Scenic Arts Craftsperson

Description

Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is a 365-entertainment destination for world-class events located in Austin, TX. The sports and entertainment portfolio at COTA is unmatched in the country with Formula 1 US Grand Prix, NASCAR and MotoGP attracting global fans during championship races on the famed Circuit and Live Nation producing over 30 headline concerts every year at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. COTALAND is a 20-acre theme park featuring two first of their kind Roller Coasters and over three dozen rides opening Summer of 2026. 

The Scenic Arts Craftsperson supports the fabrication, installation, strike, maintenance, and repair of themed scenic elements across COTALAND. This role helps bring immersive environments to life by working on signage, graphics, props, set pieces, and decorative elements that enhance the guest experience. We’re looking for a creative, hands-on craftsperson who loves to roll up their sleeves, solve problems in real time, and make it work no matter what the day throws at them. This position requires someone who takes pride in quality, works safely, and thrives in both shop and field environments while delivering fast, guest-ready results. The Scenic Arts Craftsperson will also bring best current practices in scenic fabrication, finishing, and installation, contributing to consistent quality, durability, and show-ready presentation across the park. 

Requirements

Requirements & Essential Functions:

• Assist with the fabrication, installation and strike, and maintenance and repair of signage and graphics, props, set pieces, and décor throughout the park. 

• Support daily park operations by responding to scenic maintenance needs and completing work orders in a timely manner. 

• Perform scenic fabrication work including foam carving, sculpting, assembly, and finishing techniques appropriate for themed environments. 

• Perform scenic painting and finishing, including distressing, texturing, aging, and protective coating methods for indoor and outdoor durability. 

• Support mold making, casting, and replication processes as needed for props, scenic pieces, and decorative elements. 

• Apply vinyl and graphics to a variety of substrates with accuracy and clean finish. 

• Perform basic construction including measuring, cutting, assembling, fastening, patching, and finishing scenic elements. 

• Safely operate power and hand tools and other equipment, including but not limited to table saw, miter saw, band saw, drills, sanders, and associated blades. 

• Support proper execution of scenic and signage installations, including ensuring stability, durability, and guest-safe conditions. 

• Contribute creative solutions and practical workarounds to keep projects moving forward while maintaining show quality. 

• Bring best current practices in materials, fabrication methods, scenic finishing, and installation techniques to improve efficiency and long-term durability. 

• Support load-in, load-out, and installation needs for entertainment activations, seasonal offerings, and special events. 

• Assist with material inventory processes, organization, staging, and general shop support. 

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas, tools, equipment, storage spaces, and department vehicles.

• Follow all safety standards and properly use PPE and protective gear as required. 

• Perform other duties as assigned to support Entertainment and park operational needs.

Preferred Experience 

• Experience working with haunted houses, mazes, immersive entertainment environments, seasonal events, or other large-scale guest experiences is preferred and beneficial to this role. 

• Experience with foam carving, scenic painting, fabrication finishing, and mold making and casting is strongly preferred. 

• Previous experience in theme parks, theater, live events, scenic fabrication shops, or experiential entertainment environments is a plus.

Basic Qualifications 

• High school diploma or equivalent. Technical coursework or trade training is preferred. 

• Minimum of two years of related experience in scenic fabrication, construction, signage, scenic arts, props, or production support, or demonstrated proficiency across related skill ranges. 

• Working knowledge of foam carving and sculpting methods, scenic painting techniques, and fabrication finishing practices is preferred. 

• Vinyl application experience is required. 

• Must have basic construction ability and scenic build experience. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Able to take direction, work independently when needed, and collaborate effectively with a team. 

• Positive, solution-oriented attitude with the ability to adapt quickly and find ways to get the job done. 

• Comfortable working in both theater and outdoor environments.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Able to climb ladders and work at heights between six and sixty-five feet. 

• Able to stand, bend, kneel, and work on feet for extended periods of time. 

• Able to bend, reach, twist, and turn with full flexibility. 

• Able to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds. 

• Comfortable working in dark and nighttime conditions and in varying weather conditions. 

• Comfortable working around noise and vibrations. 

• Able to train on and properly use protective gear and safety equipment. 

• Comfortable with exposure to fumes, dust, and odors. 

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

• Work in extreme environments outdoors throughout the year.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud during events.

Scheduling and Availability

• Must be available to work varying shifts based on park operating hours and production needs, including opening and closing shifts, weekends, holidays, and event and rehearsal support as required.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

COTA strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state and federal law.