What are the responsibilities and job description for the Theatrical Head Carpenter/Rigger and Scene Shop Manager position at University at Buffalo?
Position Summary
The is seeking a Theatrical Head Carpenter / Rigger and Scene Shop Manager to work closely with the and . In this critical role you will execute technical and safety aspects of performances and events. This position focuses on day-of-show rigging, fly operation duties, and leading crews, including touring production personnel, to ensure production work is performed safely and in accordance with industry standards. The individual ensures the safety and readiness of theaters and stage equipment, following proper rigging and staging practices. You will also supervise the stage running crew, ensuring that their tasks are completed efficiently and safely. Additionally, the role involves mentoring students in technical theater skills and providing mentorship support to the Theatre and Dance department for academic productions.
Key responsibilities include :
- Managing rigging and staging for events, enforcing university and industry policies, overseeing theatrical systems and equipment, ensuring venue safety, and coordinating staging.
- Serve as an ETCP-certified rigger, performing rigging, fly and rail operation duties, while assisting with carpentry, welding, and electrical tasks, following industry safety standards.
- Ensure the safety and operational readiness of stage equipment and rigging systems through routine inspections, maintenance, repairs, and installations, following safety protocols under the supervision of the Technical Director.
- Supervise and coordinate the usage and scheduling of the scene shop and maintain in complete operational readiness. This includes performing routine maintenance and repairs, installations, ordering of equipment and supplies and maintaining inventory necessary for daily scene shop operation.
- Supervise and train professional and student crews in the scene shop to ensure adherence to established safety procedures and the appropriate use of tools, equipment, and materials.
- Manage scene shop, production, and equipment budgets as designated which includes : order, track, and maintain shop materials (lumber, hardware, , track and reconcile credit card purchases.
Buffalo, NY is a vibrant arts and cultural center that includes over twenty theatres, several professional and community dance companies, and numerous art galleries. It is home to well-known cultural organizations including the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Ujima Theatre Company, ArtPark, Squeaky Wheel Media Arts Center Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, African American Cultural Center, Just Buffalo Literary Center, Burchfield Penney Art Center and more. Buffalo is centrally located, with easy access to major metropolitan hubs in the Northeast including New York City, Boston, Chicago, Toronto and Montreal. Located on Lake Erie, just south of Niagara Falls, Buffalo’s surrounding natural areas, state parks, beaches, rivers, and ski areas provide abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure.
Outstanding Benefits Package Working at UB comes with benefits that exceed salary alone. There are personal rewards including comprehensive health and retirement plan options. We also focus on creating and sustaining a healthy mix of work, personal and academic pursuit – all in an effort to support your work-life effectiveness. We support your growth and development through our career coaching and training department and we qualify as a public service loan forgiveness organization. Learn more about our .
About The University at Buffalo
The University at Buffalo (UB) #ubuffalo is one of America’s leading public research universities and a flagship of the State University of New York system, recognized for our excellence and our impact. UB is a premier, research-intensive public university dedicated to academic excellence. Our research, creative activity and people positively impact the world. Like the city we call home, UB is distinguished by a culture of resilient optimism, resourceful thinking and pragmatic dreaming that enables us to reach others every day. Visit our website to learn more about the .
University at Buffalo is an affirmative action / equal opportunity employer and, in keeping with our commitment, welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Minimum Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Physical Demands
Salary Range $55,200 - $58,000 Additional Salary Information Type Full-Time Campus North Campus Posting Alerts Special Instructions Summary All application materials should be submitted via UB Jobs. Application materials submitted directly to the posting contact will not be acknowledged and cannot be considered. Additional Information Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at Is a background check required for this posting? Yes Background Check Notification For non-internal applicants : a selected candidate will have to complete and pass a background check prior to appointment.
Salary : $55,200 - $58,000
