Head Video – Jacobs Music Center

About the role

The Video Head reports to the Director of Production, with a dotted line to the Video and Technical Directors, and oversees the Video Department of the Jacobs Music Center within the context of the Collective Bargaining Agreements between San Diego Symphony Orchestra Association and IATSE Local 122. This is a union stage crew role; any successful candidate will be required to join IATSE Local 122 and fulfill membership requirements.

This hourly position ($46.07) is governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with IATSE Local 122. The successful candidate will make the San Diego Symphony their primary employment responsibility, providing expertise, stability, and continuity for clients and the organization.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain all in-house video equipment, including projectors, projection screens, LED walls, video monitors, cameras, video consoles, cabling/connectors.
• Troubleshoot and re-patch equipment in close proximity to artists on crowded stages, potentially in front of large audiences, while maintaining composure and professional demeanor.
• Prepare and package equipment for RMA, including paperwork with vendors.
• Calibrate and verify video systems at a high level.
• Operate and troubleshoot backstage video systems.
• Maintain, inspect, and repair accurate inventory of video equipment and supplies.
• Maintain recorded video archives.
• Set up and operate portable video systems where needed.
• Coordinate and communicate with other San Diego Symphony video heads for different venues to ensure all needs are anticipated and provided for.
• Delegate to LED wall techs, directors, camera operators, engineers, V1s, prompters, graphics, projectionists, PTZ ops, shaders, or other relevant roles as assigned and serve in any of these positions as needed.
• Assist with video captures as needed, confirming with Production Staff that all capture is approved in advance.
• Coordinate the video department during load-in, performance, and load-out of all events, ensuring systems comply with safety and aesthetics standards.
• Assist Production Staff in the technical advancement of shows when video is involved.
• Assist in-house and outside video directors as needed.
• Assess video rentals as needed for assigned shows.
• Suggest and help Video and Technical Directors implement future video system upgrades and equipment purchases.
• Work and communicate with other departments in setting up video equipment for various events.
• Participate across production departments in planning and performing physical project work.
• Ensure internal and/or external communications are performed proficiently and effectively, contributing to the overall efficiency of the technical team.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervise IATSE Local 122 employees in the Video department, carrying out responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
• Anticipate department needs, follow through on projects, meet deadlines, and engage and motivate crew to achieve agreed outcomes.
• Manage personnel safety and uphold safety protocols within the department, including participating in all required training.

Skills & Experience

• Extensive knowledge of theatrical video systems and their design, operation, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of visual principles, color theory, and video engineering terminology.
• Working knowledge of Ross, Blackmagic, and Bitfocus Companion systems preferred.
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Knowledge of electrical systems and their interaction with video systems.
• Ability to coordinate, direct, and supervise personnel.
• Keen eye for identifying and troubleshooting subtle problems in video systems.
• Excellent eye/hand coordination.
• Knowledge of various types of cameras, routers, switchers, converters, computers, scalers, and their effective application.
• RF knowledge as it relates to video.
• Understanding of video streaming, codecs, software, control protocols, and tally.
• Understanding of rigging, including ability to assist in or lead installation and maintenance of rigging systems for video.
• Computer skills for operation of video control software and other applications.
• Networking knowledge as it relates to video and video equipment.
• Knowledge of industry-standard video systems and associated software.
• Ability to learn new video and video system equipment as industry standards change.
• OSHA certified, with consistent attention to safety, including reporting hazardous or unsafe conditions to supervisor.
• Ability to solve practical problems, including unforeseen issues, under tight time limits with limited resources.
• Able to interpret instructions provided in writing, diagrams, and verbally.
• Able to operate forklifts and man lifts; ability to drive a 26’ truck preferred.
• Proficient with Email, Windows, Microsoft Office, Google Drive; experience with drawing programs (CAD, Vectorworks) an advantage.
• Understanding and commitment to backstage etiquette, anticipating needs of musicians onstage.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to resolve difficult and sensitive situations diplomatically and tactfully.

Personal Attributes

• Reliable and prompt attendance, including planning meetings.
• Available to work a schedule heavy in evening, weekend, and holiday shifts.
• Excellent work ethic and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to retain information and carry out tasks consistently.
• Positive attitude and ability to work well with others, including fellow stage crew and non-union staff.
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships with a wide variety of people, including union and non-union employees, outside vendors, management, and guests.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to a constantly changing work environment based on show and artist needs.
• Patience, sensitivity, and diplomacy when interacting with musicians and visiting artists under pressure.
• Dedication to personal and departmental improvement.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with people across lines of difference such as race, gender-identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class, and immigrant status.
• Adherence to all company rules and bylaws as detailed in the San Diego Symphony policies and procedures handbook.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for varying periods of time.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more.
• Capable of working at elevated heights, including climbing ladders, operating personnel lifts, and walking on structural steel above the stage.
• Operate stage equipment which may require lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk, or hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, lift, climb, push, pull, hang, reach, lean, and balance.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and color vision.

Pay

$46.07 per hour.

Schedule

Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts.