Audio Technician, Faculty of Arts

Description

The Theatre Services within the Faculty of Arts is currently seeking a Full-time Staff Limited Term Audio Technician for approximately 2 years.

The University Theatre Services (UTS) technical staff deliver professional level technical services for the School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA), in its performance venues on and off campus. Technicians provide support for students and faculty within the SCPA divisions of Music, Dance, and Drama as well as many other campus and community groups who use our facilities for live performances, events, and meetings.

A basic knowledge of theatrical technical work including sound, lighting, cueing, projection, rigging, and their corresponding equipment is required. Heavy lifting and working at heights up to 30 feet is required. The worker must have a general understanding of all disciplines represented within the SCPA; Music, Dance, and Drama. The worker must assume the responsibility and initiative to prepare for clients and events; maintain the facility and its equipment; and troubleshoot and resolve stressful situations in a professional, independent, and timely fashion. The job requires attention to multiple overlapping deadlines.

Communication, teamwork and flexibility are essential to providing clients with professional, courteous, and effective technical support in a timely manner. The work is often physically demanding and can involve exposure to potentially dangerous situations, including overhead stage rigging and work from ladders or powered personnel-lifts.

This position reports to the SCPA Production Manager. This position is part of the AUPE Collective Bargaining Unit. Though based on a 35 hour work week, there is no regular schedule. Shift work, often consisting of evenings and weekends, and overtime are a consistent element.

The safe operation, upgrade, maintenance, and supervision of theatrical equipment for the UTS performance facilities. Provide clients with equipment and expertise to ensure a successful event or booking.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Ensure the adequate and efficient operation and performance of sound systems and equipment in all UTS performance facilities.
• Evaluate client audio requirements and ensure their provision, within restrictions of time, personnel and equipment, to the client's ultimate satisfaction.
• Create music Master recordings. The direct result of your work and creative input in the recording and mixing phase of production may result in albums of music being released or published.
• In co-operation with other team members, manage the operation, maintenance, and planning of UTS recording facilities.
• Ensure the accurate editing of client music and sound effect requirements with insightful and intuitive use of digital audio editing and recording equipment.
• Facilitate other staff members basic to intermediate operation of sound systems and equipment through provision of relevant documentation, instruction, and tutorial.
• Perform basic sound systems and equipment maintenance and communicate the need for any major maintenance or repair to supervisor for scheduling and budget assessment.
• Work as the primary or supporting technician installing and cabling sound, lighting, and projection equipment; programming sound, lighting, and projection consoles; uploading and playback of sound cues using QLAB software; uploading and playback of video components using QLAB and Watchout software; support set installs and removals; rigging; as well as other duties before, during, and after events.
• Work as part of a team, supporting all departments in the completion of their tasks and assignments.
• Supervise and delegate roles and responsibilities to part-time and student technicians as required.
• Support the technical needs of the School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) in all venues and off campus.
• Supervise and provide feedback to the instructor of record for students taking classes and assigned technician duties as part of their academic studies.
• Regular maintenance and upkeep of performance, rehearsal, studio, recording, and classroom facilities and equipment. Ensure that management is alerted to any maintenance and equipment issues that cannot be fixed by existing technical staff as soon as possible. Work with management to create a plan for, and then perform, necessary off-season maintenance work.
• Work with other departments (Com-Media, Catering Services, etc.) within the campus infrastructure on behalf of the client.
• Meet with clients, when necessary, to discuss the booking and coordination of their event, which includes site tours, providing campus information, and answer questions.
• Communicate with service and equipment providers on and off campus.
• Act as the in-house Audio/Visual technician.
• Act as the attendant for conferences and meetings.
• Set-up and tear down of productions, classes, and meetings.
• Perform other tasks (class set-ups, maintenance, errands, tours, etc.) for all facilities managed by the SCPA.
• Provide classes and presentations with the appropriate technical support.
• Ensure proper and safe use of equipment and facilities by faculty, students, clients, and classes.
• Resolve conflicts that may occur in a professional matter.
• Inventory control of consumable products, such as data storage devices, spike tape and batteries and to advise management of purchases needed to maintain proper levels.
• Evaluate and specify capital equipment requirements for future upgrade or replacement of sound system components or equipment.
• Act as a resource to the divisions of the School of Creative and Performing Arts, other campus groups, and the theatrical community at large for technical advice and recommendations.
• Fulfill duties of stage manager or lighting operator for events and other crew work as scheduling or staff availability require.
• Contribute to the maintenance of an up to date inventory of UTS equipment and supplies.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A minimum of 5 years professional working experience as a venue technician.
• Basic proficiency in primary theatrical disciplines  including stage management, stage carpentry, stage lighting, projection, rigging, and staging equipment.
• Considerable experience as an audio technician for theatrical sound playback, live sound reinforcement, recording, and digital audio editing.
• Considerable experience with sound equipment troubleshooting and maintenance.
• A demonstrated ability to respond effectively to the pressures of a live performance environment, including time management, communication, and technical skills.
• Excellent communication, organization, and prioritization skills to coordinate multiple daily event details effectively with clients and co-workers to achieve the desired result.
• Must be able to work comfortably with computers, both Apple and Windows platforms, along with office and theatrical industry software.
• Must be able to work with QLAB and other industry sound playback systems.
• Must be able to patch and mix a 16 channel audio console for an event.
• A good working knowledge of a university environment would be an asset.

Application Deadline:  August 21, 2024.

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.