change which will support the University in meeting existing and future needs. Act corporately, promoting the ‘One University’ principle and promoting the Faculty or Service within and outside the University where appropriate. Work co-operatively and maintain effective relationships with partners as appropriate to own area of responsibility. Undertake other duties and responsibilities as required. Specific Responsibilities: Provide specialist lighting, sound and AV technical support and design, primarily to performance staff and students, to include but not limited to preparation of materials and equipment for teaching sessions, stock/materials control and specification, ordering, care, routine maintenance. Planning, designing and rigging of lighting for productions. Manage, maintain and audit all lighting and AV equipment used in performing arts spaces. Liaising with Directors and stage manager to ensure specialist lighting and sound equipment is suitable for requirements. Ensuring the staff and student welfare and maintaining a good working knowledge of all relevant health and safety, legislation and good working practice in specialist spaces. When required may be required to liaise with resident staff at other performance venues. Advise and demonstrate to students and staff the use, capabilities, techniques and safe operation of equipment, apparatus and materials in accordance with the needs of the academic programme. The operation of live and recorded sound as well as the operation, rigging and maintenance of a range of AV and lighting equipment. Provide support to academic staff working within the faculty in relation to teaching and learning, research and consultancy and professional practice. Undertake relevant and appropriate continuing professional development and training in order to ensure that their practice and skills are contemporary and able to support a range of performing arts practice. Operate as the production manager on performances and events in consultation with academic staff. Advise, assist and instruct staff and students on the appropriate procedures for the operation, monitoring, maintenance, security and use of equipment and facilities in Performing Arts, in accordance with the needs of the academic and research programmes. The post holder will routinely address staff and students groups with information of a highly specialist nature. This involves detailed explanations of lighting and performance concepts to embrace theoretical conclusions. This will involve leading timetabled practical sessions as well as supporting other access to specialist facilities. Production and development of learning materials, for use by students and staff in practical settings, in line with specified academic outcomes. Assistance with the planning and construction of exhibitions, performances, galas and shows in consultation with academic staff. Management of the equipment loan system for students. Any other duties as may reasonably be required by the Principal Technician within the scope of the grade. The particular responsibilities of all members of staff are likely to vary over time, according to the needs of the service. This Role Description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and will be subject to periodic review by the line manager and appropriate others in discussion with the post-holder. Person Specification Faculty/Service: Job Title: Grade: Faculty of Arts, Design and Social Sciences Senior Technician Performing Arts (Lighting, Audio and Visual Design) 5 E/D 1. 2. 3. Specific Knowledge Comprehensive knowledge of creative industry level practices, processes and procedures relevant to the role including excellent knowledge of contemporary theatre/performance, sound and lighting design Demonstrated knowledge and professional production management and/or stage design experience in the Performing Arts sector in the past 2 years Excellent working knowledge of key developments in contemporary theatre with K workflows proven links with the industry and knowledge of companies/practitioners Ability to develop and demonstrate new skills especially in IT and theatre design and computer software Good working knowledge of current health and safety regulations and procedures Appreciation of the standards for the conduct and output of the role 5. E D D E E Understanding of relevant policies and procedures, as they affect the role E Personal Abilities and Skills Excellent inter-personal skills An ability to clearly communicate complex concepts An ability and willingness to learn new advanced manufacturing processes A willing and helpful attitude Commitment to Team working Commitment to on-going personal and professional development E E E E E E Experience Experience of working in an academic environment Experience of planning and organising the activities of self and/or others D E Experience of working with relevant specialised processes, systems and procedures Experience of working independently to mitigate unforeseen problems and circumstances Experience of contributing to the development of current working methods Demonstrable success in building good relationships with key internal and external parties Planning and carrying out demonstration sessions supported by documents and handouts 4. E Education/Training First degree or equivalent experience, preferably in a discipline relevant to the role, and/or proven relevant professional experience. Other Requirements E E E E E E Full Time working to the Faculty’s technical service flexi time scheme, with some evening and weekend working. 37 hours per week. There may be a requirement to work off site. Legend: E D = Essential = Desirable