Shop Foreman

Overview

Join the award-winning Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD) team and help make a real impact in this community! As part of our National Gold Medal Award–winning organization, you’ll help bring joy, adventure, and enrichment to millions each year. JCPRD welcomes over 7 million visitors to our parks and engages 3 million+ participants in more than 4,000 programs—and we’re still growing.

When you work at JCPRD, you’re joining a team recognized locally, regionally, and nationally for excellence in parks, recreation, culture, education, and public service. Enjoy outstanding benefits, retirement plans, employee incentives, and a workplace culture built on passion, creativity, and teamwork.

Named Best Large Employer in Johnson County for two years running, JCPRD is the perfect place to grow your career, make a difference, and have fun doing it. Come work where you play—and help us inspire healthier, happier lives for everyone!

Job Description

The Shop Foreman serves as chief carpenter and fabricator who is responsible for overseeing the theatrical scene shop day-to-day operations at two performance venues, ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely construction of sets, and scenic elements for TIP productions and events. This position requires strong leadership, extensive knowledge of scenic construction, and the ability to collaborate closely with designers, technical staff, and production teams to deliver high-quality theatrical environments.

The Shop Foreman reports directly to the TIP Technical Director and provides supervision, mentorship, and training to seasonal scene shop staff. 

• Lead Scene Shop Operations: Supervise shop staff, including carpenters, painters, and other crew members. Ensure the proper execution of design elements based on technical drawings and production requirements. Maintain organization of the shop, storage, stage and backstage areas.
• Set Construction: Responsible for the construction, assembly, and finishing of scenic elements for productions, ensuring all builds meet the required quality standards, safety standards and deadlines.
• Safety & Compliance: Enforce safety protocols and ensure a safe working environment for all shop personnel. Ensure that all equipment is maintained and operated according to safety regulations.
• Inventory & Material Management: Maintain accurate inventory of materials, tools, and equipment. Coordinate with the Technical Director to ensure timely delivery of necessary resources.
• Collaboration with Design Team: Work closely with the Technical Director, Designers, and Production teams to ensure scenic designs are executed accurately. Provide input on the feasibility of designs and suggest cost-effective or practical alternatives when needed.
• Budget & Time Management: Assist in managing the scene shop’s budget, tracking expenses, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Quality Control: Inspect finished scenic elements to ensure they meet the required aesthetic, functional, and safety standards.
• Training & Mentorship: Provide guidance and training to seasonal staff and volunteers, helping them develop their skills and understanding of the craft.
• Maintenance & Repair: Oversee the maintenance and repair of tools and equipment in the shop, ensuring they are in good working condition.
• Special Events: Assist Technical Director as advisor and support for technical elements at other Culture and JCPRD wide events and locations.

Job Requirements

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in woodworking, scenic painting, welding, and basic rigging techniques.
• Experience with power tools, hand tools, and scenic construction materials (wood, metal, fabrics, etc.).
• Familiarity with CAD software and interpreting technical drawings.

Leadership & Communication:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for coordinating with production staff and designers.

Problem-Solving & Creativity. 

• Ability to troubleshoot construction issues and make adjustments in real time.
• Creative thinking and the ability to offer practical solutions to meet design needs.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift and move heavy materials both ground level and overhead (up to 50lbs).
• Must be comfortable with heights: working from ladders and scaffolding.
• Ability to work evening and weekend hours to match the needs of the operation.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and in various conditions (dust, noise, heights, and inclement weather).
• Ability to stand, bend, and kneel for extended periods.

JCPRD requires reference/background screening for all positions.  Specified criteria may vary by Department.