SCENE TCHN PRN (Head Audio Engineer)

Department Purpose

Located on the campus of one of the great research universities in the nation, the Mondavi Center is the premier performing arts venue in the Sacramento region. Each year, it presents speakers and artists from around the world and the nation, including leading musicians in classical music, jazz, world and roots music; modern dance, cirque and theater arts. The Mondavi Center team is built around a passion for the power of the arts expressed in its mission (“Illuminate. Educate. Connect.”) and vision (“A campus and community where the arts are an indispensable part of life for all.”). MC is committed to maintaining state-of-the-art performance facilities and to providing a world-class experience for artists, audiences and students of all ages. We support the University’s mission of teaching, research, service and outreach via cultural programming integrated with the campus’s outstanding academic tradition, a professional laboratory for performing arts students and lifelong arts education opportunities.

Job Summary

Under general supervision of the Production Manager, the Head Audio Engineer works in conjunction with the Production Manager and other Principal Scene Technicians to plan and implement production logistics, both technical and non-technical, for all performances, various campus events at the Mondavi Center including Jackson Hall, Vanderhoef Studio Theatre and other event spaces. Advances, plans, implements, and oversees sound work for theatre productions and events. Helps to coordinate and participate in Mondavi Center projects and events as a member of the Production Department team. Mixes and operates sound for shows, or assigns staff to mix and operate sound, and is the principal house audio engineer in Jackson Hall Acts as or assigns staff to serve as the systems engineer for events that provide their own engineer to carry out touring engineers’ directions while safeguarding Mondavi Center policies, procedures, and equipment. Advises the Production Manager on sound system specifications in artists’ riders. Promotes and maintains a high standard of craftsmanship, efficiency, and safety among staff. Provides inventory control, continuity in usage of sound equipment, and coordinates general technical and production assistance for all events. Oversees the activities of staff, part-time, and student stage crew during work calls.

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work on ladders, personnel lifts, catwalks, loading bridges, and theatrical grids up to 100’ above the stage floor. 
• Must be able to detect audio and visual problems. 
• Repeatedly lift and carry a minimum of 65 lbs. utilizing safe lifting and moving techniques.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

• Restricted vacation during peak periods.
• Work a flexible schedule and overtime including evenings, weekends and holidays in support of the Mondavi Center’s event schedule.
• Ability to safely function in low-light and unlit stage environments.
• Work in high pressure situations with tight deadlines.
• Must possess a valid California Driver License.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

Minimum Education/Experience

• Experience in technical theatre or stage production including knowledge of technical theatre protocol, chain-of-command, and stage equipment and practices.

• Experience mixing concerts and other live performances and events (both rehearsed and unrehearsed) in a roadhouse situation; experience recording live performances and events, and editing, mixing down, and providing final versions of the recordings.

• Experience reading and interpreting artist riders and stage drawings, including blueprints, sketches, schematics, ground plans and sections.

• Experience with soldering, using ohmmeters and multimeters, and performing bench work on audio equipment.

• Experience work with and lead a staff with a wide variety of experience levels to motivate stage crew members and encourage participation, teamwork, and model and promote a respectful, professionally appropriate working environment which adheres to health and safety guidelines.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Knowledge of and working experience with theatrical sound systems and equipment, including wired and wireless microphones, power amplifiers, speakers, wedge monitors, in-ear monitor systems, sound equalization and equalization equipment, digital and analogue components and technology, communication systems, cueing and paging systems, and assistive listening systems.

• Organizational skills to manage the multiple details and tasks associated with executing productions; and to assume general assignments and follow through to successful completion with a minimum of direction, including recognizing new tasks and projects that become necessary.

Preferred:

Preferred Education/Experience

• Experience operating power tools, hand tools, and pneumatic equipment within safety guidelines.

• Experience working with a wide variety of users, including regional, national, or internationally known artists to community renters; and working cooperatively and productively while enforcing facility policies and procedures.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Interpersonal and communication skills to effectively and professionally communicate both orally and in writing; elicit information needed to clarify inquiries and requests; resolve sensitive or difficult situations diplomatically; and to work effectively and cooperatively with constituents from diverse cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and levels of theatre production experience.

• Knowledge of and skills with electricity to safely load circuits, identify overloads and short circuits, and diagnose and repair defective equipment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks. 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain - we improve.

We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here. 

As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community , our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected .

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.