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Internship Rigging Artist Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Staff Specialist (E)

Campus, IL · On-site

$49K - $55K/yr

The Lead Carpenter ensures all scenery meets artistic specifications, production deadlines, and ... Familiarity with rigging systems and ETCP recommended practices. Three to five years of ...

The Lead Carpenter ensures all scenery meets artistic specifications, production deadlines, and ... Familiarity with rigging systems and ETCP recommended practices. Three to five years of ...

The Lead Carpenter ensures all scenery meets artistic specifications, production deadlines, and ... Familiarity with rigging systems and ETCP recommended practices. Three to five years of ...

Internship Rigging Artist information

What are Internship Rigging Artists?

Internship Rigging Artists are entry-level artists, often students or recent graduates, who assist in creating and maintaining the digital skeletons and control systems (rigs) for 3D models used in animation, film, and video games. During their internship, they work under the supervision of experienced rigging artists to learn industry-standard tools and workflows, such as using Autodesk Maya or Blender. Their responsibilities may include building basic rigs, troubleshooting deformation issues, and collaborating with animators and modelers to ensure that characters and objects move realistically. This position is designed to provide hands-on experience and prepare individuals for a professional rigging role in the entertainment industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Rigging Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Rigging Artist, you need a solid understanding of 3D modeling, anatomy, and the principles of character rigging, often backed by coursework in animation or computer graphics. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, and scripting languages such as Python is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and the ability to collaborate effectively with animators and modelers will set you apart. These skills are vital to ensure that characters and assets move realistically and efficiently within animation pipelines, contributing to high-quality visual productions.

What is the difference between Internship Rigging Artist vs Rigging Artist?

AspectInternship Rigging ArtistRigging Artist
CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recently graduated from relevant programs; some basic knowledge of rigging softwareProfessional experience, proficiency in rigging tools, and often certifications or portfolio
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, learning-focused, supervised by senior staffFull-time or freelance, project-driven, collaborative teams
Industry UsageEntry-level position for training and skill developmentSpecialized role in animation, VFX, or game development companies

The main difference between an Internship Rigging Artist and a Rigging Artist is experience level and responsibility. Internships focus on training and skill-building, while Rigging Artists are experienced professionals responsible for creating and maintaining character rigs for production projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rigging Artist jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Rigging Artist jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Internship Rigging Artist jobs in Illinois? For Internship Rigging Artist jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Internship Rigging Artist jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Internship Rigging Artist job openings:
Staff Specialist (E)

Staff Specialist (E)

University of Utah

Campus, IL • On-site

$49K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

335th of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Details
Open Date 01/28/2026 Requisition Number PRN44119B Job Title Staff Specialist (E) Working Title Lead Carpenter Career Progression Track UGR Track Level FLSA Code Administrative Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Variable Work Schedule Summary
8-5 Mon-Fri. Some Weekends and schedule alterations as needed.
VP Area Academic Affairs Department 00072 - Pioneer Theatre Company Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range $49,000 - $55,000 Close Date 06/28/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) 03/27/2026 Job Summary
The Lead Carpenter oversees the fabrication, assembly, installation, and strike of all scenic elements for Pioneer Theatre Company productions. Reporting to the Technical Director, this position guides the scenic build process from technical drawings to stage-ready execution, supervising shop carpenters and overhire labor while maintaining a safe, organized, and efficient work environment. The Lead Carpenter ensures all scenery meets artistic specifications, production deadlines, and University of Utah safety and operational standards.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
Work performed in a theatrical shop and stage environment.
Exposure to power tools, dust, noise, heights, and outdoor conditions during load-ins and strikes.
Requires frequent lifting, bending, climbing, and extended periods of standing.
Disclaimer
This job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions
Builds and modifies scenic elements using wood, metal, plastics, foams, and fabrics.
Reads and interprets build plans to generate accurate cut lists, and material estimates.
Assigns tasks to staff carpenters, overhire workers, and interns.
Assist with training developing technicians and interns.
Enforces OSHA, University of Utah, and theatre-specific safety policies.
Maintains tools, machinery, and shop infrastructure.
Leads installation and removal of scenic elements during loadin, tech, and strike.
Ensures rigging operations comply with theatre safety practices.
Coordinates with production teams to deliver a standard of quality and maintain design intent.
Minimum Qualifications Preferences
Experience working in a LORT or professional regional theatre environment.
Welding certification or advanced metal fabrication experience.
Experience supervising crews in a production shop.
Familiarity with rigging systems and ETCP recommended practices.
Three to five years of professional theatrical carpentry experience, including wood and metal scenic construction.
Proficiency with power tools, pneumatic tools, woodworking machinery, and welding.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and construction documents.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Ability to lift 50-75 lbs, work at heights, and perform extended physical labor.
Type Benefited Staff Special Instructions Summary Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah NonDiscrimination page.


Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.


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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US

Year founded

1850