Production Services Technician

Position Summary: 

The Production Services Technician-General Tech (Flex) is part of the Production Services department within the Student Center cluster in the Student Affairs division at Vanderbilt University. This position is responsible for delivering the highest level of Audio Visual (AV) support for events and facilities for Student Centers, Student Affairs, Vanderbilt Community and external client events. The team provides a combination of large-scale audio, video and lighting production needs for a wide variety of event types, including meetings, lectures, receptions and numerous student performing arts and multicultural showcases. Reporting directly to the Associate Director, Production Services, the team member is a key contributor for all the events assigned to them. This position is a Vanderbilt “Flex” position that will offer work on a periodic basis as needed and is not eligible for benefits. The estimated hours of work can be 25-30 hours during peak weeks and 0-10 hours during slow weeks.

About the Work Unit: 

The Student Centers Office manages events, event spaces and facilities across campus.  Our team includes event managers, audio/visual technicians, facilities managers, and student staff.  We work as a team to create successful events for our clients and guests in our facilities. We work with an array of clients including Vanderbilt student groups, departments, and the greater Nashville Community, and many more.  The events we manage range from small meetings to large-scale events including weddings, conferences, and student performances.

About Student Affairs:

Student Affairs serves a central role in student learning and development at Vanderbilt, advancing the University’s mission of teaching, research, and service. Student Affairs at Vanderbilt cultivates vibrant, inclusive communities that foster a student’s sense of belonging and wellbeing through collaborative partnerships, transformative learning experiences, and an accessible and holistic network of resources. We value connection, belonging, compassion, development, and innovation. Our staff are committed to continued growth in knowledge, awareness, skills, and experience engaging with these priorities in a higher education environment. 

Key Functions and Expected Performance: 

Production Services and Technology 

• Supports the AV and production needs for Vanderbilt University and community events in each of the Student Centers spaces: Alumni Hall, Commons Center, Kissam Center, Sarratt Student Center, Rand Hall, Student Life Center, Rothschild College Black Box Theater, Community Event Space, Leadership and Service Space, Multicultural Community Space and additional designated spaces within Residential Colleges and academic areas. Also supports student performances at Langford Auditorium in the Medical Center.
• Experience and familiarity with the following roles that include A1, A2, L1, L2, V1, V2 and AV1 for corporate events and musical performances.
• Intermediate to advanced familiarity with Yamaha and Behringer/Midas audio consoles, Shure large scale wireless systems and the ability to mix for audio a variety of events from corporate talks to theatrical performances. 
• Intermediate familiarity with ETC, EOS and other DMX based fixtures and protocol. 
• Intermediate familiarity with Panasonic, Black Magic, Decimator, video switchers, SDI converters and projectors. Also should have familiarity and a desire to learn about DCP video projectors for Cinema movies. 
• Proficient and ability to learn various software for events such as QLab, ProPresenter and Playback Pro. 
• Attend pre-production meetings with the team and student groups to review pre-production documents (audio/lighting cues, ROS, script) in preparation for programming days, tech rehearsal and show days.
• May serve as a point of contact for student performing arts groups and multicultural showcases.     
• Communicates with Vanderbilt University departments, organizations and contracted groups using Student Centers or auxiliary buildings to coordinate their event production needs. 
• Conducts routine maintenance checks and facilitates repair and maintenance of equipment used for all events and spaces the department is responsible for. 
• Familiarity with safe working practices of counterweight and concert rigging, staging, theatrical and concert power distribution. 
• Ability to maintain frequent heavy lifting and climbing (ladders, catwalks, scaffolds, etc.) and operate single man and 20’ scissor lift is necessary. 
• Ability to work in various climates, weather conditions, environments is necessary. 
• Ability to work a schedule that may include long hours, nighttime or weekend work is necessary. 
• One to three years of related experience and demonstrated growth in role is necessary.
• Proven ability to work independently or in teams is necessary. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are necessary. 

Administrative 

• Uses EMS and other software throughout the event lifecycle to update and review necessary details, including time, equipment and logistical details of each event. 
• Performs post-event reviews of production work and communicates the results to the Production Services team.
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite is necessary. 

Supervisory Relationships: 

This position reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Director, Production Services. The position will also receive direction from the Sr. Program Coordinator, Production Services. 

Education and Certifications: 

• A high school degree or equivalent is required. 
• Bachelor’s degree preferred. 
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide continuous up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records.

Experience and Skills:

• At least one year of related experience and demonstrated growth in role is necessary.
• 3+ years of related work experience is preferred
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite is necessary.
• Proven ability to work independently or in teams is necessary.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are necessary.
• Ability to maintain frequent heavy lifting and climbing (ladders, catwalks, scaffolds, etc.) and operate single man and 20’ scissor lift is necessary.
• Ability to work in various climates, weather conditions, environments is necessary.
• Ability to work a schedule that may include long hours, nighttime or weekend work is necessary.
• Familiarity with safe working practices of counterweight and concert rigging, staging, theatrical and concert power distribution, audio, lighting, video equipment, laser displays, and pyrotechnics is preferred.
• Proven ability in establishing and maintaining relationships among event partners is preferred.