Lighting Sound Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $24.00 Hourly
Location : To be determined, CA
Job Type: Supplemental Help - Seasonal Assignment
Job Number: VAP26
Department: Arts Education
Opening Date: 03/24/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Definition
Under the general direction of the Performing Arts Teacher, the Lighting or Sound Design Coach supports performing arts productions and curriculum within the performance facility. The position assists the performing arts teacher and students with the technical aspects of the lighting and/or sound design for all performing arts productions, school tours, CTE/CTSO events and community performances; provides technical, instructional, and artistic support to students and student crews and serves as on-site technical support to student productions; coordinates lighting and/or sound requirements for productions which may include recorded effects, live effects and microphone usage. The incumbents in this classification provide the school community with support in providing a quality performing arts program which directly supports student learning and achievement.
Examples of Duties/Essential Job Functions
The following alphabetical list of functions, duties, and tasks is typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform other closely related or department-specific functions, duties, and tasks from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Coordinates, and arranges the staging of theatrical sound, video and other equipment and/or assets, as required for theatrical performances; determines the sound requirements that enhance viewing and audibility of sets and performers; designs sound/effects for events that include writing of sound cues.
• Assists the Performing Arts Teacher to lead students through the design process, including: script analysis, research, concept, technical drawings and physical implementation.
• Explores innovative designs that support theatrical productions; presents ideas and concepts to those involved in productions.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of the trends in the entertainment industry that apply to sound and special effects, including the equipment.
• Oversees and provides on-site technical staging expertise at theatrical events, providing professional guidance and assistance to theatrical groups and personnel with regard to staging concepts, processes, and techniques.
• Oversees, coordinates, and integrates the staging of theatrical sound, video and other equipment and/or assets, as required or individual performances.
• Participates in set construction, staging and set design.
• Programs lighting and/or sound boards and operates lighting, sound, and projection equipment; sets up, patches, and tests microphones, recorders, and multimedia for events.
• Provides instruction, technical oversight and guidance, and instruction to stagecraft students and student crew members in the theory and application of lighting design, sound design, theater equipment operation, and work safety standards.
• Provides on-site technical expertise at performing arts events, providing guidance and assistance to theatrical groups and personnel with regard to sound and special effects.
• Provides technical oversight: guidance and training to student theatrical crew members in basic theatre practices, techniques, and work standards.
• Trains and oversees student stage crew personnel in technical safety procedures regarding theatre facilities, equipment, and personnel.
• Troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains theatrical equipment and facilities; maintains a preventive maintenance program and contracts for repairs as necessary; inspects sets and equipment for safety and operability.
• Works with Teacher / Director, Production Manager, and other Creative Teams to meet production timelines and budgets.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit and the District, including various mandatory District trainings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
(At time of application)
Knowledge of:

• Theatrical lighting design, sound design, theatre lighting and sound systems and equipment for assembling lighting and sound sequencing
• Principles, techniques, methods, and equipment used in technical aspects of production
• Lighting and Sound design theory and the installation, maintenance, and repair and calibration and integration of lighting, sound, special effects, and other production equipment
• Stage design and scene construction, painting, and rigging
• Operational methods of scene shops and other theatrical support functions
• Safety procedures with equipment, including the structural integrity of sets and scenes
• Oral and written English usage, grammar, punctuation, and spelling to convey technical concepts and prepare instruction manuals
• Math skills to make detailed measurements and compute distance, totals and portions

Skills and Abilities to:

• Design and construct stage sets and props, including sound and special effects systems
• Calibrate and program sound systems
• Demonstrate and instruct techniques to stagecraft students and other theater users
• Observe safety rules and building codes
• Interpret design specifications, plans, and schematics
• Fabricate and manufacture custom items/objects to meet specialized needs
• Advise and assist students with construction, carpentry, and electrical procedures
• Perform maintenance on, repair, diagnose, and troubleshoot carpentry, construction, and electrical tools and equipment
• Maintain accurate records
• Use hand and power tools related to the work including electronic instruments

