Senior Production Technician

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality, creativity, and the unique perspectives each person brings to our campus community. As a Technical Production Specialist (Venue & Production Management), you’ll play a vital role in bringing performances, events, and academic experiences to life. Working alongside artists, designers, faculty, students, and production partners, you’ll contribute your technical expertise to create safe, high-quality, and memorable experiences in Duke’s theaters and mixed‑use venues.

You’ll join a collaborative environment where professionalism, learning, and respect are core to how we work—and where your skills directly support Duke’s mission of excellence in education and the arts.

Be Bold.

This role is hands-on, dynamic, and essential to daily venue operations. You’ll apply technical theater knowledge while supporting a wide range of productions and events.

What You’ll Do:

Operational Management- 30% Effort

• Participate in the day-to-day aspects of Venue and Production Management theater operations to ensure effective operational procedures.
• Install, maintain, and program all lighting, sound, stage and video equipment for theatrical, musical, and other entertainment events by utilizing a thorough understanding of stage production.
• Operate conventional and modern lighting, sound and stage equipment during rehearsals and performances, following audio or visual cues. Operate, instruct, and manage others in a variety of technical and specialized equipment, materials and devices related to theater technology including but not limited to mixing and recording sound, hanging and operating theatrical lights, building in metal and wood, rigging, projection and video equipment, and machinery as required.

Communication and Provision- 25% Effort

• Confer with other staff members and clients to ensure the correct provision of technical services for events.
• Monitor and track equipment usage for each event to ensure accurate event billing.
• Maintain effective communication with staff, university personnel, and individual production crews. Assure highest quality of professionalism for every event and associated work.

Supervision- 15% Effort

• Coordinate and direct the work of student and other contracted workers. Assist in the training of new personnel, supervise and coordinate the efforts of student organizations.
• Work in a team, managing the expectations and demands of a number of people, and effectively communicate ideas and needs to them.

Scheduling and Safety-15% Effort

• Maintain proper scheduling, break times and start and end times for all event needs.
• Assure strict compliance with all safety regulations, requirements, and standards.

Communication-10% Effort

• Maintain open communication with managers, technical and box office staff regarding issues with both events and theater maintenance.  Attend department and production meetings as necessary.

Other- 5% of Effort

• Perform related duties as assigned or required to meet departmental, Division and University goals and objectives, as assigned by their Supervisor, Director, or respective designees.

Choose Duke.

Duke University offers a vibrant campus culture, a commitment to professional growth, and the opportunity to support world-class performances and events. This role provides:

• A collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Exposure to cutting-edge theater and entertainment technologies
• Opportunities for professional development, including industry certifications
• The chance to make a visible impact on campus life and the arts

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in technical theatre or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience: No additional experience required beyond the degree; four years of relevant technical theater or event production experience may substitute for the degree.

Preferred Skills and Competencies

• ETCP certification (Arena Rigger, Theatre Rigger, Entertainment Electrician, or Portable Power Distribution Technician), or willingness to obtain certification within two years of hire.
• Knowledge of modern control and networking protocols such as DMX512, RDM, ETCNet, and related systems.
• Experience with modern lighting consoles and advanced programming concepts.
• Understanding of digital audio systems, networking-based audio transport, and digital audio consoles.
• Working knowledge of video projection systems, including setup, lens selection, signal routing, and monitoring.
• Proficiency with entertainment industry software such as Vectorworks, Lightwright, and QLab.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and collaborate with individuals of varying experience levels.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply today and help bring Duke’s performances, events, and creative spaces to life—safely, boldly, and with excellence.