Production Technician

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Production Technician is a member of the College Theater team at the Office for the Arts (OFA). The position supports theater activities including management, design, construction, installation, material procurement, and technical operations for student productions and events. Successful candidates will be comfortable working with and supporting innovative student production teams with varying skill levels, have a demonstrated ability to work as part of a team with a variety of projects, vendors, and constituencies in a university environment, and be productive working independently and without immediate supervision. The position reports to the Production Manager and works closely with students, OFA staff, guest artists, and other production personnel.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Undergraduate Production Support and Student Mentorship — 45%

• Collaborates closely with the Production Manager to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for undergraduates with diverse experience levels and abilities.
• Supports theatrical productions and daily operations related to HRDC and OFA-supported undergraduate productions, including scenery construction, load-in, technical rehearsals, performances, and strike.
• Works with the Production Manager and student show staff to develop and execute technical aspects of productions across scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, props, projections, and related disciplines.
• Proactively addresses notes from technical rehearsals, problem-solves issues that arise, and communicates project status and concerns to the Production Manager and appropriate stakeholders.
• Advises and mentors students on design and technical theater elements and reviews structural and scenic design elements in coordination with the Production Manager.
• Using CAD software, constructs build drawings and other production documentation for student and OFA-supported builds.

Technical Operations, Safety, and Training — 25%

• Supports the operation of technical equipment and workshops that promote a safe and healthy work environment; inspects, troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains tools and equipment.
• Hosts and supervises shop/tool trainings and build periods for undergraduate students.
• Supervises student labor, contingent employees, and production crews during assigned work calls, and assigns or delegates work as directed by the Production Manager.
• Promotes adherence to OFA and Harvard University safety practices and supports a culture of community, equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect among students and professional staff.
• Collaborates with students and professional staff and supports open and transparent lines of communication.

Facilities, Equipment, and Inventory — 20%

• Supports efforts to maintain and improve theater facilities, shops, storage, and student-used spaces.
• Assists with truck loading and unloading, warehouse and storage of production elements, and movement of scenery, props, equipment, and other materials.
• Helps maintain equipment, warehouse stock, supplies, and accurate inventories, including student stock of props, costumes, and production materials.
• Supports student access to stock and equipment, including check-out and return procedures, and advises students on appropriate equipment use.
• Assists with material procurement, rentals, purchasing, and equipment returns as assigned by the Production Manager.

Venue and Production Support — 10%

• Supports day-to-day scheduled use of theater and ancillary spaces and assists with production, rehearsal, and event needs.
• May provide technical support for outside rentals, special events, and other OFA projects or productions as assigned.
• Serves as an on-site technical resource during assigned rehearsals, performances, load-ins, and strikes.

Working Conditions: The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs and objectives and consistent with College Policy, which requires 5 days on-site in Cambridge, MA during term time (first day of classes through commencement), with the exception of student breaks. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details about the College policy will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds; comfort climbing ladders and working at heights.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• A minimum of 4 years of experience in theater, theatrical education or related field..

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience with CAD software, including Vectorworks or AutoCAD.
• Excellent communication skills, judgment, discretion, and problem-solving ability.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Ability and willingness to work a varied schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with faculty, students, and staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to collaborate, mentor, and advise students with varied skills and backgrounds and to create a safe and inclusive environment.
• Proficiency in one or more of the following: carpentry, stage lighting, costume/clothing construction, sound, projections, or related technical theater disciplines.
• Comfort and proficiency working with power tools and theatrical equipment, including supervising student or professional use.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

The Office for the Arts at Harvard cultivates a vibrant ecosystem for artmaking, empowering students to live creative and meaningful lives, regardless of experience or career path. Through its programs and services, the OFA mentors and teaches, supports student-led art, connects students with accomplished artists, commissions new works, and forges partnerships across local, national, and global communities. By nurturing students as artists and cultural leaders, the OFA affirms the arts as essential to a Harvard education and champions creativity as a force that enriches society and strengthens the communities we share.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 054. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.