Lead Technician

ABOUT NATIONAL CENTRE FOR CIRCUS

The National Centre for Circus Arts is a registered charity and an independent Higher Education provider registered with the Office for Students, and is one of Europe’s leading providers of circus arts training.

For the past 30 years we have provided emerging and professional circus artists, directors and choreographers access to vital space and support to train, experiment and share ideas.

Our diverse range of work includes BA degree-level education in Circus Arts which is supported at either side by a structured training programme for under-18s and professional development opportunities for aspiring and established performers.

Adults and young people can enjoy recreational classes and occasional performances. We also run highly regarded workshops, away days and team building events for the corporate community.

We continue to develop our creation and production capabilities and are striving forward in both initiating, supporting and creating high quality work that can tour regionally and nationally.

Our national role increasingly sees us supporting and mentoring circus artists and organisations across the country as we seek to develop and mature our remarkable art form.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The post holder will, in conjunction with the Senior Technical Manager, oversee the rigging and installation of lighting, sound and circus related equipment at the National Centre.

They will play a role in ensuring the safety of the equipment and in ensuring all spaces are prepared and suitable for use.

They will have close links with all the programme areas, users and operational staff alike. Maintenance and upkeep of all equipment and ongoing inspections.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE

(Please view the attached JD for a full description of responsibilities)

• Play a key role in ensuring that the studio spaces are appropriately prepared and equipped for the full range of circus activities.
• Provide advice and training to NCCA students and professional members around training and production needs
• Take a role in the management of all circus equipment, including statutory inspections.
• Act as a key member of the production team during in-house performances and external events.
• Promote safe working practices, particularly in relation to the use of circus and technical equipment and the studio spaces.
• Act as the responsible person/manager in the absence of the Senior Technical Manager for the effective and safe operation of all National Centre for Circus Arts Technical requirements, in accordance with its policies and procedures.

Studios

• Ensure that the eight studios are safely prepared and professionally presented.
• Facilitate the needs of the various programme areas and users, implementing practical solutions for the installation, storage and layout of both rigged and floor-based equipment across the various studios.
• Liaise with external users and visiting companies/individuals to ensure that where possible and where practicable, their relevant technical needs are professionally met.
• In conjunction with other key staff in the Operations Dept., ensure that users are aware of any H&S matters pertaining to them whilst using the studios and equipment.
• Actively suggest where improvements to spaces and space use could be implemented.

Equipment

• Take a role in implementing the LOLER / PUWER Examination Scheme, overseeing the monthly and biannual inspection & maintenance periods as well as any necessary equipment inspections undertaken by external contractors.
• Along with the rest of the department, keep an accurate record of these inspections and to maintain the catalogue and audit of rigging and circus-related equipment.
• Ensure that all equipment is appropriately stored.
• Assist with the hiring out of NCCA equipment in line with the Hires Policy as required.
• Keep an accurate record of equipment usage, particularly when used outside of the National Centre.
• Order any relevant equipment that may be required following purchasing guidelines and procedures.

Productions & events

• Act as a key member of the production team during in-house presentations, productions and events.
• Offer creative input into the shows and events.
• Advise and offer support to other NCCA production departments, cast and crew.
• Where appropriate, oversee, engage and manage casual show crew/staff.
• On occasions, to work on offsite productions, events or projects directly connected with NCCA or where NCCA is providing a service.
• To assist in providing RAMS for all event-specific risks and activities.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Experience

• Demonstrable experience of working with technical equipment for live performance, and circus rigging in particular, in a performance venue or training environment (essential).
• Experience of working directly with performers and/or students and advising them on technical needs to enhance their performance or training (essential).
• Experience of working at height (essential).
• Experience of budget recording/monitoring expenditure (essential).

Skills

• An understanding of rigging, flying, working at height methodology and the principles around lifting and loadings (essential).
• A good understanding of the use of technical upkeep and implementation for live performance (essential).
• Qualifications relating to ‘rigging’ or ‘at height’ practices from a recognised body (essential).
• A general understanding of relevant health & safety legislation and its impact in a training environment (essential).
• A working knowledge of IT, including email, Windows, and Microsoft Office (essential).
• Good communication and interpersonal skills (essential).
• Ability to think creatively and problem-solve (essential).

Desirable

• An understanding of temporary electrical installation, stage lighting, dimming, DMX control and operation, and production sound, audio visual and basic mixing techniques.
• A working knowledge of industry standard software such as Auto-Cad and Papertrail

Personal attributes

• Self-motivated with the capacity to work on their own initiative in a constantly changing and pressurised environment.
• Excellent team player.
• Understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities.
• An interest in the circus arts and/or education.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please complete the online application form, where you will upload a CV and be asked to write a response to these three questions. You will also be required to complete an equal opportunities form.

• Rigging and live events:- Describe your experience of rigging within live events or performance environments. What types of productions, equipment or systems have you worked with, and how do you ensure work is carried out safely and effectively ?

• Statutory inspections and compliance:- Give an example of your experience managing or supporting statutory inspections or compliance processes, such as LOLER or PUWER inspections, equipment records or maintenance schedules. How have you ensured standards and requirements are maintained in practice ?

• Live production environments:- Describe your responsibilities within a live production or event environment. How have you worked with performers, students or technical teams to support successful delivery, and how have you responded to operational or safety challenges during productions or events ?