Lead Technical Specialist, Live Action

SUMMARY

This is a full-time unionized staff position that is responsible for performing specialized duties in the leadership, operation, installation, repair, maintenance, and modification of the School of Film/Video production and installation facilities. Facilities are used for teaching purposes, as well as the creation of narrative and documentary films and videos as well as innovative, non-conventional forms of experimental filmmaking including various expanded cinema projects. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Leadership and training of the School of Film/Video staff live action production team.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the School of Film/Video live action production facilities. 
• Consult with the Director, Technology & Operations and technical staff to exchange information, present new approaches and to discuss equipment/system changes.
• Member of the Live Action Production Pod (Academic Resource Committee). 
• Plan and perform preventive and routine maintenance, updates and repairs to live action production and installation facilities and equipment, including computer workstations, cameras, monitors, projectors, switchers, lights and other related systems to ensure functionality and continuous operation.
• Provide advanced and specialized technical expertise to faculty, students, and staff, supporting the needs of the curriculum and individual and/or group projects.
• Coordinate and support lab exercises, lectures, and demonstrations with faculty.
• Instruct students, faculty, and staff in use of special installation or studio equipment and facilities in lab or classroom settings.
• Plan, manage, and supervise the scheduling of student, faculty, and class time for Black and White Studio (A404), Video Studio (C115), Permanent Set (C117), Gallery (C113), BB3 Sound Stage, BB4 Stop Motion Facility, sublevel studios, and other facilities as needed for production, installation, and classroom use.   
• Manage the scheduling and checking out of equipment used for installations in these spaces using the school database; including fees and deposits.
• Implement security and safety related procedures in consultation with the Head of Production Services. Promote and maintain standards for security and safety conscious awareness and behavior. Ensure dissemination of security and safety related information to students and faculty. Conduct briefing sessions with students, faculty and staff on use of facilities to ensure compliance with safety protocols and procedures, as needed.
• Conduct and maintain an inventory of necessary repair parts, equipment components and tools.
• Maintain complete maintenance records on all equipment and facilities using the school database.
• Work with Technical Support Coordinator on annual inventory audit; maintain inventory throughout the year.
• Work closely with Facilities Management personnel as needed including work order requests.
• Recommend repair services and purchase of parts and equipment, as needed.
• Obtain estimates on parts, supplies, and equipment through vendors and request purchase orders according to established school policies and procedures.   
• Maintain a status file on all purchase orders.
• Train, schedule, and supervise student assistants.
• Develop, maintain and update relevant web information on the School of Film/Video technical resource website.
• Respond to facility tech support tickets.
• Represent the school facilities to groups both inside and outside of the CalArts community.
• Advise management for future growth in the areas of production through the recommendation of equipment, hardware and software purchases for the maintenance and development of the production and installation facilities.
• Attend sponsored classes and maintain relationships with company representatives in order to keep abreast of technological advances in the field.
• Participate in the development and implementation of policies and procedures. 
• Provide support services with needs of visiting faculty and guest artist workshops.
• Participate in weekly School of Film/Video technical meetings. 
• Participate in full Faculty/Staff meetings.
• Interact with and support other School of Film/Video staff and faculty as needed.
• Perform other duties as directed. 

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Ability to work with highly motivated students who take an independent and often experimental approach towards their discipline.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication with faculty, staff and students.
• Excellent research, problem solving, and organization skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administration.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to multitask and handle interruptions in a fast paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google and Adobe applications.
• Critical thinking skills required. 

EDUCATION:

Undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience in related fields. 

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum three years theater and/or film/video experience in areas of preproduction, production, installation, planning, and management.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience with studio based video, film, lighting, and sound equipment.
• Office management experience combined with specialized knowledge of academic policies and procedures.
• Experience with Mac, Windows, productivity, and database applications.
• Installation and basic building experience. 

FURTHER INFORMATION

The terms and working conditions of this position are subject to the collective bargaining agreement between CalArts and CWA, Local 9003. In the event of a conflict between this posting and the collective bargaining agreement, the collective bargaining agreement shall prevail.