Management | Senior Academic Assistant, Head of Properties - FT
The Department of Theatre at the University of Victoria is hiring a Head of Properties. This position will support one of the most comprehensive and immersive theatre programs in Canada. Our four-year undergraduate BFA program engages students in a wide range of theatre and performance approaches during the first and second years, followed by an opportunity to specialize in one of four areas (acting, performance, design, production) in the upper years. Additionally, our department serves students from across the University who pursue theatre and performance classes to complement and enrich their studies. The Head of Properties contributes expertise to this dynamic program, including departmental mainstage productions (the Phoenix Theatre season), as well as other artistic and creative-research activities and initiatives.
The Department of Theatre’s values are guided by the University of Victoria’s and Faculty of Fine Arts’ strategic commitments; they are: 1) to deliver innovative and cutting-edge theatre and performance training that will support the artistic, personal and professional growth of students from across the UVIC community, as well as the health and well-being of our communities; 2) to grow the Department’s international reputation as a gathering place for innovative, relational and collaborative arts-based research and creative practice; and 3) to support the ongoing growth and visioning of the Department’s passionate and courageous creative community (the Phoenix Theatre). We invite applications from colleagues who share a strong commitment to supporting the next generation of theatre artists, to join our department in realizing these values.
For more information about the Department of Theatre at the University of Victoria, please visit our website at https://www.uvic.ca/finearts/theatre/
The salary range for this position is:
- Recruitment range: $72,242 - $79,650 starting salary determined by the PEA Collective Agreement.
- Performance range: $93,951 salary range ceiling is available through annual performance increases.
The Department of Theatre, home of the Phoenix Theatre, is a nationally acclaimed learning institution for theatre arts with a highly regarded focus on experiential, hands-on learning through the production process. The Phoenix Theatre Building includes three fully equipped theatre spaces, support shops, and modern theatre equipment. The Head of Properties, as a member of the professional staff team and in collaboration with Department faculty, will provide production support to maintain and advance the experiential learning opportunities embedded in core undergraduate and graduate courses.
As the Head of Properties, this position is responsible for all properties requirements for Theatre Department productions and events including:
- evaluating properties requirements for theatrical productions and providing cost and resource analysis.
- acquiring properties through established industry procedures: designing and building, renting or buying.
- teaching theatrical properties construction techniques in a laboratory setting.
- managing the Theatre properties inventory including its maintenance, restoration and rental/loan process for the Department and external community.
This position will require extended working hours, weekend and evening work.
Bachelor’s degree in Theatre with at least 5 years of experience providing technical theatre support in a professional and educational environment, and demonstrated in-depth knowledge, and understanding of:
- Theatre production practice including safety standards.
- Use of properties construction techniques, including furniture design and construction, upholstery techniques, scenic painting, and special effects.
- Replica weapons use and management according to entertainment industry best practices and procedures, and stage fighting techniques and process.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
This position works in a unique teaching and event-based environment and must be able and willing to work split shifts, more than 7 hours per day, and evenings and weekends as required.
Knowledge, skills and abilities:
- Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships.
- Ability to identify and analyze issues, develop solutions, and implement effective strategies to achieve desired outcomes.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to interact respectfully with diverse communities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and dynamic team environment
- Proven track record achieving project goals on time and producing deliverables of a high quality.
- Demonstrated attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
- Ability to repeatedly lift and carry a minimum of 20 kilograms.
Assets:
- Education, training and/or experience working in a post-secondary environment.
- History of Art knowledge and understanding.
- Drafting and drawing skills (both by-hand and computer drafting and drawing).
- Scenic painting skills and experience.
- Valid PAL certification for the handling of replica firearms or ability to obtain such.
- Budget management, including estimates and expenditure tracking and reporting.
- Research experience and/or skills.
