What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Director position at University of Nebraska at Omaha?
GENERAL REQUISITION INFORMATION
EEO Statement:
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. Read the full statement.
Job Title
Technical Director
Job Grade
EO23S
Division
Academic Affairs
College/Dept
College of Communication, Fine Arts & Media
Department
School of the Arts
Requisition Number
2025-00135
FTE (full-time equivalency)
1.0
Work Schedule
8-5 Monday-Friday & Variable
Does the position provide the opportunity to work Remotely/Telecommuting?
No remote/telecommute opportunity
Appointment Term
12- 12/12 months
Is this position essential personnel according to the inclement weather policy?
No
Pay Information
56,000 - 58,000
Pay Schedule
Annually
FLSA Designation
Exempt
Position Summary
The Technical Director of Theatre in the School of the Arts is a 12/12 Staff Managerial appointment that oversees all aspects of UNO’s Blackbox Theatre and all related spaces. The current annual production schedule consists of four mainstage productions, the Summer Musical Theatre Academy production and an occasional student production. This position independently manages Theatre’s scene shop, supervising and instructing students in accordance with OSHA safety procedures and consults with and advises the faculty and design teams in the execution of each show on budget and following industry standards.
Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to, managing scenic/paint/props budgets with faculty, drafting all scenic construction drawings for the mainstage season, training and overseeing students in the scene shop, managing workflow through the shop, and keeping materials and tools maintained. The Technical Director is charged with the supervision and general maintenance of all theatre spaces including the Weber Fine Arts Blackbox Theatre (005); technical booth (005A); greenroom (007); scene shop (008); paint room (008A); welding room (008B); property construction (008C); storage (008D); dressing rooms (009); makeup room (013) and design lab (018).
Qualifications for this position include a BA in Theatre; proficiency in computer-aided drafting, and a minimum of two years experience in a professional or academic theatre environment as a Technical Director or similar position. Preference will be given to those with an MFA in Technical Direction and/or experience with sound installation/maintenance; 3D printing; CNC routing and/or other design technologies. All applications must be completed online and include a cover letter; resume and three work-related references. Review of applications will begin immediately. Preferred start date is May 5, 2025 if possible but may be set later in the summer if necessary.
Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to, managing scenic/paint/props budgets with faculty, drafting all scenic construction drawings for the mainstage season, training and overseeing students in the scene shop, managing workflow through the shop, and keeping materials and tools maintained. The Technical Director is charged with the supervision and general maintenance of all theatre spaces including the Weber Fine Arts Blackbox Theatre (005); technical booth (005A); greenroom (007); scene shop (008); paint room (008A); welding room (008B); property construction (008C); storage (008D); dressing rooms (009); makeup room (013) and design lab (018).
Qualifications for this position include a BA in Theatre; proficiency in computer-aided drafting, and a minimum of two years experience in a professional or academic theatre environment as a Technical Director or similar position. Preference will be given to those with an MFA in Technical Direction and/or experience with sound installation/maintenance; 3D printing; CNC routing and/or other design technologies. All applications must be completed online and include a cover letter; resume and three work-related references. Review of applications will begin immediately. Preferred start date is May 5, 2025 if possible but may be set later in the summer if necessary.
Job Duties
Responsibility Area:
Duties & Responsibilities
Duties:
Responsibilities: Management of the scene shop which produces four mainstage productions every academic year along with the Summer Musical Theatre Academy (May-June) along with minimum support of smaller student projects.
Supervises and builds the scenic designs (4 per academic year; one in the summer), with students, student workers, and guests. Assists faculty in the oversight of paint, props, and sound implementation.
Attends the design meeting for the mainstage productions (8 per semester), meeting with Scenic Designer during the process to maintain scope of builds.
Attends the weekly production conferences/meetings (12 per semester).
Assists in training students for the tech process, potentially including mentorship over scenic/prop crew paperwork as needed.
Assist in setting up the theatrical spaces for tech, including installing sound and training students as needed.
Contribute to discussions regarding season selection, student processes, and the development of the technical curriculum.
Participate in technical interview sessions and technical assignment sessions and provide training and mentoring of stage mangers as needed to ensure safety and management of scenery, stagehands, and other backstage theatre workers.
