Technical Supervisor

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

This is a/an 83.3% full-time equivalency (FTE) job with months off. The number of months off will be determined by the position's FTE percentage. The timing of months off will be set to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to HR105 FTE positions should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

This position is eligible for benefits associated with any full-time position. The salary grade and range listed in the posting is reflective of a 100% Full-time position. Full-time equivalency job offers may fall outside of the listed range due to the assigned percentage of effort.

Penn State Harrisburg is seeking a Technical Supervisor for the Mukund S. Kulkarni Theatre. Reporting directly to the Technical Director, this position serves as the primary operational support and backup, extending operational capacity and ensuring continuity of daily theatre operations.

The Technical Supervisor provides advanced technical expertise, operational coordination, scenic construction, and independent problem-solving for theatrical productions, academic programming, campus events, touring performances, and community events. Because this role actively oversees live productions and event execution, it requires a flexible schedule, including regular evening and weekend hours to supervise student staff and ensure the overall success of events.

Working collaboratively with the Technical Director, Performing Arts Operations Specialist, Special Events staff, faculty, students, community partners, and visiting artists, this role supervises student employees and contracted crews while promoting a safe, efficient, and high-quality performing arts environment.

• Technical Production & Live Events: Lead setup, operation, troubleshooting, and strike for productions and events. Operate lighting, audio, video, projection, staging, rigging, and streaming/broadcasting systems. Interpret technical documentation and serve as Technical Supervisor, Crew Chief, Board Operator, or Lead Technician. Support touring shows, guest artists, recordings, and multimedia presentations.
• Operations & Production Logistics: Coordinate work calls, rehearsals, load-ins, strikes, venue changeovers, and performance space prep. Participate in production meetings, post-event evaluations, and planning/implementation alongside faculty, staff, students, clients, and vendors.
• Scenic Construction & Shop Operations: Construct, install, modify, and strike scenic elements based on technical drawings. Operate and maintain scene shop tools and equipment, maintain shop organization, and train/supervise student employees in construction and shop safety.
• Systems & Equipment Maintenance: Inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and conduct preventive maintenance on theatre systems. Maintain equipment inventories and records; recommend upgrades and replacements.
• Student Supervision & Mentorship: Assist with recruiting, scheduling, training, supervising, and mentoring student employees. Assign work, track hours, monitor performance, develop crew leaders, and provide hands‑on technical instruction.
• Administration & Safety: Maintain event calendars, run sheets, work orders, paperwork, and purchasing documentation. Conduct safety inspections, maintain safety records, and enforce compliance with University safety policies.

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre, Theatre Production, Event Production, Arts Administration, or a related discipline (or equivalent combination of education and experience), plus 3 years of progressively responsible experience in technical theatre, live event production, or performing arts operations.
• Supervisory
  
  Experience:
  
  Experience supervising student employees or production crews.
• Technical…