Assistant Technical Director

This is a 3 month termed position with the possibility of extension.

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to inspire everyone who attends our campus – artists, leaders, and thinkers – to unleash their creative potential.

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity acknowledges, with deep respect and gratitude, our home on the side of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain. In the spirit of respect and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Banff area, known as “Minhrpa” (translated in Stoney Nakoda as “the waterfalls”) and the Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) – comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney Nation – as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Shuswap Nations, Ktunaxa Nations, and Metis Nation of Alberta, Rockyview District 4. We acknowledge all Nations who live, work, and play here, help us steward this land, and honour and celebrate this place.

The Opportunity

The Assistant Technical Director is responsible for assisting in the planning, management and supervision of all technical and production elements of Banff Centre productions, programs and presentations. The Performing Arts Production team consists of a variety of roles including Department heads, facilitators, and specialised technicians in lighting, sound, carpentry and more. We are looking for someone who is passionate and experienced in stage carpentry, rigging, drafting and working collaboratively with builder shops, to support this year's Summer Arts Festival.

Roles and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Production Manager, Performing Arts, some key responsibilities include:

• Assist the Production Manager, Performing Arts with the day-to-day management of the production department including management of personnel, general organization and administration, scheduling, team leading/crew management, and expense management
• Supervise all elements of technical production for all Banff Centre programs, performances and activities including planning, preparation, rehearsals, shows, strike, and restore, as well as organizing technical staff. Meet regularly with the Technical Director to discuss progress and challenges.
• Works closely with the Technical Director, Department Heads and other show or program related staff to ensure superior production standards for all artists.
• Manage the day-to-day scheduling/booking of technical and production teams, and production activities. Prepare and oversee the schedule for venue activities, and supervise the successful and timely load in and out of productions and presentations

Technical

• Assist in operating, maintaining, and safeguarding the technical assets of the theatre, including supervising the use of lighting, sound, projection, communications equipment, and the use and maintenance of shops and stage facilities
• Initiate and attend regular project/program production meetings with appropriate staff and project teams. Monitor project progress so that activity stays on budget and on time. In collaboration with the team, problem solve potential challenges associated with program and show support
• Analyze, cost, schedule, implement and manage production projects and technical riders. This includes maintaining all technical documentation, CAD drawings and other records as necessary for all Performing Arts activities and day-to-day operations
• Advance productions and answer questions pertaining to technical capabilities or usage of equipment in the building and the facility itself. Effectively implement approved technical designs for touring shows or in-house productions
• Attend all tech and dress rehearsals, and assist in taking specific and detailed notes during the rehearsals
• Oversee and manage set and stage construction
• Responsible for creating and updating venue and show related CAD drawings
• Responsible for analyzing designs, costing production projects, maintaining technical documentation, CAD drawings, and other records as necessary for productions/presentations. Read and interpret blueprints, drawings and plots

Financial Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of capital requirements and capital purchase plans of equipment and systems for the Performing Arts venues, and provide an annual technical inventory of all equipment with recommendations for replacement, or refurbishment
• Manage administration tasks undertaken by staff including but not limited to contracts, billings, collections and tracking, purchase orders, and rentals. Prepare and process/approve billing, purchase orders, cheque requisitions, petty cash vouchers, reimbursement, and expense claims as required

Health and Safety and General Maintenance

• Ensure the safety of the workplace by helping to establish and enforce all health, security, and safety policies and procedures and maintain a safe working environment in all production areas
• Monitor and evaluate safety performance within the areas of responsibility and recommend and implement measures to bring about continuous improvement
• Ensure individuals in their areas of assignment are given adequate direction, training, and instruction in the safe performance of their work, and that it is performed without undue risk
• Conduct regular reviews of equipment set-up, and work with staff to ensure safe practices are followed
• Monitor the condition of departmental equipment including ladders and lifts, vehicles, lighting, sound, rigging, and shop equipment. Keep a detailed log for the repair and replacement for the Technical Director to review. Perform preventative maintenance on equipment and arrange for the repair and replacement as approved
• Support the set-up, maintenance and safe operation of the stage, Scenic, Props, Paint and Wardrobe shops, the Design Studio, other studios and huts, and associated facilities
• Maintain current knowledge of all equipment and supervise training on all equipment

Qualification and Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Theatre or related field / equivalent experience
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in technical performing arts roles
• Experience with a variety of types of live performance including music, dance, opera, and theatre
• Maintain a positive attitude, especially while working under pressure
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work on multiple projects with tight deadlines
• Ability to lead and supervise a crew
• Ability to read and analyze a budget
• Ability to read and produce technical drawings and schematics in CAD (Vectorworks)
• Technical skills in scenic carpentry, stage carpentry, rigging, scenic carpentry, lighting, sound, projections
• Knowledge of structural and mechanical construction for the stage, both materials and techniques, welding, and rigging
• Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical systems
• Knowledge and practical experience using Microsoft Office
• Confident in troubleshooting, creative problem solving, and research
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively independently, and takes direction well

Special Requirements

• Due to the nature of the job, this position requires the candidate to be available to work a flexible, irregular schedule and weekends.
• This position may drive Banff Centre trucks on occasion - a valid class 5 driver's license is required.

Employment Terms & Benefits

• In accordance with the terms of employment governing Management/PSP employees, this is a salaried, term position, subject to a 6 month probationary period.
• This is a 3 month termed position.
• The annual salary range for this position is between $59,495 and $88,346 based on experience.
• The successful candidate will enjoy twenty paid vacation days and four personal days annually, pro-rated for this team.
• Benefits of working at Banff Centre are:
  • Transitional staff housing options (based on availability)
  • Professional development
  • Staff cafeteria and restaurant discounts
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Onsite fitness facility at a discounted rate – first month free for new staff!

Application Process

• We are accepting applications for the Assistant Technical Director position until a suitable candidate is found.
• Candidates offered a position with Banff Centre, in this capacity, will be required to obtain a criminal record check verifying a clear record prior to an extension of a final employment offer.
• Visa Requirements: Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Banff Centre is unable to assist candidates in obtaining Canadian work authorization.

Commitment to Diversity

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is committed to creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus for students, faculty, staff and visitors. Guided by our values, Banff Centre is rooted in Alberta with provincial, national and global impact. Our strength arises from inclusion; the diversity of people, ideas, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds in our work and team. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression to apply.

Privacy Statement

Banff Centre is a public body pursuant to the Protection of Privacy Act (Alberta) (“POPA”) and the Access to Information Act (“ATIA”). All of your personal information collected by Banff Centre, including personal information collected through third-party contractors or platforms, in relation to the creation of your candidate profile and submission of a job application, is collected pursuant to section 4(c) of POPA for the purpose of administering your candidate profile, evaluating your eligibility for a position(s) at Banff Centre, and communicating with you about your application. Your personal information may be disclosed, as required, pursuant to ATIA or other applicable law, to satisfy reporting requirements, or for statistical, funding, planning or research purposes.

If you have any questions about the collection, use or protection of this information, please contact the Privacy Coordinator at privacy@banffcentre.ca, 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Box 1200, Banff Alberta, T1L 1H5, 403.762.6100.