Costume Technician I

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is a world-class research university. Founded in 2012, the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance (USC Kaufman) is the first new school at USC in close to 40 years. USC Kaufman has quickly emerged as an epicenter of excellence in the interdisciplinary study of dance creation and dance performance. Featuring a rigorous curriculum within a conservatory style environment, USC Kaufman is housed in the 54,000-square-foot Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center, where students work and collaborate with world-renowned artists and study in a range of dance styles.

The University of Southern California is seeking applicants for a part-time Costume Technician to join the Production staff at the Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. Under the direction of the Costume Coordinator, this individual will assist in the construction, acquisition, rental, and maintenance of costume inventory for the Kaufman School of Dance.

Job Responsibilities include:

• Assist Costume Coordinator in management of costumes team of the Kaufman School of Dance.

• Take measurements of all dancers each year and as necessary.

• Construct, alter, and maintain all costumes as assigned and directed.

• Dye various kinds of fabrics and shoes.

• Ensure all costumes are laundered to specification and returned to inventory after each performance.

• Assist with procurement of fabric, accessories, clothing, and equipment as required for costume design.

• Act as wardrobe point of contact for larger Kaufman productions.

• Oversee student assistants and other casual employees during show runs.

• Maintain all costume work areas and ensure cleanliness and safety of all surfaces and floors at all times.

• Assist in maintenance of costume inventory and database related to inventory of costumes and shoes.

• Assist with rentals of costumes for Kaufman Students and faculty as well as outside clients.

• Maintain accurate financial records for costume expenses.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s Degree in Theater, Costume Design, or similar.

• Specialized technical knowledge in clothing construction and dance costume construction.

• Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.

Minimum Experience:

• 1 year

• Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum experience.

Minimum Field of Expertise:

• Practical experience with costume construction for dance

• Knowledge of PC computing and word processing.

Preferred Experience

• 3 years

Preferred Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Theater, Costume Design or Technology with experience in all phases of costume

• construction

Supervisory Level:

• May oversee student workers or temporary/casual employees performing similar tasks.

Other Notes:

• Requires ability to safely operate sewing machines, sergers, clothing cleaning, dyeing, and pressing equipment.

• Prior experience with inventory management systems strongly preferred.

The hourly rate for this position is $26.73 - $30.28.  When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education: Specialized/technical training Associate's degree Additional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 1 year Addtional Experience Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experience Minimum Skills: Practical experience in costume construction. Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree Fine Arts Preferred Skills: Practical experience in all phases of costume and accessory construction. Additional experience in construction of armor, heraldry, millinery, wigs, jewelry, gloves, footwear, masks, etc.