Props Department Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Driver / Event Installer / Shop Technician plays a critical role in supporting event operations, ensuring that all logistics, installations, and technical equipment are safely transported, properly prepared, and professionally executed. This hybrid position includes responsibilities in driving company vehicles, transporting staff and equipment, setting up and striking event décor, and assisting with shop-based tasks such as prepping, maintaining, and organizing audio/visual and staging equipment.

The position reports to BlackOak Shop Supervisor and may receive direction from the Event Logistics Assistant Manager, Director of Production, Technical Leads, Event Directors, and other relevant team members.

Each employee works together to strive to create the best design company by improving communication, showing genuine care for each other and the company, focusing on delivering quality, and demonstrating professionalism through personal excellence, with a shared passion, dedication, and commitment to providing exceptional value to our clients.

Traits for Success | #keepyoureyesontheroad

• Safety minded and not heavy footed on the gas pedal.
• Punctual and dependable.
• Strong team player with a customer-service mindset
• Comfortable working flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Able to transport people safely.   

• Drives company vehicles to and from events, client, vendor and venue locations on schedule and on time
• Transport staff, equipment, and décor on time and according to schedule 
• Secure cargo per safety protocols to prevent damage and injury
• Responsible for making sure all cargo is secured according to safety guidelines to prevent injury, damage and breakage.
• Follows all U.S. Department of Transportation, (USDOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and state guidelines for driver eligibility, fitness for duty, vehicle usage and rules of the road.
• Responsible for the safety and security of vehicle and passengers according to company, state and federal guidelines, including:  parking the vehicle legally and in safe locations, securing the vehicle properly, and not allowing unauthorized use of passengers.
• Completes required USDOT/FMSCA driving logs accurately and on time.
• Completes vehicles inspections and reports according to established guidelines.  Monitors vehicle performance and repairs; reports vehicle maintenance needs to management.
• Maintains interior of vehicles to keep it clean and uncluttered according to department standards.

Event Installation

• Loads and unloads props, furniture, floral products and other event décor onto vehicles and trucks for delivery to clients, venues and to return products to Kehoe Designs.
• Packs and unpacks props, furniture, floral products and other event décor.
• Prepares, assembles, installs and uninstalls portable bars, furniture, fabric backdrops, chuppahs, and other room décor throughout the event venue.  May install products in entryways, on ceilings, floors, walls and columns.
• Returns props, furniture, floral products and other event décor to appropriate locations for storage.
• Works carefully to minimize damage and breakage of products.
• Sweeps and removes debris from event venues to ensure venue is left clean and without damage.

Shop Technician Responsibilities

• Prep and de-prep audio, video, lighting, staging, and rigging equipment for events
• Clean, maintain, and organize technical inventory and workspace
• Use inventory systems to check in/out gear accurately
• Assist in minor builds or technical setups as needed
• Support onsite tech needs when required

Other Duties and Safety Requirements | There’s More!

• Operates forklifts safely. 
• Comply with all department and company safety guidelines, procedures, and rules. 
• Mentors safe work practices to co-workers and team.
• Complete all safety training as directed and within established timelines.
• Interfaces professionally with all people, internal and external, in a kind and respectful manner.
• Tracks and enters time and assigns hours and tasks to appropriate events and jobs in time and attendance system. 
• Complete all Human Resources and Payroll tasks and notifications through the Employee Self Service Online Portal on a weekly basis, as directed and within established timelines. 
• Assists in other departments as needed and directed and may perform other duties as required.

Qualifications | What You Need to Bring

• Must be 21 years of age.
• Ability to understand, read and speak English.
• Valid Illinois Drivers’ License required.
• Knowledge of USDOT and FMSCA requirements is helpful.
• Proof of clean driving record required.
• Strong knowledge of safe vehicle usage and Illinois rules of the road required.
• Ability to hand glass and fragile items safely.
• Good verbal communication skills to communicate successfully with the Logistics team.
• Ability to multitask and deal with competing demands.
• Customer service orientation; able to maintain a professional demeanor with clients.
• Ability to tolerate long work shifts and work flexible schedules to include evenings and weekends.
• Ability to travel locally, and outside the city and state.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements | What it is Like at the Work Site

• Ability to stand, kneel, crouch, bend and reach during entire work shift.
• Able to walk 50% of the work shift.
• Ability to work with hands and arms during entire shift.
• Must be able to move and climb ladders without accommodation.
• Ability to work in high lift.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push and pull 30-50 lbs. repeatedly throughout the shift.  Occasionally you may move up to and 50 lbs. to over 100 lbs. with assistance.
• Ability to handle fragile items safely.
• Must have 20/20 vision with correction.
• Must be able to tolerate cold, heat and humid conditions.
• Ability to tolerate moderate to loud noise.

Pay & Benefits | What You’ll Receive

Other Benefits

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
 Kehoe Designs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.