$82,219.74 pro-rata plus 12% superannuation
With a living history that extends over 130 years, The University of Melbourne Student Union Inc (UMSU) is not just an organisation – it’s a vibrant hub where creativity, diversity, and social justice intertwine to offer students of the University of Melbourne an enriching campus experience. We’re the voice and heart of the student community, constantly buzzing with activities, events, and initiatives that make campus life unforgettable!
As a non-profit organisation run by students, for students, we keep the arts, representation, advocacy, live music, and cultural services alive on campus.
UMSU enables students to get more out of their time at the University. We provide opportunities for students to immerse themselves in a wealth of cultural facilities and events, whilst having access to quality support services. At its heart UMSU is committed to ensuring students have advocacy and representation on campus – ensuring student voices are heard while making students’ time at the University fun and enjoyable.
About the role
The Student Theatre Technician plays a key function in the rollout of the student theatre season at UMSU. The position will assist with student theatre bump ins and will be responsible for the provision of technical and learning support for this program, along with event coordination for Union House Theatre (UHT) activities and workshops. This includes the setup, support and operation of sound, stage lighting and fly equipment and liaising with in-house /external providers where hire and purchasing of equipment is required.
The Student Theatre Technician is a member of a collaborative working environment with Union House Theatre under the general direction of the Production Coordinator. They will support students with enquiries and learning via workshops and practical training in the theatre environment. The incumbent maintains UHT owned equipment to ensure that the student theatre season operates effectively and contributes to a safe work environment and risk management systems for staff and students.
As an organisation providing student-facing services and events, an inherent requirement of this role is the ability to work in person and on site and after hours as required. The position will require manual handling of equipment. UMSU staff employment conditions are covered by the University of Melbourne Student Union Agreement 2017-2021.
Key Accountabilities
Theatre Systems
- Participate in, and lead where necessary the bump-in and bump-out of productions and events in the Performing Arts venues ensuring OH&S compliance;
- Support the set up and operation of sound, lighting and fly equipment and the construction of all staging, scenery, and equipment during all stages of theatre production;
- Provide advice on technical equipment and capital requirements;
- Conduct inventory checks of equipment and consumable stock;
- Implement processes and procedures to ensure correct and safe use of, and the security of, UMSU’s theatre equipment;
- Ensure all of Union House Theatre’s equipment are in good working order, performing repairs and reports as required;
- Provide technical support and advice in relation to lighting, sound and set design for Union House Theatre productions and Student Theatre Group productions as required, and
- Co-ordinate technical aspects of Union House Theatre’s and Student Theatre Group productions.
Client support and service provision
- Provide excellent customer service to key stakeholders, which promotes a positive image of UHT, and supports and encourages student use of the venues;
- Assist student groups to achieve optimum satisfaction levels for their performances and the audience;
- Provide event coordination and workshop support outside of the theatre venues;
- Support risk management for student theatre group productions and compliance processes for affiliation and,
- Positively contribute to future planning of student theatre programs.
Information and Training
- Provide advice on technical production to students and affiliated performing arts groups;
- Deliver training in the Union House Theatre’s workshop program;
- Assist in fostering the active involvement of students and a culture of student led activities in technical theatre production;
- Participate in the induction of Student Theatre Groups ensuring OH&S requirements and safe work practices are always maintained and,
- Liaise with contracted designers, stage carpenter, production staff and casuals for Union House Theatre projects.
Your Expertise (Need to Have)
- Diploma / Certificate in Live production or technical services or relevant work history.
- Knowledge across all technical theatre departments with proficiency in at least one of the following: Lighting, AV, Sound or Staging.
- Experience with operating modern theatre and event systems, including knowledge and practical experience in design.
- A high level of knowledge and experience in the rigging of theatre lighting.
- Well-developed organisational, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team dedicated to excellence in production standards.
- A valid employee Working with Children Check.
- First Aid Certification
Bonus Points (Nice to Have)
- Elevated Platform training,
- Current Victorian Drivers licence.
- Competency in computer based technical drawing programs, such as Vectorworks and
- Nationally Recognised Test & Tag Certificate.
- Current Riggers certificate.
Why Join UMSU?
This is more than a job – it’s a chance to positively impact the lives of students. At UMSU, you’ll be part of a diverse team, working together to foster a thriving, inclusive student community. We value creativity, diversity, and the powerful voice of students in shaping our future.
What’s on Offer
- This is a part-time ongoing role (36 weeks per year), position with a starting base salary of $82,219.74 pro-rata, plus 12% superannuation
- A cause driven workplace with an eclectic culture and flexible approach to our work
- True work life balance – check out our benefits which include 5 weeks leave (pro-rata), leave loading of 17.5%
- Access to professional development opportunities tailored to you and your career path
How to apply?
If you’re excited about supporting student success at the University of Melbourne and have the expertise we’re looking for, we want to hear from you!
To find out more information about this position, please refer to the position description found here.
All applications should include:
- Resume
- A cover letter addressing the key selection criteria (found in the position description)
Applications for this position close at 5pm, 21 January 2025 and should be addressed to recruitment@union.unimelb.edu.au
Additional information
Please note, all applicants will require to hold or obtain a valid Employee working with children check and provide verification of unrestricted working rights in Australia.
If at any stage of the recruitment and selection process you require an alternative format to the application material or reasonable adjustment to the interview arrangements, please contact us at recruitment@union.unimelb.edu.au
UMSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including First Nations people, women, people with disabilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
UMSU acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the Traditional Owners of the land where we operate. We pay our respects to Indigenous Elders past, present, and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded. This always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.
UMSU reserves the right to withdraw this position at any stage of the recruitment process.
