Technical Assistant

Primary Responsibilities

• Drafting support for assigned productions in accordance with Metropolitan Opera CAD standards.
• Production documentation support for assigned productions.
• Attend rehearsals, publish and distribute production notes for assigned productions.
• Maintaining and updating production books and drawings sets for assigned productions
• Maintaining pertinent or assigned production department documents
• Photograph and document the production process; including model, technical, lighting, costume, property, assembly, construction, rehearsal and performance images for assigned productions.
• Preparing technical documents for presentations and special events as assigned.
• Preparing technical documents for rentals of Metropolitan Opera productions as assigned. Giving building tours as required
• Other duties or responsibilities as assigned by the Technical Director

Skills and Qualifications

• A degree in Theater, Design, Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent professional experience is required.
• Basic knowledge and experience with all aspects of technical backstage operation is required.
• A solid fundamental knowledge of standard scenery construction, handling, and rigging methods as well as knowledge of standard theatrical lighting techniques is essential.
• Experience with standard technical and theatrical drafting procedures is required.
• An ability to clearly communicate technical and artistic concepts in writing is essential.
• Problem solving skills, including the ability to synthesize and evaluate solutions in three-dimensional space, are required.
• Interpersonal and communication skills are crucial, as well as the ability to work on a team in a fast-paced, detail-oriented workplace.
• In-depth experience with one or more specialty fields (structural, mechanical or electrical engineering, theatrical lighting, scenic or costume design, welding, rigging, electronics, hydraulics, computer programming, architecture, music, project management, etc.) is desirable.
• Time management skills, the ability to multitask and prioritize competing tasks are required.
• Computer literacy is essential, including MS Office applications and Adobe Photoshop and Acrobat.
• Autodesk AutoCAD experience is mandatory. Experience working in a 3D drafting environment is desirable.
• Computer aided rendering/visualization skills (Autodesk 3D Studio Max or similar) and/or solid modeling or digital prototyping skills (Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Inventor, or similar) are desirable.
• Basic understanding of photographic principles and operation of a modern digital interchangeable-lens camera is desirable.

Physical Demands

• Must be flexible, willing to help when asked.
• Ability to work well with all personality types.
• Ability to navigate stairs (including ships' ladders), sloped surfaces, and other irregular walking surfaces.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to work at a computer screen for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry 25 lbs. a short distance.