OPS Rigging/Fly Rail Technician

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is open to candidates with a range of entertainment rigging and fly operation experience, from those with limited hands-on exposure to experienced technicians. UFPA provides on-the-job training and mentorship to support the development of technical skills, expand knowledge of venue-specific systems, and encourage continued growth in theatrical rigging practices. Part-time OPS Rigging/Fly Rail Technicians support UF Performing Arts production operations by assisting full-time staff and visiting productions in the setup, operation, maintenance, and strike of theatrical events.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
Basic familiarity with theatrical rigging principles, safe rigging practices, and manual counterweight fly systems.
Basic knowledge of theatrical production equipment, backstage operations, and live event procedures.
Ability to safely lift, carry, and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
Ability to climb ladders and work safely at heights for extended periods, including catwalks, tension grids, and personnel lifts.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and execute assigned tasks accurately in a fast-paced live event environment.
Strong communication, collaboration, adaptability, and sound judgment in a live production environment.
Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices and compliance with established safety policies and procedures.
Availability to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and irregular hours based on production schedules.
This position is open to all UF students eligible to work on campus.
Employment is through student Other Personnel Services (OPS).
Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and may work up to 20 hours per week.

Nice To Haves

Experience with theatrical fly systems or counterweight rigging systems.
Familiarity with basic theatrical rigging hardware and equipment.
General understanding of safe rigging practices and live event safety procedures.
Experience working on a stage crew during load-ins, performances, and strikes.
Experience in live entertainment, theatrical production, or event production environments.
Experience working in a team-based technical environment in performing arts or live events.

Responsibilities

Provide technical and stagehand support for live events and theatrical productions, including rigging, stage operations, and other production disciplines as assigned.
Assist with the operation of the venue’s manual counterweight rigging system, including loading and unloading counterweight arbors, pulling cable picks and spot lines, and operating or assisting in the safe operation of line sets during load-ins, rehearsals, performances, and strikes.
Work from the grid to install and remove rigging points for chain motors, truss, and other suspended production equipment.
Follow all University, venue, and departmental safety policies, procedures, and industry best practices.
Learn, apply, and adhere to venue-specific rigging systems, operating procedures, and communication protocols to support safe and efficient event operations.
Communicate clearly and effectively with the Stage Supervisor, UFPA production staff, touring productions, rental clients, and stage crews to support safe and efficient rigging and fly system operations.
Work collaboratively with UFPA department heads, production staff, touring crews, rental clients, and technical leads to support successful event execution.
Perform inventory, inspection, cleaning, preventative maintenance, and minor repairs of rigging systems and other production equipment; report damaged equipment and unsafe conditions to supervisory staff.
Maintain cleanliness, organization, and operational readiness of stage, backstage, rigging, and production work areas.
Adhere to UFPA standards for dress code, attendance, and scheduling.