TECHNICAL SPECIALIST, PRODUCTION AND INSTALLATION

Description

SUMMARY

This staff position is responsible for performing specialized duties in the 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. Works in conjunction with the Chief Video Engineer

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Plan and perform preventive and routine maintenance, updates and repairs to production and installation equipment and facilities 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.
• Instruct students, faculty, and staff in use of special installation or studio equipment and facilities in lab or classroom setting.
• 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 school database; including fees and deposits.
• Implement security and safety related procedures in consult with 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 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 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.

Qualifications

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 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 field.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum three years theater and/or film/video experience in areas of pre-production, production, installation, planning, and management.
• Comprehen