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Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.
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Position Summary
The Lighting Supervisor oversees the theatrical lighting equipment for the Shepherd School of Music, including all performance venues, rehearsal rooms, and public patron areas in the Brockman Hall for Opera and Alice Pratt Brown Hall. They will supervise the lighting implementation and operations for all opera productions, opera scenes programs, and other Opera Department events, as well as implement lighting equipment and provide support for concerts and special events at the Shepherd School as assigned. This position works closely with all staff members of the Facilities and Production departments, as well as Opera Department staff, and reports to the Director of Production for Opera.
The ideal candidate for the Lighting Supervisor position is a technically skilled and artistically intuitive professional who thrives in both independent and collaborative environments. They bring a deep understanding of theatrical lighting systems and a strong working knowledge of current lighting technology, including networked systems, digital consoles, and a range of fixtures. With experience in both maintaining and operating lighting equipment, they are able to troubleshoot and solve problems proactively—often working autonomously to prepare the space ahead of rehearsals and productions.
Equally important, the ideal candidate has an eye for design and a strong appreciation for the collaborative process inherent in opera and theatrical production. They communicate clearly and respectfully with lighting designers, stage managers, directors, and fellow production staff, especially during the critical tech rehearsal process. They are adaptable, flexible under pressure, and committed to realizing the creative vision of each production with precision and artistry.
As a member of a university-affiliated opera house, the ideal candidate also values mentorship and education, and is comfortable supporting student performers, guest artists, and emerging designers within an academic environment. They take initiative, manage time efficiently, and are dedicated to fostering a safe, efficient, and inspiring production environment.
Workplace requirements
This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating that all duties be performed in person at the Shepherd School of Music. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.
Hiring Range
This is a part-time (20 hours per week baseline), benefits-eligible position, and the proposed salary is $29.00 to $34.00 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. Some weeks will require upwards of 40 hours per week when in production periods for opera and special events. Non-exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree
- In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis, may be substituted
- 2+ years of experience working in a professional theater organization or university/conservatory music or theater program
- In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis, may be substituted
Skills:
- Knowledge of ETC EOS and dimmers on a programming and maintenance level.
- Working knowledge of Paradigm, Crestron, Vector Works, Light wright and Q-sys
- Working knowledge of projection equipment and setup.
- Demonstrated commitment to safety and safe practices in the theater.
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of all lighting equipment, tools, circuitry and control systems.
- Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Demonstrated ability to manage projects, plan and execute workflows, track progress, and meet deadlines and objectives
- Accuracy, attention to detail, ability to multitask, and organizational skills
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
- Effective verbal and written communication
Preferences
- Knowledge of the following systems and operations.
Essential Functions
- Maintains all theatrical lighting equipment and systems for the Shepherd School of Music across 5 performance halls and 4 rehearsal rooms.
- Communicates with design teams to realize designs for opera productions within financial and scheduling constraints and available resources as determined by the Director of Production for Opera
- Installation, programming, and running of theatrical lighting for Morrison Theater productions, events, and rentals as required.
- Works with the Director of Production for Opera to determine production schedules and over hire staff labor needs.
- Provides estimates on rental equipment, special effects and other equipment/materials needed to the Director of Production for Opera
- Generate, maintain, and distribute technical specifications, drawings, and equipment inventories of Shepherd School spaces as needed.
- Supports regular maintenance of all lighting equipment at the Shepherd School of Music, working closely with the Director of Facilities Operations and facilities staff.
- Maintain regular communication between production staff, administrators, faculty, directors, and artistic teams to keep appropriate parties apprised of project progress as appropriate
- Provide onsite management support with rentals in Morrison Theater and other Shepherd School venues as assigned, working closely with Director of Production for Opera and all members of the Facilities and Production teams.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Additional Functions
- Provides additional production support, including room setups, event support, etc., to other Shepherd School of Music areas as assigned.
Working Conditions
- Typical hours are during the day, but the position requires the flexibility to be available for weekend and evening work hours as needed.
- Position maintains a baseline of 20 hours per week, with some weeks being 20-40 hours per week during production periods.
- Maintains a clean and safe work environment at all times
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs
Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or [email protected] for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at [email protected]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.
