Assistant Electrician

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu.

The Assistant Electrician is responsible for supporting the Head Electrician in the implementation of all technical related elements for events in Cal Performances venues (including Zellerbach Hall, Zellerbach Playhouse, Wheeler Auditorium, certain performances at Hertz Hall, the Greek Theatre and other off-campus venues), with specific attention to light board operations, programming and rigging. Duties include, but are not limited to: the safe installation, use, inventory and repair of theatrical equipment, training and development, vendor coordination, and equipment and facilities maintenance.

The First Review Date for this job is: May 8, 2024

Technical Specialty

• Effectively set up, operate and strike house and rental electrical equipment including: electrical distribution gear, dimmers, conventional and LED luminaires, moving lights and special effects equipment.
• Programs and operates house lighting console, ETC EOS platform. Operates and utilizes accessory softwares such as ETC Concert, Lightwright, Vectorworks, ETC Paradigm and any other programs needed.
• Troubleshoots and repairs various electrical systems as needed. Maintains house lighting fixtures.
• Conceives and employs strategies in order to prevent any electrical system failure.
• Is responsible for the organization, maintenance, and record keeping of Cal Performances electrical equipment.
• Reads and interprets rider requirements as required.
• Assists Cal Performances' departments to help interpret and integrate electrical needs.
• Provides technical advice and offers considered solutions to technical challenges which support the organization's overall goals.
• Keeps current on industry trends in electrical systems and best practices to accommodate the needs and requirements of Cal Performances and visiting artists. *Attends Operations departmental meetings and production meetings as required.
  

Work Lead

• Acts as lead electrician, crew point of contact, and represents Cal Performances as needed. 2Rev. 3/30/2024
• Duties include leading coworkers in the set up, strike, and operation of, general load-in, set-up, and loadout.
• Plans and organizes the work to be performed, delegating to and directing other Scene Technicians as necessary.
• Actively participates in training, coaching, and directing crew with regard to best practices in the implementation of entertainment electrics; assists with development of Scene Technicians in specialty areas.
• Interacts with event sponsors, event designers, event technical directors or touring technicians in a professional manner, utilizing customer service techniques to collaboratively solve problems or clarify instructions.
• When needed will act as a point of contact for crew, event managers, touring personnel and artists during load-ins, rehearsals, performances and load-outs in assessing and resolving event technical problems.
• Maintains a safe working environment; advises department leaders or Production Manager of possible risks or hazards; addresses safety issues in a timely fashion. Teaches and helps enforce safety regulations among Cal Performances' and guest working personnel. *Provides or oversees additional on-site basic theater craft instruction and training of all stage crew employees as needed.
  

Stage Work

• Duties include working alongside coworkers in the set up/strike and operation of, general load-in, set-up, and load-out.
• Assists with the implementation of all technical related elements required by events during pre-hangs, load-ins, rehearsals, shows, load-outs and change-overs.
• Assists full crew with various tasks such as: loading or unloading trucks, set-up or strike staging and/or scenic elements, sweeping & mopping, or taking out the trash. Performs general stage duties as needed.
  

Equipment/Facilities Maintenance

• Oversees the maintenance and proper use of all electrical equipment owned or rented by Cal Performances.
• Identifies maintenance issues and performs maintenance projects as assigned; leads crew for maintenance calls, ensuring the work is completed to a professional standard. Collaborates with senior production staff in the preparation of an overall maintenance plan.
• Keeps up an equipment inventory

Required

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in technical theatre and event production.
• Extensive experience with networked entertainment power distributions systems for performing arts (theatre, dance and music), presentations, conferences, broadcasts and webcasts.
• Extensive experience with lighting console programming and multi-parameter fixture control.
• A working knowledge of electrical theory, current standards and practices with the ability to apply this knowledge in safe work habits
• Experience with sound reinforcement, video systems, stage carpentry and rigging.
• Strong leadership skills overseeing union, non-union, and student crews
• Positive, approachable attitude; open mindedness and objectivity, and is willing to collaborate.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to successfully interact with a diverse constituency and ability to work with people with varied skill levels.
• Strong service skills with a professional manner in order to successfully build and maintain positive relations and provide quality service with internal and external clients.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to independently follow through to successful completion of projects.
• Able to multi-task and distribute efforts appropriately among tasks, manage competing deadlines, handle frequent interruptions and maintain a high level of productivity.
• Able to quickly and easily adapt to changing situations and priorities in a calm and professional manner.
• Able to work under pressure of deadlines in a fast paced environment.
• Excellent computer skills with both industry related software and standard office
• Able to work long hours, overtime, nights, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to move items weighing up to 75 lbs.
• Ability to work at heights, around moving machinery, and with exposure to noise, vibration, dust, and drafts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Appreciation for a wide variety of performing arts including; dance, music, and theater.
• ETCP Entertainment Electrician certification, or willingness to achieve this certification when appropriate.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in relevant discipline

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $33.67 - $40.41

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

A valid driver's license and DMV check for driving record is required.

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

The University of California's Affirmative action policy.

The University of California's Anti-Discrimination policy.