The Venue Head Mechanist is responsible for providing technical expertise and support to Sydney Theatre Company in a range of world-class theatre venues, projects and events. The role will provide staging advice to Sydney Theatre Company and stakeholders in a range of theatre venues. The role is responsible for delivering on time and within budget by utilising production and organisational resources to plan, implement, and achieve set goals and objectives.
The Venue Head Mechanist is responsible for the supervision of seasonal and casual Staging staff, including fly and automation operators and for the efficient bump-in, run, and bump-out of flying and automation aspects of all Sydney Theatre Company shows. They will assist with planning, costing and implementation of maintenance of the flying and staging system as required by the Staging Manager and Head of Technical Operations, including the recommendations of the purchase and upgrade of flying equipment. The role is responsible for delivering training in the use of the Tait “Nomad” flying console and other Sydney Theatre Company staging systems and equipment and to supervise the day-to-day maintenance and repair of flown or automated aspects of Sydney Theatre Company shows during their season.
The Venue Head Mechanist will be required to perform the role of ‘Head Mechanist’ or ‘Head Flyman’ for shows as required by the Staging Manager and Head of Technical Operations. To achieve this the Venue Head Mechanist will work closely with Production Managers to deliver the staging elements for all assigned company projects using industry best practice. The role is responsible for the on-going maintenance of the staging and venue equipment.
1. Contract and hours of work
- This position is for an initial two-year fixed term.
- The ordinary hours of work are 38 hours week. However, the nature of working for a theatre company and requirements of this position require a degree of flexibility, and will include overtime work.
- The position is based at the Wharf 4/5 Hickson Road and the Roslyn Packer Theatre, Walsh Bay
2. Salary and Entitlements
- The wage will be commensurate with a Full-time Level 7 Award Rate as defined in the STC’s Enterprise Agreement 2020-2022.
- 4 weeks annual leave
- 11% superannuation
- Complimentary tickets to STC productions subject to availability
3. Application
To access this complete job pack via our website: https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/about/careers. To apply for this position, please send your CV and a cover letter addressing the following selection criteria.
Selection Criteria:
- Experience in staging in a similar role in a producing theatre company or similar.
- Expert knowledge of staging technology and systems for live performance.
- Extensive demonstrated experience in specifying, installing, and operating complex staging systems including revolves, elevators, tracks, automated, single and double purchase fly systems
- Highly developed interpersonal and negotiation skills, with strong interpersonal sensitivity.
- Strong entrepreneurial spirit, a self-starter and an ability to lead a technical team.
- A high level of understanding of Work Health and Safety legislation and procedures as related to the theatre and entertainment industries with proven experience of implementing these requirements in a sympathetic manner.
- Experience in working with Enterprise Agreements.
- Computer skills including Microsoft suite including Word, excel and email.
- An appreciation of the art form of theatre, especially in an Australian context.
Please send your application to recruitment@sydneytheatre.com.au
Closing date for applications is 9am Monday 30th May 2022.
*Applicants must be an Australian resident or hold a current, appropriate working visa.
Job Description:
Production deliverables:
- To deliver world class productions and production values as an integral team member.
- To supervise staging staff and be responsible for the efficient Bump-in, Running, and Bump-out of all company shows, RPT external hires and events.
- To call and schedule all seasonal and casual staging staff as required and agreed
- To provide a point of contact for designers as well as advising on staging and rigging aspects of any design concept.
- To attend meetings as required by the Staging Manager or Production Managers.
- To liaise with the Production Managers and Head of Construction with regard to staging, rigging, automation and technical aspects of design concept realisation.
Budgeting:
- As required assist the Staging Manager in any costings and feasibility of future maintenance, capex projects and productions.
- Support the Staging Manager in leading the Staging Department in operational planning and allocation of resources for the most efficient use of company resources.
Technical/Maintenance:
- Plan, prepare, implement, and install staging systems and procedures to achieve a design standard set by the creative teams, within business guidelines.
- To supervise the day-to-day repair and maintenance of Sydney Theatre Company venues.
- To supervise the day-to-day repair and maintenance of Sydney Theatre Company shows during their season.
- To maintain and keep up to date the company’s asset register for Staging inventory
- To coordinate and liaise with maintenance contractors for venue Stage Engineering equipment
- To coordinate the maintenance and regular testing of all rigging equipment and plant as required by legislation and manufacturer specifications.
- To maintain items of stock for re-use and to recommend the purchase and up-grade of staging equipment.
- Ensure safe work practices are maintained in all operational areas.
Leadership:
- Drive, develop and improve efficiency in the company’s venue systems and processes.
- In liaison with the Staging Manager and Head of Technical Operations deliver timely, positive and constructive feedback to staging employees on their behaviour and performance
- Ensure that all staff are knowledgeable and competent in organisational policies, procedures and systems are these are carried out effectively
- Identify, undertake, deliver and lead workplace training as necessary. Recommend training where necessary.
Other:
- Maintain, in a safe and professional manner, all production areas.
- To be conversant with the Sydney Theatre Company Enterprise Agreement
- Be familiar with NSW and National WHS legislation and regulations.
- To undertake other duties as required.
Work Health & Safety
For the purposes of the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations the Venue Head Mechanist must ensure so far as reasonably practicable the health and safety of his/her team including but not limited to:
- With their Manager, lead the staging department at STC to ensure that systems of work and the working environment of the employees are safe and without risks to health including;
- Hazards in the working environment are either eliminated or controlled so far as is reasonably practicable
- All employees are adequately informed of hazards and potential hazards and how to deal with them
- Provide information, instruction, training and supervision as may be necessary to ensure employees’ health and safety at work.
- Consult with workers and their representatives on work health and safety matters
- Lead injury management matters for injured or ill employees as required by legislation. Work closely with and the Sydney Theatre Company’s Return to Work Coordinator and employees to ensure STC’s Policy and Return to Work Program are upheld.
- Works in a safe manner and follows procedures introduced for his/her protection
- Reports any unsafe work practices or conditions according to Sydney Theatre Company reporting
Environmental Sustainability
To support the Company’s vision of becoming the world’s most sustainable theatre company, the Venue Supervisor must ensure that she/he:
- Takes reasonable steps towards minimising the environmental impact of their role and that of the Company;
- Works in an environmentally responsible manner and follows procedures introduced to this end;
- Participates in any training or education necessary to enable them to work sustainably including familiarisation with the Company’s various green policies;
- Brings to the attention of the internal Green Team any situations or practices that could be improved in relation to environmental performance; and
- Co-operates with Sydney Theatre Company in their efforts to lead in the area of environmental sustainability.
Other information
Key relationships
- Staging Manager
- Fly Supervisor
- Staging Supervisors
- Production and construction managers
- All casual and seasonal staff
- Designers and directors
- Head of Technical Operations
- Creative and Technical staff
This job description describes the broad scope of the role and is not an exhaustive list. It may also change from time to time with due consultation to meet the changing needs of the business.
