Sr. Production Technician (Part-Time)

Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a leading research university with more than 15,000 students and 40,000 employees. As a Production Technician, you will play a critical role in delivering exceptional event and performance experiences across campus.

About the Role

Join a dynamic team that powers some of the most visible and impactful events at Duke University. In this hands-on, part-time role, you'll provide technical leadership and operational support for lighting, audio, video, scoring, and production systems, helping bring events and performances to life.

Responsibilities

• Event Production & Operations (50%)
  • Support the successful execution of events and performances across campus by contributing to all aspects of Duke Technical Services operations.
  • Install, maintain, program, and operate lighting, sound, power distribution, scoreboard, computer, and video production systems.
  • Provide technical support for conferences, worship services, sporting events, performances, educational programs, and other live events.
  • Set up, strike, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain production and audiovisual equipment.
  • Apply expertise in live event technologies to ensure safe, effective, and reliable operation of production systems.
  • Train, guide, and support others in the proper use of multimedia systems and production technologies, including:
    • Sound mixing and recording
    • Theatrical lighting systems
    • Video production and projection systems
    • Scoreboard technologies
  • Ensure events are delivered on time, efficiently, and in accordance with client expectations.
• Collaboration & Partnership (25%)
  • Work collaboratively with campus stakeholders and event partners to deliver outstanding customer experiences.
  • Partner with faculty, staff, students, and clients to understand event goals and technical requirements.
  • Coordinate with campus departments, external vendors, and production teams to verify technical specifications and logistics.
  • Provide excellent customer service while supporting diverse event needs.
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and solutions-focused environment throughout all production activities.
• Leadership & Supervision (20%)
  • Provide day-to-day leadership and operational guidance to support successful event execution.
  • Lead and supervise production teams, including student employees, event users, contracted staff, and fellow technicians.
  • Promote safe work practices and ensure compliance with university and industry safety standards.
  • Support a culture of accountability, transparency, professionalism, and teamwork.
  • Indirectly supervise up to five student employees during event operations and production activities.
• Additional Responsibilities (5%)
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental, divisional, and university priorities.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement efforts that enhance operational effectiveness and service delivery.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Theatre, Multimedia, Event Production, Technical Production, or a closely related field.
• OR four years of relevant technical event support, theatrical production, or special events experience may substitute for the degree requirement.
• OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Skills

• Strong understanding of live event production technologies.
• Experience with audio, video, lighting, power distribution, and scoreboard systems.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to read and follow technical instructions and production documentation.
• Strong critical listening skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration abilities.
• Proficiency with current office productivity and event production software.
• Commitment to customer service and operational excellence.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in fast-paced event environments.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting, moving, transporting, and connecting production equipment.
• Working with equipment that may be heavy or cumbersome.
• Climbing ladders and working at elevated heights when required.
• Working indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Standing, walking, bending, and performing physical tasks for extended periods.

Applicants must be able to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Pay

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $21.30 to USD $33.52 per hour. Factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, and market considerations are taken into account when extending an offer.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs.
• Generous retirement benefits.
• A wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs for eligible team members.

Learn more at: Duke Benefits.

Schedule

• Primarily 1st shift.
• Extended hours required.
• Regular evening, night, and weekend work required based on event schedules.