Stage, Classroom and Event Technician

Whitman College•Walla Walla, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Stage, Classroom and Event Technician (SCET) is primarily responsible for the successful technical execution of events in Whitman College’s Cordiner Hall auditorium and provides support in other auditoria and large spaces when Cordiner Hall is unscheduled. Reporting to the Manager of Classroom and Event Technology (CET) and coordinating regularly with the Director of Conferences, Events, and Scheduling (CES), the technician maintains, sets up, and operates equipment needed for high-quality event production. The role works with external clients and campus departments to prepare event requirements and deliver productions according to established expectations and professional standards. The technician also collaborates with CET and Whitman College Technology Services to support an inclusive technology environment for students, faculty, and staff. The position typically supervises at least one student employee. Responsibilities include event production logistics, technical support, equipment and facility maintenance, safety, student staff leadership, and campus-wide event support. The technician may also assist with technology installation and maintenance in classrooms during academic breaks and contribute to other CES and CET projects as needed. The work takes place primarily indoors in Whitman facilities, with occasional work at outdoor locations. It involves physical skill and sustained physical effort, periodic use of personal protective equipment, and evening and weekend work. The position requires flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and split shifts as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, or a combination of relevant education, training, and experience.
At least two years of experience in technical theatre production, or a combination of relevant education, training, and experience.
Technical training and knowledge of classroom and event media, audiovisual systems, and electronics.
Ability to resolve technical issues in a high-pressure environment.
Valid driver’s license and either: at least age 18 with two years of driving experience and completion of a driver improvement course; or at least age 19 with three years of driving experience and successful completion of a motor vehicle report check.
Successful completion of a pre-employment physical.
A mobile phone for college communications.
Technical knowledge of stage lighting, stage rigging, sound systems, and media/audiovisual electronics.
Excellent customer service, strong communication skills, and sound independent decision-making.
Positive, solutions-focused attitude and proactive problem-solving approach.
Ability to supervise, mentor, and lead student staff and foster a respectful, collaborative team culture with a diverse student workforce.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage time, and plan for events and scheduling demands.
Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and split shifts, as needed.
Proficiency in safe operation of power equipment, stage machinery, and hand tools.
Ability to handle materials or equipment requiring pinching and gripping; sit, stand, kneel, squat, crawl, and bend for extended periods; work with arms raised for extended periods; work at high elevations; and perform manual labor, including lifting and transporting equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
Ability to climb ladders and stairs and knowledge of fall-protection equipment.
Reliability and ability to perform under pressure, time constraints, and competing priorities.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive information.
Ability to contribute positively to the College’s values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and access.

Nice To Haves

Certification in an applicable area, such as theater management, stage rigging, or media technology.
Experience in higher education or in an organization with extended hours and multiple high-volume events, such as a theater production company or event venue.
Experience hiring, training, and supervising employees.

Responsibilities

Set up and operate lighting, sound, and stage rigging systems for events.
Arrange stage equipment, including platforms, chairs, risers, acoustic panels, and dance flooring.
Coordinate with client groups to determine and prepare event production logistics in advance.
Replace stage, house, and lobby lighting as needed to maintain appropriate illumination and a safe environment.
Organize and maintain backstage storage areas and secure equipment and cabinets.
Use scheduling software to maintain task schedules, priorities, and project timelines.
Hire, train, supervise, and manage student staff, providing instruction on safety protocols and best practices.
Collaborate with campus departments on projects requiring theater staging and technical expertise, as scheduling permits.
Collect and maintain facility and technical-system usage data to support assessment of demand, equipment lifecycle, and staffing needs.
Follow applicable safety regulations and procedures, participate in accident-prevention initiatives and required safety training, and report unsafe conditions.
Perform specialized tasks as needed, including operating large vehicles or securing loads for transport related to event and stage support.
Complete light custodial duties as required to support event and facility operations.
Inventory and maintain equipment in safe, functional condition, and coordinate repairs or replacement as needed.
Provide technical support for campus events requiring sound, projection, streaming, or other technical assistance in auditoria and large venues when Cordiner Hall is unscheduled.
Communicate clearly and promptly with the CET Manager, support staff, and event requesters throughout event support.
Contribute to additional CES and CET projects and initiatives as needed.
Assist other CET members with classroom technology installation and maintenance during academic breaks.
Participate in professional development related to event media and technology support, summer hospitality operations, and DEIA initiatives.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance, with the option to elect additional voluntary coverage.
403(b) defined contribution retirement plan with matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met.
20 accrued vacation days.
12 accrued sick days.
13 paid holidays.
Tuition remission for dependent children.
Employee tuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester.
Employee Assistance Program.
Relocation assistance for eligible employees.