Duke University:
Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.
Be You.
At Duke University, we value creativity, collaboration, and the unique skills each individual brings to our campus community. As a
Part-time Production Technician, Venue & Production Management, you'll be part of a highly skilled, mission-driven team that supports world-class performances, academic programming, and campus events. You'll collaborate with artists, faculty, students, and professional staff to help bring creative visions to life across Duke's renowned performance venues.
Be Bold.
This role is hands-on, fast-paced, and essential to the success of live events at Duke. You'll contribute your technical expertise across lighting, audio, video, rigging, and stage carpentry while helping ensure events are executed safely, smoothly, and at the highest professional standards.
What You'll Do:
- Provide operational and technical support for events and performances across Duke campus venues, including Page Auditorium, Reynolds Industries Theatre, Sheafer Lab Theatre, Griffith Film Theatre, Baldwin Auditorium, the Rubenstein Arts Center, and other mixed-use spaces.
- Install, maintain, program, and operate lighting, audio, video, stage, and rigging systems for theatrical, musical, film, and special events.
- Support event setup and strike, including lighting, sound, video operation, fly rail operation, stage carpentry, painting, and rigging.
- Operate conventional and modern lighting, sound, and stage equipment during rehearsals and performances, following audio and visual cues.
- Work closely with artists, producers, designers, faculty, and students to ensure the safe, timely, and high-quality execution of multi-day and single-day events.
- Instruct, oversee, and coordinate the work of technicians, students, other venue users, and local union stagehands (IATSE), ensuring proper scheduling, breaks, and compliance with labor and safety standards.
- Confer with internal staff and clients to ensure accurate delivery of technical services aligned with event needs.
- Maintain open communication with venue managers, technical teams, and box office staff regarding event execution and facility maintenance.
- Participate in department, production, and planning meetings as needed.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental, divisional, and University goals.
What You'll Bring:
Education & Experience
- A bachelor's degree in technical theatre or a closely related field, or
- An equivalent combination of education and experience, including up to four years of professional technical event or theatre production experience in lieu of a degree.
Technical Skills & Knowledge
- ETCP certification in one or more disciplines (Arena Rigger, Theatre Rigger, Entertainment Electrician, Portable Power Distribution Technician) strongly preferred; employees without certification are expected to complete certification within two years of hire.
- Knowledge of modern entertainment control and networking protocols such as DMX512 and RDM.
- Experience with modern lighting consoles and advanced digital lighting systems.
- Understanding of ETCNet, DMX communication protocols, and configurable network hubs.
- Familiarity with digital audio systems using software, hardware, and Ethernet-based networking.
- Ability to operate digital audio consoles for live sound reinforcement.
- Working knowledge of video projection systems, including lens selection, cable management, source routing, and monitoring.
- Intermediate to advanced experience with industry-standard software such as Vectorworks, Lightwright, and QLab.
Professional & Interpersonal Skills
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Clear verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with individuals of varying experience levels.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
- Commitment to safety, policy compliance, and continuous improvement.
Licensing
- Valid North Carolina driver's license required and ability to maintain Duke vehicle eligibility.
Working & Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in environments with noise, dust, low light, and at heights, including rigging grids, catwalks, ladders, and lifts.
- Frequent reaching, climbing, stair use, and use of tools.
- Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds and wear required safety equipment, including harnesses.
- Regular evening, weekend, and extended hours required based on event schedules.
Choose Duke
At Duke, you'll be part of a vibrant arts and academic community where your technical expertise directly supports creativity, learning, and cultural engagement. We offer a collaborative work environment, access to premier venues, and the opportunity to contribute to performances and events that enrich campus life.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Apply now and help power unforgettable performances and events at Duke University.
Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $20.52 to USD $32.86. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/
Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).
