Head of Department, Lighting and Special Effects – ALIZÉ

Head of Department, Lighting and Special Effects – ALIZÉ

Technical Management

Full-Time Position

We are looking for a Head of Department (“HOD”), to lead the Lighting and Special Effects team! The Lighting and Special Effects HOD works in collaboration with the Show Technical Director and the Technical Services Lighting Manager. This position will oversee the crew when installing, maintaining, and operating theater power systems, the lighting and dimming network system, lighting consoles, as well as conventional, automated and special effects systems and equipment in a safe and consistent manner. The ideal candidate for this position will have a flexible, team player mindset and should be comfortable making decisions in a fast-paced environment.

The Lighting and Special Effects HOD will have the opportunity to: 

In collaboration with the Technical Director, manage the show’s Lighting and Special Effects department during performances, rehearsals, and maintenance.

Research, purchase, install, test, troubleshoot, integrate, and inspect all equipment and systems for show applications.

Oversee weekly departmental task lists and crew scheduling, including daily maintenance, rehearsal, training and show calls with the guidance of the Technical Director.

Complete various HR/administrative tasks for the department, such as, but not limited to, scheduling, onboarding, hiring, disciplinary actions, etc.

Work with Technical Director on all budgets and forecasting of departmental needs and inventory.

Ensure all departmental-related documentation is maintained, up to date, and completed accurately in a timely manner. Follow the strategy and standards for proper documentation and train the team on best practices.

Learn and run the department’s show tracks. Arrange programing, editing and modifications as needed to ensure the safe and continued operation of the show.

Coordinate, determine and oversee support for special projects, including the research, purchasing, construction and installation of new show elements, and other projects that include departmental elements or other needs that may fall within the department’s specialty, as directed; Maintain flexible schedule for such projects.

Ensure Lighting and Special Effects team has a thorough knowledge of all department’s equipment specific to the production to operate equipment safely. Work with the Technical Director and Artistic team to establish and maintain training and backup plans to ensure continuity of performance operations of the department, as necessary.

Assist other departments when necessary for cross-departmental support.

Adhere to and actively promote all applicable German occupational safety and health regulations, including DGUV standards, the Arbeitsschutzgesetz (ArbSchG), and industry-specific guidelines, to ensure the safe operation of all technical and performance-related elements of the production; participate in all required health and safety classes and emergency rescue procedure training.

Contribute to a safe and positive working environment at all times by adhering to and following all Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group standards, values, policies and regulations pertaining to safety using equipment and established working methods.

Ensure all Health and Safety training records are current and recorded properly, also assist in crew schedule to allow for training as required by the Technical Director.

Complete all other job-related duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

At least five years of previous experience working in Lighting and/or Special Effects on a large-scale production or in a similar environment.

At least three years of previous leadership experience.

Strong knowledge and experience installing and maintaining large-scale theatrical lighting systems and equipment.

Solid knowledge of the GrandMA3 lighting consoles operating systems.

Working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); Knowledge AutoCAD and VectorWorks is an asset.

Comprehension of basic principles of:

AC/DC electricity.

Basic electronics.

Computer operations, as it pertains to lighting systems.

Availability to work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays.

A Beleuchtungsmeister certification is an asset.

Qualified Event Technology Specialist (Fachkraft für Veranstaltungstechnik).

Certification or experience in handling stage machinery, rigging, and safety equipment (e.g., Sachkundeprüfung, IPAF certification).

High School Diploma and or GED required; Completed Ausbildung as Veranstaltungstechniker/in (Event Technician) or equivalent qualification in stage technology.

Ability to perform the essential functions of the job including, but not limited to: climbing, crouching, kneeling, standing, lifting, sometimes for extended amounts of time; lifting at least 50lbs unassisted, etc.; Full list of essential functions will be sent in the offer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Fluent in English, both written and spoken; Ability to clearly and effectively communicate via headset; with an international cast the operational language will be English.

Verification of the right to work in Germany for Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees because of their race, creed, color, age, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, national origin or ancestry.

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