Reports to: Associate Technical Director

Compensation: $33.16 per hour

Benefits: Benefits-Eligible  

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 13.

THE POSITION

This position works closely with the Technical Direction team in approach, research and technical design required for the construction, installation, and maintenance of scenic automation systems. This position will assist in the engineering and construction of prototypes, automation systems, non-traditional scenic elements/effects and other special projects as needed. The Production Automation Technician enforces and helps to monitor health and safety procedures regarding automation systems. The Production Automation Technician is expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility. 

 The schedule for this role will be Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., 40 hours per week, 44 guaranteed weeks per season, following the CBA. 

The Guthrie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an equitable environment that finds strength in diversity of identity, experience and perspective. We are dedicated to hiring and developing talented teams which are inclusive and welcoming to individuals with different backgrounds, thoughts, and abilities. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

 PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES    

Construct, Install, and Maintain Automated Scenery and Effects

• Construct, troubleshoot, advise on and maintain automated scenery as required by any given design.
• Construct prototypes as necessary.
• Build special projects such as automation systems, mechanical effects and other non-traditional elements.
• Interpret designs and working drawings.
• Work individually or as part of a team on projects as assigned. 
• Report directly to the Associate Technical Director and work collaboratively with the Technical Direction team and Scene Shop Coordinator to implement and maintain automation systems related to Guthrie productions.
• Provide technical assistance and solutions to address issues of safety, function, aesthetics and fabrication.
• In collaboration with the Technical Direction team, coordinate with other production departments to develop plans for the efficient integration of automated scenic elements.
• Determine efficient building processes for automated equipment, including accurate estimates of time and materials needed.
• Transition between tasks and projects when designs or priorities shift.
• Assist with construction of more traditional types of scenery when necessary.
• Attend technical rehearsals and preview performances if necessary.

Maintenance of Spaces and Supplies

• Participate in load-in and strike of automation equipment and scenic elements.
• Create service logs and carry out regular inspection and maintenance of automation equipment.
• Where applicable, assist with maintaining rigging equipment and ensure safety compliance in coordination with the Technical Direction team.
• Carry out weekly and seasonal maintenance of both production spaces and related workspaces and equipment. 
• Clean and organize workspaces, tools, raw materials and scenic elements.
• Complete weekly inspections of automation equipment actively being used in productions.

Special Projects and Duties

• Become familiar with design concepts and work with the Technical Direction team to engineer automated scenery and complex effects.
• Work in conjunction with the Technical Direction team to research equipment and technology advancements and make recommendations for new and replacement purchases of automation and stage equipment.
• Evaluate and see to the repair of equipment as necessary. Coordinate with the Technical Direction team to determine the appropriate means for repairs.
• Monitor automation parts stock. Request purchases with the appropriate purchaser as approved by the Technical Direction team. 
• Lead dialog with outside vendors and suppliers when troubleshooting existing equipment and/or investigating the purchase of new equipment.

Leadership

• Take an active and positive role in setting and maintaining the levels of production craftsmanship and artistic excellence.
• Advise and assist other Carpenters when requested. Work with Technical Direction team and the appropriate purchaser to ensure information and materials are available to complete all assigned shop projects in a timely and accurate manner. 
• Foster a work environment incorporating the Guthrie values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

 ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS   

• Extensive experience in a large-scale theater shop environment with design, construction, and maintenance of complex stage machinery and automation equipment, including hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and networking systems.
• Advanced knowledge of mechanical design and the physics of stage machinery.
• Advanced knowledge of electronics, including safe and efficient wiring, relay and switch logic; basic understanding of PLCs; and computer networking.
• Advanced-level electrical knowledge and skills.
• Advanced rigging knowledge.
• Knowledge of a wide range of tools, materials and techniques to make appropriate choices in automation fabrication and scenic construction.
• Knowledge in wood and metal scenic construction.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD to work with necessary drawings.
• Can regularly lift 25 lbs. and occasionally lift 50 lbs. unassisted and sometimes overhead. Can climb and crawl into cramped and otherwise limited work areas. Comfortable working on ladders, catwalks, in lifts, iron grid and at heights of up to 70 ft.
• Strong commitment to health and safety in the workplace.
• Can take an active leadership role in setting and maintaining the levels of production craftsmanship and artistic excellence.
• ETCP (rigging/electrical) and hoist certifications are desirable but not required.
• OSHA 30 certification is desirable but not required.
• Reflective of the dynamic schedule of the theater, a willingness to work flexible hours/days (within or in addition to the guaranteed 40-hour work week) including evenings and weekends if needed and scheduled.
• Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams that exemplify diversity of identity, experience, and perspective, including but not limited to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, family and/or marital status, creed, religion, ancestry, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, body size/type, status with regard to public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving not only the local Twin Cities community but the industry as a whole. The Guthrie offers top-notch employee benefits and staff perks to eligible employees, including and subject to plan or policy terms:

Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Employer contributions to HSA, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Dependent Care FSA, Group Life Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan (with employer match up to 4.5% after one year of service)

Transportation: Subsidized passes for Metro Transit buses and trains, discounted pre-tax monthly ramp parking, discounted bike locker rental

Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Volunteer Time Off (VTO)

Complimentary Tickets: To Guthrie productions

Discounted Tickets: To all shows produced by the Guthrie and to some performances hosted by the Guthrie

Classes and Camps: Discounts to Guthrie classes and camps

Other Perks and Resources: Guthrie Store discount; Employee Affinity Groups; discounts at some local restaurants

ABOUT THE GUTHRIE

The Guthrie Theater engages exceptional theater artists in the exploration of both classic and contemporary plays connecting the community we serve to one another and to the world. Through its extraordinary artists, staff and facility, the Guthrie is committed to the people of Minnesota, and from its place, rooted deeply in the Twin Cities, influences the field as a leading 21st century arts organization. Every year more than 500 people, both on stage and off, help ensure our success in creating and supporting the highest level of theater. As an organization, we are committed to our values of Artistic Excellence, Community, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Fiscal Responsibility. The Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the largest city in the state, Minneapolis offers a large variety of parks, lakes, great food, festivals, malls and more.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Guthrie Theater would like to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Dakota People and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations, including the Ojibwe and other Indigenous nations.

Applicants must submit a resume to be considered for the position. Submission of a portfolio is preferred but not required.