Salary: $40.50/hour

Position Summary

The Head of Properties works under the jurisdiction of IATSE Local 15. The Seattle Opera’s season is generally in operation from July – June. The Head of Props is a department head position, responsible to the Technical Director and falls under the purview of the Head Carpenter.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages the Props Department, including a team of varying sizes throughout the season in line with production needs.
• Procures, maintains, and builds props for Seattle Opera productions.
• Procures and maintains orchestra plots for Seattle Opera rehearsals and performances.
• Supervises the setup and operations of the hospitality areas backstage once the technical residency is established as a performance space.
• Generates and maintains production props lists, records, and operational notes.
• Coordinates with Seattle Symphony for instrument moves between Benaroya Hall and McCaw Hall.

Position Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Experience

• 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Musical theatrical environment experience (Ballet, Musicals, Symphony, Opera)
• Current membership in I.A.T.S.E Local 15, or another I.A.T.S.E Local. Employee will be represented by the I.A.T.S.E Local 15 CBA regardless of membership.
• Firearm safety training

Certificates, Licenses, or Registrations

• Must have a driver’s license valid in the State of Washington, and an acceptably clean driving history

Required Competencies

• Strong time management skills
• Comfortable with various software programs (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite)
• Read and understand Safety Data Sheets
• A willingness to and experience in learning new skills and tools.
• Interpersonal skills – ability to manage, cross departmental and function collaboration
• Understanding OSHA safety standards

Technical Skills

• Sewing
• Woodworking
• Crafting
• Reading technical drawings

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Lift and/or move up to 40 pounds individually
• Lift and/or move more than 40 pounds with assistance
• Stand, walk, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, squat, crouch, or crawl
• Climb ladders
• Talk and hear in person and over radio communication systems
• Use of hands and fingers
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus, both in regular and low lighting situations commonly found backstage at a theater

Work Schedule

This position is scheduled on an as-needed basis. This role is expected to be available for the in-production portion of the season (pre-production, in-studio rehearsals, load-in, technical rehearsals, performances, load-out, etc.). In addition to daytime shifts, this role will be expected to work during evenings and weekends throughout the season. Overtime is typically required during the rehearsal and performance periods of shows.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly in an indoor office environment with indoor work conditions working with a variety of staff, vendors, and consultants as well as the general public. An employee will experience medium-to-loud noise levels when power tools are being used and will be in areas utilizing work and stage lighting.

Special Requirements

This position requires frequent errands throughout the greater Seattle area. These errands may require driving a box truck, or employee’s personal vehicle. When running errands in an employee’s personal vehicle, mileage will be paid.

Background Check

Seattle Opera engages a third-party vendor to conduct background checks for all employees. Offer of employment is contingent upon the candidate successfully passing the background check. Any information unrelated to job duties will not be evaluated or have an adverse impact on employment.

Benefits

Seattle Opera provides the following benefits to members of I.A.T.S.E Local 15:

• Health & Welfare: contributions equal to 10% of gross wages paid to the Health & Welfare Trust
• Retirement Plan: Contributions paid on all compensable hours equal to 7% of gross wages.
• Vacation Pay: For employees working 200 hours or more in a calendar year, they receive vacation pay equal to 5% of gross wages.