Scenic Production Assistant

Current Employees:
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University Staff

Temporary (Fixed Term)

Stagehand TE

PBS Wisconsin, a service of Wisconsin Public Media, is hiring a Scenic Production Assistant to build the studio sets and props seen in its television productions. This is a carpentry-focused, hands‑on role: most of the work involves framing, cutting, assembling, and finishing scenic elements in the shop, then installing and striking them in the studio or on location for special events.

Beyond the build itself, this position collaborates with the lead scenic designer to plan, design, and furnish productions. Keeps tools, equipment, and storage areas clean, organized, and accurately inventoried, using the existing inventory database.

• Assist in building, installing, and taking down scenic sets and props for studio and remote productions and events.
• Keep the scene shop and storage areas clean, organized, and free of clutter
• Maintain accurate inventories and records of scenic equipment and properties
• Other scenic and production‑related responsibilities as assigned.

This position reports to the lead scenic designer.

We're especially looking for someone with hands‑on carpentry experience — comfortable running shop tools, reading plans, and building scenic or theatrical elements from the ground up. Being able to create construction drawings for designs is a plus but not required

This position is classified under UW–Madison's Stagehand TE standard job title (Job Code TE012, Temporary Employee category), with the working title of Scenic Production Assistant.

This is a part‑time (50%), non‑exempt, hourly appointment with a one year term

The successful candidate can anticipate working an average of 20 hours per week, with some weeks being more and some less depending on production schedules and deadlines.

This position works on‑site at PBS Wisconsin's studios at Vilas Communication Hall on the UW–Madison campus. Given the hands‑on nature of building, installing, and maintaining scenic elements, this position is not eligible for a flexible work agreement.

Hours are generally scheduled Monday–Friday during standard business hours; evening and weekend work will be required as needed to support scenic event installs, strikes, and live productions.

This position occasionally requires travel to off‑site locations.

It is expected that employees will make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibilities and essential job functions. Information about UW‑Madison Driver Authorization can be found at business services.wisc.edu

Wisconsin Public Media/PBS WI

We anticipate paying $20-22 per hour, with actual pay dependent on qualifications and experience.

• Hands on carpentry experience
• Ability to read plans
• Ability to build scenic or theatrical elements

• Experience creating construction drawings for designs

H.S. Diploma Preferred Minimum

Lili Gagliano, lili.gagliano

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected…