Chief electrician

Job description

Chief electrician

Objectives of post:

to plan, supervise and assist in the technical preparation of the theatre for performances and events under the direction of the Technical Manager, and in conjunction with the Stage Manager
to be primarily responsible for the planned maintenance, and operation of all electrical and electronic equipment related to performance work within the theatre along with the operation and maintenance of other performance related technical equipment and facilities in conjunction with the Stage Manager
to provide a full, professional technical support service to the theatre and its users/ hirers with particular emphasis on electrical or electronic installations
to be responsible for the operation of all aspects of the theatre’s technical equipment for and during performances as required
to deputise for the Stage Manager and/ or the Technical Manager in their absence

Supervisory responsibility:
Full and part-time Theatre Technicians (up to 4 staff, Scale 1)/ Casual technicians and stage door keeper (up to 10 staff, Scale 1)/ Work placements/ Members of visiting companies, hirers, artistes and other users of the building

Supervision received:

the post holder is directly responsible to the Technical Manager
the post holder is expected to demonstrate considerable initiative in carrying out their role and duties and will be responsible for organising their own working patterns throughout the year, subject to approval by the Technical Manager, in order to effectively meet the requirements of the post
it should be noted that evening, weekend and Bank Holiday work are a major feature of this post

Range of decision making:

day to day decisions will be required regarding all aspects of the backstage area to ensure that all users and employees of the building work in a clean, well maintained, secure and healthy environment
you will be expected to contribute to the decision making process affecting the mid to long term strategic planning for the technical department
decisions will be required as to the safe, effective and efficient installation and removal of a wide range of technical equipment (including lighting, sound and scenery) into and out of the theatre and associated venues under the direction of the Technical Manager
decisions will need to be made in conjunction with other members of staff (notably the theatre’s Stage Manager), visiting companies, hirers and users of the building
decisions may sometimes need to be made under considerable pressure and time constraints

Responsibility for assets:

all backstage equipment, plant, fixtures and fittings both temporary and permanent in conjunction with the Stage Manager

Range of Duties:

to provide the professional role and function of a Chief Electrician to all areas of the theatre in preparation for and duration of performances and events
to provide support and advice to all other areas of the theatre with regard to the safe and proper use of electricity and electrical appliances and equipment
in conjunction with the Stage Manager to plan for and prepare the theatre to the specifications of visiting companies; this to include the rigging and operation of a wide range of technical equipment and scenery for and during performances
in conjunction with the Stage Manager to plan and carry out the recruitment, development and training of technical staff to ensure that the needs of the Technical Department are met
to maintain a good working knowledge of all relevant Health and Safety legislation and good practice in relation to all areas of the post holders areas of responsibility including but not restricted to the following:
1. risk assessment
2. manual handling
3. Care of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
4. Provision and Use of Work Equipment (PUWER)
5. Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER)
6. Electricity at Work (EAW)
7. portable appliance testing
in liaison with the Stage Manager to provide strong, effective and clear leadership on a day to day basis for other technicians for all work carried out in the theatre, with particular emphasis on areas involving electricity or electrical appliances
in conjunction with the Technical Manager to plan and deliver an effective programme of maintenance and testing for all electrical appliances and performance related electrical equipment in the theatre, and to advise where appropriate on permanent installations serviced and maintained by other departments of the council
to help to ensure that good working practices are developed implemented and adhered to with regard to current H&S legislation and the H&S policy of the theatre.
to observe and help enforce the theatre house rules
to become and remain fully conversant with the theatre’s fire and evacuation procedures and the use and location of associated equipment including fire fighting equipment, the fire alarm system, safety curtain and drencher
to assist in the development of training procedures and plans, and to undertake training as required; to instruct others in the use of technical equipment
to be in attendance for public performances/ events as required by the theatre/ entertainments licence or Technical Manager
to be jointly responsible for maintaining an acceptable level of security in the theatre
to deputise for the Stage Manager and/ or Technical Manager in their absence
to help to identify, plan and carry out general maintenance and improvements in other areas of the theatre
to contribute towards the generation and maintenance of a welcoming, friendly and supportive working environment for both theatre staff and visiting companies
to undertake other duties as are reasonably required by the theatre management
to contribute to the development of positive links with and between the local communities wherever possible
to carry out duties in accordance with our equality and diversity policies and practice in terms of employment and service delivery to ensure that colleagues and service users are treated in a fair and consistent manner and that services are delivered with sensitivity to the needs of service users
to carry out all responsibilities with due regard to Health & Safety legislation and relevant policies
to contribute to the Directorate’s approach to Investors in People, by complying with the requirements of the Directorate’s training and development policy

Education:

good general standard of education including English and Maths
City and Guilds or equivalent electrical qualification is essential
appropriate technical qualification e.g. ABTT or industry relevant training courses are desirable

EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

at least three years working in professional theatre or similar environment at least one year of which must have been in a management role
knowledge of the principles and safe use of electricity, and an ability to apply this knowledge in practical situations typically required by an entertainment environment
safe and efficient use of hemp and counterweight flying systems.
rigging and use of sound systems and associated equipment in a theatre environment
lighting design, and scale plan drawing and reading
safe rigging practices, including but not restricted to rigging and use of motor hoists, manual chain hoists, counterweight and hemp flying, knot tying, rigging luminaries, use of slings and shackles
knowledge of a wide range of theatre electrical equipment is essential including but not restricted to:
1. lighting control systems
2. dimmers and dimming techniques
3. pyrotechnics
4. temporary electrical installations
5. portable appliance testing
working as part of a multi-tasking team
computer literacy
initiative in problem solving and planning
good written and verbal communication skills
must be willing to undertake training as required

Desirable:

full clean driving licence

The post holder may be required to obtain a First Aid Certificate for which training will be supplied if necessary

Circumstances:

the post involves regular evening, weekend and Bank Holiday work for which provision has been made within the salary level.
no overtime or enhancements are payable, with the exception of get-out payments as detailed in the BECTU/TMA agreement
the post requires constant flexible and late working hours geared around the events programme of the theatre
ability and willingness to respond to alarm and emergency call outs