Award: Live Performance Australia
Salary Level: Production and Support Staff Full Time MA 000081
Level 7 ($67,685, including Superannuation) to Level 9 ($77,368, including Superannuation) depending on experience of successful applicant.
Position Employment Type: Permanent
Attendance Type: Full Time
Team: Theatre Production, The National
Standard Hours: 38 hours per week
This position is split between daytime hours in preparation for upcoming shows, and working on shows. An example week could be: Tues 10am – 6pm; Wed/Thurs/Fri 2pm – 10pm, Sat 3:30 pm -12 midnight. Evening hours vary depending on the theatre performance schedule; this roster is determined at least one month in advance.
About The National
The National in St Kilda is run by a team of people who are passionate about where they work and the work that they do. Our organisation comprises an 800-seat theatre, a 50-seat studio theatre, and two schools (Ballet and Drama), which include a Registered Training Organisation, as well as providing classes after school hours. Our professional team includes people skilled in production, venue relationship management, front of house, ticketing, finance, administration, marketing, fundraising, and teaching.
The National has been a vital part of Melbourne’s creative landscape since the 1930s; our Ballet School (est.1939) and Drama School (est. 1936) are the longest running in Australia, and our 103 year-old-theatre welcomes a broad range of commercial and community hire groups throughout the year. In the past 4 years, owing to a focused and professional team, the theatre business has grown to over 80% utilisation by hirers; we are a busy theatre welcoming a wide variety of hirers and productions.
We work together as a small permanent team of 15, supported by a casual workforce of c. 100, to achieve success for our community of artists, audiences, students, and teachers.
Primary Purpose of this role
The Senior Head Technician provides high-quality technical support to hirers, producers and performers for events and performances at the National Theatre.
This position is responsible for the skilled delivery and operation of all venue systems including audio, lighting, audio visual, rigging, fly systems, facilitating bump-ins and bump-outs, providing an operational workspace backstage, and maintaining the theatre’s technical equipment to a high standard.
The role also includes maintaining positive relationships with hirers, contractors and the broader arts community, administrative support, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and efficient event delivery.
Organisational Requirements
- Ensure safety through safe work practices
- Actively contribute to a positive team-focused environment
- Prioritise excellent customer service
- Uphold The National’s Code of Conduct and Values
- Adhere to policies, guidelines, and procedures
- Maintain awareness of and ensure compliance with emergency evacuation procedures
Organisational Relationships
Reports to: Production Manager
Works closely with: Casual team comprising Head Technicians and Stage Technicians; Hirers, Presenters, Sound and Lighting contractors.
Key Accountabilities
Working closely with the Production Manager, the Senior Head Technician is responsible for:
- Working alongside the technicians on performances at The National Theatre, and contributing to the smooth running of all events.
- Ensuring a safe working environment by enforcing policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
- Interpreting technical specifications / riders, and providing advice and solutions, and confirming technical requirements from presenters/ hirers can be met.
- Supporting and assisting clients to achieve optimum satisfaction levels for their production.
- Providing a supportive, flexible, focussed, and friendly customer service to hirers and users of the theatre spaces.
- Ensuring compliance with appropriate risk controls and adhering to OH&S standards.
- Conducting toolbox meetings and OH&S briefings.
- Managing event logistics from bump-in to bump-out. Ensuring tasks are completed efficiently, and with due care.
- Ensuring the safety, cleanliness, and security of the building during hires.
- Undertaking regular inspections of the stage areas and technical equipment, and planning for their maintenance.
- Input to the annual budget with the Production Manager’s guidance.
- undertaking duties assigned by the Production Manager.
- Occasionally assuming the role of Production Manager when required.
Key Selection Criteria
We are seeking a skilled technician with a proven ability to work autonomously, as well as collaboratively, across the organisation.
Mandatory Criteria
- Experience of working within a performing arts environment
- Ability to work flexible hours including evening and weekend work.
- Working with Children Check (or ability to get).
- Current Level 2 First Aid Certificate (or willingness to get).
Essential Criteria
- Demonstrated experience in the technical operations of a theatre with major technical disciplines. Including operational skills in Lighting, Audio, Audio Visual, Rigging, and Flysystem – involving rigging methodologies.
- Ability to work within a small team in a fast-paced environment, liaising with clients and the community in a customer focussed manner, ensuring high levels of detail.
- Ability to take initiative in assisting all hirers while gaining their cooperation to work in a safe manner.
- Ability to manage teams, delegate tasks appropriately, and maintain a safe work environment.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure.
- Excellent relationship management skills.
- Passion for training staff who are recently trained and joining the industry.
- Knowledge of contemporary OH&S practices.
- Effective communication skills.
Rigging and Fly System
- Working knowledge of set-up, operation, and maintenance of a three pickup, single purchase counterweight fly system and correct bar loading.
- Working knowledge of rigging and understanding floor plans.
Lighting
- Patching and programming knowledge of ETC Eos Nomad with programming wing.
- Knowledge of hard patching, power loading of fixtures, DMX nodes, and universes.
- Rigging, setup, addressing, focussing, operation, and maintenance of moving and conventional lights.
- Understanding and interpretation of lighting plans.
Audio
- Operation and setup of digital sound consoles (Allen & Heath Avantis, Midas M32, Yamaha DM3)
- Working knowledge of set up and operation of audio equipment including: microphones, instrument amplification, Foldback and DI set up and patching.
Audio Visual
- Working knowledge of audio visual equipment, including configuring content, throw distance, and projector placement.
Occupational Health & Safety
- Compliance with safety procedures and protocols.
- Supervision and safety of staff and contractors.
- Maintenance of Safe Work Method statements.
- Keeping casual technical staff updated on OH&S developments.
Desirable but not essential Criteria
- Certificates in Rigging, Test and Tag, Working at Heights
- Experience in equipment maintenance and upgrade
- Victoria “C” class Driver’s Licence
Benefits
- Continual professional training and development opportunities
- Free Staff Parking at The National’s car park in St Kilda
- A short tram ride from the Melbourne CBD in St Kilda, 3 mins walk from beach
- Complimentary tickets to The National Ballet and Drama Schools productions, and shows presented at The National Theatre (subject to availability)
- Discounts for staff and immediate family members to attend part-time and short courses in the Ballet and Drama School
How to apply
Please apply by submitting your resume and cover letter (no more than 2 pages) outlining your suitability for this role to production@nationaltheatre.org.au
Applications close at 10am on Monday 17 March 2025.
If you have any role-specific questions, please contact Rebecca Poulter, Production Manager, at production@nationaltheatre.org.au
