Head Audio Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Summary Description

Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) is seeking a Head Electrician/Production Manager to oversee electrical and lighting operations and support the successful execution of performances and events across DMPA venues. This is a key role on the Production team and requires a skilled leader with significant experience in theatrical lighting, electrics, and production management. The successful candidate will coordinate production needs, manage and supervise stagehand crews, maintain theatrical electrical systems and equipment, and collaborate with production staff, touring personnel, and clients to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality events. Strong communication, technical expertise, leadership, and problem-solving skills are essential for success in this role.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Serve as a dedicated member of the Production Team in meetings with guest touring companies, facility renters, and technical staff to discuss technical needs, schedule, and staffing for each event.
• Evaluate, translate, and implement client needs and requests for productions and plan needs related to lighting/electrics. This may include serving as lighting designer for several productions in a given season.

• Implement production electrical requests by designing, hanging, wiring, coloring, and programming/operating the control console for productions.

• Coordinate the production-related aspects of rental events, including schedules, staffing, technical requirements, and post-show reporting.
• Actively supervise production crew personnel, including part-time labor and temporary department heads. Responsibilities include training, skill evaluation, coaching, and performance management.
• Ensure load-in, event, and load-out activities are appropriately staffed and managed while addressing operational challenges in real time.
• Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, and collaboration among event staff and crew members.
• Assist in maintaining production documentation, event records, schedules, reports, and other departmental files.
• Coordinate and communicate event schedules, staffing assignments, and logistical information to internal and external stakeholders.

• Support departmental payroll, purchasing, budgeting, billing, and other administrative processes as assigned.
• Oversee maintenance of all theatrical electrical equipment, including performing preventative maintenance. 
• Manage electrical shop to ensure safety and cleanliness.
• Serve as Event Manager, as needed, including room and stage setup, basic audio/video setup and operation, and basic lighting setup and operation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience Requirements

• Five or more years of experience as a theatrical electrician, including at least two years of experience as a Head Electrician in a major performing arts venue supporting large-scale productions and/or Yellow Card touring productions.
• Demonstrated experience advancing productions, interpreting technical riders, and coordinating electrical and lighting requirements for productions and events.
• Experience scheduling, supervising, and directing production crews and/or union stagehand labor in a live entertainment or performing arts environment.
• Proficiency with computerized lighting control systems, including ETC Eos.
• Proficiency with computer-aided design (CAD) software for theatrical lighting and production drafting; Vectorworks experience preferred.
• High school diploma required; additional technical training or education preferred.

Critical Success Competencies

• Diversity & Respect – Possesses universal respect for views, ideas, backgrounds, attributes, and appearances different from one's own.
• Electrical and Lighting Expertise – Broad knowledge of theatrical lighting systems, electrical distribution, control systems, color media, and lighting design principles.
• Leadership and Labor Management – Proven ability to supervise crews, train staff, and effectively manage production labor resources.
• Communication – Skilled at serving as a primary technical contact and building effective working relationships with production staff, stagehand crews, touring personnel, designers, clients, and venue stakeholders while solving problems and managing details.
• Production Planning and Advancement – Ability to review technical riders, assess event requirements, prepare estimates, and execute productions from load-in through load-out.
• Technical Problem Solving – Ability to integrate touring systems, troubleshoot technical issues, and adapt resources to meet production needs.
• Cross-Department Collaboration – Works effectively with multiple departments to plan projects and deliver cohesive, professional results.
• Continuous Learning and Adaptability – Demonstrates curiosity and a willingness to learn new technologies, systems, equipment, and production practices while adapting effectively to changing event requirements and industry standards.
• Safety and Risk Management – Commitment to maintaining safe, clean, and compliant work environments through proactive oversight and best practices.
• Equipment and Maintenance Management – Strong focus on preventative maintenance, inventory control, and protection of venue assets.
• Organization and Time Management – Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain detailed records, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Demand/Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

This role requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, and climbing ladders or stairs, as well as bending, lifting, and carrying equipment weighing up to 75 pounds. The position involves operating and handling tools, lighting, rigging, and stage equipment, often in confined or elevated spaces, including work on or near the grid. Work is performed in a live-event environment, including theaters, stages, and auxiliary venues, which may involve exposure to loud noise, bright lighting, and varying temperatures. The role may require long or irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and involves physical activity during load-ins, performances, and load-outs. Safety awareness and adherence to proper procedures are essential in all aspects of the work environment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.