
Head Electrician - Dept. of Performing & Media Arts - Teaching Support Specialis
Cornell University, Northeast Ithaca, NY, United States
The Department of Performing and Media Arts is housed within the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts. Its walls encompass the elements needed for teaching and performance in theatre, film, and media and dance: four performance spaces; dance and theatre rehearsal studios; a sound stage; scenery, costume and prop shops; sound and lighting design studios; and film editing and production suites. The Schwartz Center serves as a catalyst for the creative and intellectual endeavors of the many talented students, faculty and staff at Cornell.
The Head Electrician is a critical dual-role position, serving as both a pedagogical mentor and a lead technical expert in the Department of Performing and Media Arts. This role ensures that the sophisticated performance facilities of the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts are fully aligned with the department's teaching mission, integrating complex facility systems with the artistic and instructional needs of faculty and students.
This position is responsible for the maintenance, planning, and safe operation of conventional and automated lighting systems in support of all types of performances and events, as well as video projection systems in live and mediated productions.
Support the teaching, both in classrooms and through mentoring, of the theory and methodologies of lighting and projection technologies.
Implement the hang and focus of light plots across four theatres; repair and maintain the light stock, lighting supplies inventory, and projection equipment; and maintain the Light Lab Classroom.
Create original lighting designs for small scale performances and events.
Oversee, plan and schedule student work in electrics and projection via Production Laboratory PMA 1610, Media Lab 1410, Production Crew 2610, and with work study students.
Provide directly, and/or supervise students in providing, technical support to events and activities of student organizations and other groups using the Schwartz Center.
Work schedule requires many evenings and weekend work in order to fully execute the light design, focus, touch‑up, repairs as needed and changes from directors and designers; attendance at all rehearsals and shows required.
This is a regular, full‑time continuing 9‑month appointment (full‑time during the 9‑month academic year; mid‑August through mid‑May) paid over 12 months.
While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.
Required Qualifications
Master's degree in lighting design and technology, theatre technology, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Three to five years' extensive experience in technical theatre including the operation and maintenance of electrical, mechanical, sound and lighting systems, and related equipment utilized in the performing arts. Requires a strong background in production management and in‑depth understanding of electrical and mechanical systems and equipment utilized in support of traditional and experimental artistic performances. Ability to deal with often conflicting interests and demands of faculty and students. Excellent communication and diplomacy skills. Must have supervisory experience and the proven ability to cultivate and maintain collaborative effective work relationships. Must be proficient in ETC ION and ETC Element lighting consoles, and QLab software. Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of cinematic lighting and an interest in working in both theatrical productions and film sets is a plus.
No visa sponsorship is provided for this position.
EEO Statement
Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
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The Head Electrician is a critical dual-role position, serving as both a pedagogical mentor and a lead technical expert in the Department of Performing and Media Arts. This role ensures that the sophisticated performance facilities of the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts are fully aligned with the department's teaching mission, integrating complex facility systems with the artistic and instructional needs of faculty and students.
This position is responsible for the maintenance, planning, and safe operation of conventional and automated lighting systems in support of all types of performances and events, as well as video projection systems in live and mediated productions.
Support the teaching, both in classrooms and through mentoring, of the theory and methodologies of lighting and projection technologies.
Implement the hang and focus of light plots across four theatres; repair and maintain the light stock, lighting supplies inventory, and projection equipment; and maintain the Light Lab Classroom.
Create original lighting designs for small scale performances and events.
Oversee, plan and schedule student work in electrics and projection via Production Laboratory PMA 1610, Media Lab 1410, Production Crew 2610, and with work study students.
Provide directly, and/or supervise students in providing, technical support to events and activities of student organizations and other groups using the Schwartz Center.
Work schedule requires many evenings and weekend work in order to fully execute the light design, focus, touch‑up, repairs as needed and changes from directors and designers; attendance at all rehearsals and shows required.
This is a regular, full‑time continuing 9‑month appointment (full‑time during the 9‑month academic year; mid‑August through mid‑May) paid over 12 months.
While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.
Required Qualifications
Master's degree in lighting design and technology, theatre technology, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Three to five years' extensive experience in technical theatre including the operation and maintenance of electrical, mechanical, sound and lighting systems, and related equipment utilized in the performing arts. Requires a strong background in production management and in‑depth understanding of electrical and mechanical systems and equipment utilized in support of traditional and experimental artistic performances. Ability to deal with often conflicting interests and demands of faculty and students. Excellent communication and diplomacy skills. Must have supervisory experience and the proven ability to cultivate and maintain collaborative effective work relationships. Must be proficient in ETC ION and ETC Element lighting consoles, and QLab software. Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of cinematic lighting and an interest in working in both theatrical productions and film sets is a plus.
No visa sponsorship is provided for this position.
EEO Statement
Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
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