Safety: Maintain OSHA safety standards and compliance in the theatre spaces and while supervising and overseeing those involved.
Responsible for training and supervising students using tools safely and properly.
Attend necessary safety training and remain on top of new industry and OSHA standards. Managers the building of scenery to ensure it meets all safety requirements.
Financial: Based on experience, determine the most practical and efficient building processes and techniques to maximize materials and limited budgets.
Manager scenic, property and overhead budgets.
Provide cost estimates for each of the four productions. This will include a detailed breakdown of all building materials including wood, steel, and consumables.
Provide labor estimates for each production including over-hire, work-study, assigned students and volunteers.
Responsible for purchasing and procurement of necessary materials,equipment and tools needed to complete projects.
Supervises and builds the scenic designs (4 per academic year; one in the summer), with students, student workers, and guests. Assists faculty in the oversight of paint, props, and sound implementation.
Attends the design meeting for the mainstage productions (8 per semester), meeting with Scenic Designer during the process to maintain scope of builds.
Attends the weekly production conferences/meetings (12 per semester).
Assists in training students for the tech process, potentially including mentorship over scenic/prop crew paperwork as needed.
Assist in setting up the theatrical spaces for tech, including installing sound and training students as needed.
Contribute to discussions regarding season selection, student processes, and the development of the technical curriculum.
Participate in technical interview sessions and technical assignment sessions and provide training and mentoring of stage mangers as needed to ensure safety and management of scenery, stagehands, and other backstage theatre workers.
Safety: Maintain OSHA safety standards and compliance in the theatre spaces and while supervising and overseeing those involved.
Responsible for training and supervising students using tools safely and properly.
Attend necessary safety training and remain on top of new industry and OSHA standards. Managers the building of scenery to ensure it meets all safety requirements.
Financial: Based on experience, determine the most practical and efficient building processes and techniques to maximize materials and limited budgets.
Manager scenic, property and overhead budgets.
Provide cost estimates for each of the four productions. This will include a detailed breakdown of all building materials including wood, steel, and consumables.
Provide labor estimates for each production including over-hire, work-study, assigned students and volunteers.
Responsible for purchasing and procurement of necessary materials,equipment and tools needed to complete projects.
Percentage Of Time
60
Essential Function:
Yes
Responsibility Area:
Summer Musical Theatre Academy
Duties:
This position will provide stage and prop building support, instruction, supervision and technical leadership (with OSHA compliance) for both high school and UNO students participating in the Summer Musical Theatre Academy during the months of May and June for July performances.
Percentage Of Time
10
Essential Function:
Yes
Responsibility Area:
Computer Aided Drafting
Duties:
Must be proficient with Computer Aided Drafting (CAD). Draft construction drawings for each of the four productions. Provide CAD services in preparation of scene shop construction drawings for each production. Experience in Sound Technology is desirable.
Percentage Of Time
15
Essential Function:
Yes
Responsibility Area:
Sound Technology
Duties:
Experience in sound technology is desirable to oversee the use of sound in theatrical spaces.
Percentage Of Time
5
Essential Function:
No
Responsibility Area:
General Maintenance
Duties:
Maintain all tools in the shop including all large power and battery operated tools. Responsible for maintaining the inventory of materials and tools. Responsible for the general maintenance of all Theatre facilities, initiating work orders for facilities related projects.
Percentage Of Time
10
Essential Function:
Yes
Required and Preferred Qualifications
Required Education
BA in Theatre with proficiency in computer-aided drafting.
Required Experience
Two years experience in a professional theatre environment as a Technical Director or similar position.
Required License/Certification
NA
Required Additional Qualifications:
This position requires regular and prompt attendance during the working hours scheduled by the supervisor.
Preferred Education
MFA in Technical Direction or a related field.
Preferred Experience
Experience with sound installation and maintenance. Experience with 3D printing; CNC routing; and other design/building technology.
Preferred License/Certification
NA
Preferred Additional Qualifications:
NA
Compliance Requirements
Credit Check
No
Motor Vehicle Licensing Validity Check
No
Pre-employment Physical Request and Assessment
No
Drug Screen
No