RESPONSIBILITY:
Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using industry standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization's services.
Employment Standards/Minimum Qualifications
(At time of application and in addition to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed above.)
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
A high school diploma with a minimum of three (3) years of high school theatre arts education OR one (1) year of college level theatre arts sound and/or lighting credits. Preferable one (1) year of industry experience in theatrical production and experience in construction, maintenance, operation and stage equipment. Additional experience may substitute for some higher education. One (1) year of supervisory experience is preferable.
LICENSE(S) REQUIRED:

• Valid, current California Driver's License

CERTIFICATIONS AND TESTING REQUIRED:

• Pass the District's applicable proficiency exam for the job class with a satisfactory score
• After offer of employment, obtain:
  1. Criminal Justice and FBI Fingerprint Clearance
  2. Negative TB test result plus periodic post-employment retest as required (currently every four years)
  3. Pre-employment physical exam through District's provider at District's expense

Supplemental Help - $24 per/hour
**This position is temporary and on call as needed, and there is no guarantee of work days and work hours. There is no contract for this position, and no benefits are provided.
On-call as needed
Examination Process
*Materials Required:*
1. Completed application
2. Proof of High School Diploma or Equivalency or higher degree earned (photocopy of diploma or copy of official transcripts is acceptable)
3. Resume
The examination process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. No additional information will be accepted from applicants once the application has been submitted.
Only the most qualified applicants, who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be placed on the Substitute list.
To move forward in the selection process, you must complete an online application through this website. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application.
SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION: ONCE YOU HAVE SUBMITTED YOUR APPLICATION, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE REVISIONS TO YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS.
When completing the application, please make sure you include ALL current and previous employment in the Work Experience section of the application and complete ALLfields, including the name and contact information of your supervisors. Experience that is included in the resume but not in the Work Experience section of the application may not be considered for the purpose of determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.
All required documents must be submitted by the applicant. Personnel Commission staff will not upload your documents for you.
If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact the Personnel Commission office at (559) 675-4500 Ext. 294.
The Governing Board desires to provide a positive work environment where employees and job applicants are assured of equal access and opportunities and are free from harassment in accordance with the law. The Board prohibits district employees from discriminating against or harassing any other district employees and job applicant on the basis of the person's actual or perceived race, religion creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, or sexual orientation. The following person is designated as the Title IX Coordinator.
Prince Marshall
Assistant Superintendent of Student & Family Support Services
1820 Howard Road, Madera, CA 93637
559-416-5826
01
Are you retired from CALPERS or CAL STRS?

• Yes
• No

02
If the answer is yes, please list the retirement system you are retired from (CAL PERS or CAL STRS) and enter the last four digits of your Social Security number and the date you retired.
03
To be properly and promptly notified of the status of my application, I understand that I must provide on my application, the following information:- Working e-mail address- Telephone NumberI understand that I must provide a working email address on my application where I will receive notifications regarding the status of my application and the selection process.I understand that important information regarding the status of my application and the selection process will only be sent via E-MAIL to the email address I provided.I understand that it is my responsibility to ensure that the email address I provided is a working email and that I will check my email regularly to ensure that I receive any communication as it related to this application promptly.I understand that the Madera Unified School District Personnel Commission is not responsible for any lost or redirected email and that it is my responsibility to add info@schooljobs.com to my email contact list to avoid email notifications related to this application from being classified as "spam" or "junk" email. I have read these statements to their fullest and will provide a working e-mail address on my application to receive the status of my application.

• Yes
• No

04
I understand that I am required to describe, in detail, my appropriate qualifying experience in the Work Experience section of my application. I understand that I must indicate my appropriate job classification in my work history and not any working title that I believe is designated to me. I understand that if I do not provide correct information that my application will be disqualified and will not recieve further consideration. I understand that if I attach a resume and/or cover letter in lieu of completing any portion of the application, my application is incomplete and will not be considered for this examination, and my application will not be further processed. I understand that I must completely answer each supplemental question with the required information. Failure to do so will cause automatic disqualification.I have read these statements to their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest.

• Yes
• No

05
I have attached a copy of my high school diploma or official high school transcripts or high school equivalency or higher college degree if completed. Failure to do so may make my application deemed incomplete.

• Yes
• No

06
I understand this position is temporary and on call as needed and there is no guarantee of work days and work hours. There is no contract for this position and no benefits are provided.

• Yes
• No

Required Question