Production Technician, Senior

Senior Production Technician

As a Senior Production Technician, you will play a vital role in supporting world-class musical performances, educational experiences, and special events across Duke's renowned performance venues. Your technical expertise and collaborative approach will help create exceptional experiences for students, faculty, guest artists, and audiences while contributing to Duke's mission of excellence in education, research, and the arts.

Working within the Department of Music, you will be part of a dynamic team that values innovation, professionalism, safety, and service. This nine-month, bi-weekly position offers the opportunity to blend technical production skills with artistic support in one of the nation's leading academic environments.

Production & Technical Operations

• Lead the setup, operation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and strike of audio, video, lighting, live streaming, and stage production systems used for performances, rehearsals, recitals, and special events.
• Operate professional sound reinforcement, recording, live streaming, lighting, and video production equipment while ensuring high-quality event execution.
• Program and maintain digital and computerized lighting, audio, and production systems to support diverse artistic and performance needs.
• Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot production equipment to maximize reliability, functionality, and performance quality.
• Ensure all production activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with departmental standards and best practices.

Performance & Rehearsal Support

• Coordinate and execute stage setups and strikes, including music stands, chairs, risers, pianos, percussion instruments, microphones, and related performance equipment.
• Transport, position, and prepare instruments and production equipment throughout Department of Music facilities as needed.
• Operate sound systems during rehearsals and performances, including microphone placement, audio mixing, recording, and signal management.
• Run lighting, audio, video, and stage equipment during live events by following production cues and event requirements.
• Collaborate with faculty, guest artists, staff, and event stakeholders to ensure technical requirements are met and production expectations are exceeded.

Recording & Livestream Production

• Record, edit, mix, and prepare audio and video content for archival, educational, promotional, and performer use.
• Manage recording workflows, session files, digital assets, and associated hardware and software systems.
• Operate and monitor livestream production equipment to ensure a high-quality audience experience.
• Create and manage event broadcasts on departmental streaming platforms, including You Tube and other digital channels.

Team Leadership & Student Development

• Coordinate, direct, and oversee student technicians, stagehands, graduate assistants, and contracted production personnel.
• Provide training on production practices, equipment operation, safety procedures, and performance venue protocols.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that promotes learning, accountability, and professional growth.
• Ensure compliance with all Duke University and departmental safety standards.

Communication & Operational Excellence

• Maintain accurate inventories of audiovisual, production, and departmental technology equipment.
• Communicate equipment maintenance needs, damage reports, and operational concerns to departmental leadership.
• Partner with Duke Arts and Venue & Production Management teams to address venue-related technical issues and enhance event operations.
• Participate in departmental staff meetings, production planning meetings, and other collaborative initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental priorities and operational needs.

What You'll Bring

• Required Qualifications:
  
  Bachelor's degree in Technical Theatre, Music Production Technology, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience supporting technical productions in a theater, concert venue, recording studio, performing arts organization, or comparable environment. Knowledge of audio, video, lighting, live streaming, and stage production technologies. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced event environment.
  
  Flexibility to work a schedule that includes evenings and weekends based on performance and rehearsal needs. Commitment to safety, customer service, and operational excellence.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  
  Experience programming and operating modern lighting consoles and advanced lighting control systems. Understanding of digital audio consoles, audio networking technologies, and digital signal workflows. Experience with live streaming technologies, PTZ cameras, video switchers, and hardware or software encoding systems. Working knowledge of IP networking, including switches, routers, and networked audiovisual systems.…