Stage, Classroom and Event Technician

WHITMAN COLLEGE Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman’s vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.   Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college’s working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO). POSITION PURPOSE Reporting to the Manager of Classroom and Event Technology (CET) and coordinating regularly with the Director of Conferences, Events, and Scheduling (CES), the Stage, Classroom and Event Technician (SCET) is the primary position responsible for ensuring the successful execution of events in the Cordiner Hall auditorium and supports events in other auditoria and large spaces when Cordiner Hall is unscheduled. This position maintains, sets up, and operates the technical equipment essential for high-quality event production in Cordiner Hall. The SCET also works closely with external clients and campus departments to ensure that all event requirements are met and that each production is delivered in alignment with established expectations and professional standards. This position collaborates with other CET members and Technology Services (WCTS) to provide an inclusive information technology environment that contributes to the goals and needs of Whitman College students, faculty, and staff.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES SUPERVISORY DUTIES This position typically supervises at least one student employee.   Cordiner Hall Event Technical Support (70%) Production Logistics  - Provide technical support for events by setting up and operating lighting, sound, and stage rigging systems. - Arrange stage equipment, including platforms, chairs, risers, acoustic panels, and dance flooring. - Coordinate with client groups to determine and prepare all production logistics in advance of each event. - Replace stage, house and lobby lighting as needed to maintain proper illumination and ensure a safe environment. - Organize and maintain backstage storage areas, ensuring equipment is properly secured and all cabinets. Team Support & Leadership  - Utilize scheduling software to maintain an accurate schedule of tasks, priorities, and project timelines. - Hire, train, supervise, and manage student staff. - Provide guidance and instruction to student staff on proper safety protocols and best practices while performing assigned tasks. - Assist and collaborate with campus departments on projects requiring theater staging and technical expertise, as scheduling permits. - Collect and maintain usage data on the stage facility and its technical systems, enabling assessment of demand, equipment lifecycle, and staffing needs over time. Safety & Maintenance  - Comply with all federal, state, and Whitman College safety regulations; actively participate in accident-prevention initiatives, including required safety training. - Follow established safety procedures at all times, remain vigilant for potential hazards, and promptly report unsafe conditions to the appropriate supervisor. - Perform specialized tasks as needed, such as operating large vehicles or safely securing loads for transport in relation to event and stage support - Complete light custodial duties as required to support event and facility operations. - Ensure all equipment is inventoried, maintained in safe, functional condition and coordinate repair or replacement as necessary. Campus-Wide Event Support (25%) - Collaborate with CET on technical support of campus events requiring sound, projection, streaming, or other technical support in auditoria and large venues when Cordiner Hall is unscheduled. - Serve as technical support staff member for events requiring technical assistance when Cordiner Hall is unscheduled. - Collaborate with departments across campus on projects requiring theater staging and technical expertise, as schedules allow. - Maintain clear and timely communication with the CET Manager, support staff, and event requesters throughout all phases of event support. Evolving Responsibilities (5%) - Contribute to additional CES and CET projects and initiatives as needed, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to evolving priorities and organizational needs. - Assists other members of CET during academic breaks on technology installation and maintenance in classrooms. - Participate in ongoing professional development to remain current with best practices in events media/technology support, summer hospitality operations, and DEIA initiatives.   REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically, - Actively and positively contribute to the College’s core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and access. - Possess technical knowledge of stage lighting, stage rigging, sound systems and media/audio visual electronics. - Provide excellent customer service to all College constituencies and external clients. - Demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to make sound, independent decisions. - Maintain a positive, solutions-focused attitude and proactive approach to problem solving. - Effectively supervise, mentor, and lead student staff, fostering a respectful, collaborative team culture and engaging a diverse student workforce. - Lead by example and consistently model the values of Whitman College. - Work independently and collaboratively, taking on responsibilities that advance departmental goals. - Manage time effectively and plan in anticipation of upcoming events and scheduling demands. - Work flexible hours - including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and split shifts - to support event operations as needed. - Proficient in the safe operation of power equipment, stage machinery, and hand tools. - Ability to handle materials or equipment requiring pinching and gripping. - Able to sit, stand, kneel, squat, crawl, and bend for extended periods while performing various tasks. - Ability to work with arms raised for extended periods. - Ability to work at high elevations. - Ability to perform manual labor, including lifting and transporting of equipment weighing up to 30 lbs. - Able to climb ladders and stairs and knowledgeable in the use of fall protection equipment. - Demonstrate reliability and perform effectively under pressure, time constraints, and competing priorities. - Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in handling sensitive information.   MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - High School diploma or equivalent. - 2+ years of experience in technical theatre production. - Must have technical training and knowledge of classroom and event media, AV and electronics. - Must be able to resolve technical issues in a high-pressure environment. - Must possess a valid driver’s license and meet one of the following criteria: be at least 18 years old with 2 years of driving experience and complete a driver improvement course, OR be at least 19 with 3 years of experience and successfully pass a motor vehicle report (MVR) check. - Must successfully complete a pre-employment physical. - Must possess a mobile phone for college communications. - OR a combination of relevant education, training, and experience. Whitman College values diverse pathways to acquiring skills and knowledge and encourages applicants to demonstrate how their background aligns with the role.   PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Certification in applicable program areas, such as: theater management, stage rigging, media technology. - Previous experience in higher education or working in an organization with extended hours of operation with multiple high-volume events such as theatre production companies and event venues. - Experience in hiring, training and supervising employees.  Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply.   WORKING CONDITIONS  Work environment is primarily indoors within Whitman facilities yet sometimes at outside locations, both of which include physical skill and sustained physical effort. Work will require periodic use of personal protective equipment (e.g. respirators, fall protection). Evening and weekend work is required.   BENEFITS  Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Benefit offerings and eligibility described reflect current offerings and may be subject to change in accordance with College policies and plan documents. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits: Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances. Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage. 403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met. Paid Time Off: 20 accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 13 paid holidays. Tuition Remission – Dependent Children Employee tuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester. Employee Assistance Program Relocation assistance for eligible employees.   Learn more about benefits eligibility here.  DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process. APPLICATION REVIEW Application review will begin November 30, and continue until the position is filled.  START DATE January 2027