Technical Director

Technical Director

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to inspire everyone who attends our campus – artists, leaders, and thinkers – to unleash their creative potential.

We acknowledge, with deep respect and gratitude, our home on the side of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain. In the spirit of respect and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Banff area, known as “Minhrpa” (translated in Stoney Nakoda as “the waterfalls”) and the Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) – comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney Nations – as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Shuswap Nations, Ktunaxa Nations, and Metis Nation of Alberta, Rockyview District 4. We acknowledge all Nations who live, work, and play, help us steward this land, and honour and celebrate this place.

The Opportunity

The Technical Director (TD) oversees all technical aspects of performing arts productions, programs, presentations and events. A key member in performing arts, the TD collaborates with the artistic team, program managers, directors, designers, and production staff to bring creative visions to life while managing logistics. The TD must have a strong knowledge of various production techniques, including stage, set, sound, lighting, projections, stage management, props, costumes, carpentry, and rigging.

Roles and Responsibilities

Reporting to Production Manager, Performing Arts, some key accountabilities include:

Leadership and Coordination

• Lead the day-to-day scheduling/booking and management of the technical departments including supervision of personnel and technical/ venue activities, general organization and administration, scheduling, crew management, expense management
• Supervise all elements of technical production for Performing Arts programs, performances and activities including planning, preparation, rehearsals, timely load in and out of productions and presentations, shows, restore; and organizing technical staff
• Act as Crew Leader, working closely with the Department Heads and other show or program related personnel to achieve a high production value for all Banff Centre activities: meeting regularly with the Production Manager to discuss progress and challenges
• Analyze, cost, schedule, implement and manage projects and programs in performing arts and technical riders. This includes collecting and maintaining all technical documentation, CAD drawings and other records as necessary for all Performing Arts activities and day-to-day operations
• Provide feedback and performance reviews for performing arts staff
• The TD assists in development and implementation of specific training programs required to maintain technical expertise; and assists in the oversight of the practicum training programs offered by the Performing Arts Production area
• Participate in recruiting and training technical staff
• Assist with orienting new staff and assist in their onboarding and training
  

Technical Execution and Collaboration

• Work with all departments, clients, teams, and faculty in facilitating, managing, and organizing program and performance requirements by conducting technical assessments, analyzing technical riders, preparing costings, drawings, supporting adjudications, and identifying crew resource and venue/space requirements
• Oversee the operating, maintaining, and safeguarding of the technical assets of venues, including supervising the use of lighting, sound, projection, communications equipment, and the use and maintenance of shops and stage facilities
• Advance productions and answer questions pertaining to technical capabilities or usage of equipment in the building and the facility itself
• Implement approved technical designs for touring shows or in-house productions
• Initiate and attend regular technical department meetings with appropriate staff and project teams; monitor progress so that activity stays on budget and on time; with the team, problem solve potential challenges associated with program and show support
• Attend all tech and dress rehearsals, and take specific and detailed notes during the rehearsal
• Supervise crews as assigned, ensure the successful and timely load in and out of productions and presentations
• Responsible for creating and updating venue and show related CAD drawings
• Responsible for analyzing designs, costing production projects, maintaining technical documentation, CAD drawings, and other records as necessary for productions/presentations; reads and interprets blueprints, drawings and plots, supplementing design work
  

Budgeting and Resource Management

• Works with the production manager to prepare, process, and approve purchase orders, rentals, reimbursements, and expense claims as required
• Track technical expenses within program budget, and provide details for program reconciliation
• Meet with performing arts departments to oversee operating budgets
• Works with the production manager to develop capital requirements and capital purchase plans of equipment and systems for the Performing Arts venues, and provides an annual technical inventory of all equipment with recommendations for replacement, or refurbishment
• Maintain inventory and order specialized supplies; purchase, lease, rent and/or borrow equipment as needed, within approved budget
• Monitor the condition of departmental equipment including general inventory items. Some examples include ladders and lifts, vehicles, lighting, sound, rigging, and shop equipment; keep a detailed log for the repair and replacement for the PM to review; perform preventative maintenance on equipment and arrange for the repair and replacement as approved
• Support the set-up, maintenance and safe operation of the stage, Scenic, Props, Paint and Wardrobe shops, the Design Studio, other studios and huts, and associated facilities
• Ensure inventories are managed in accordance with established procedures
  

Technical Support and Safety

• Ensure the safety of the workplace by helping to establish and enforce all health, security, and safety policies and procedures and maintains a safe working environment in all production areas
• Handle materials which are classified as hazardous under WHMIS standards and apply job specific safety equipment as required
• Conduct regular reviews of equipment set-up, monitor operating staff to ensure safe practices are followed
• Apply Banff Centre safety procedures and initiate Emergency Response (EMS) procedures
• Apply an advanced knowledge of the Banff Centre’s Health & Safety information and act as a leader and enforcer of Health and Safety practices and procedures
• Monitor and evaluate safety performance within the areas of responsibility and recommend and implement measures to bring about continuous improvement
• Ensure individuals in their areas of assignment are given adequate direction, training, and instruction in the safe performance of their work, and that it is performed without undue risk
• Ensure proper personal protection equipment that is required for all tasks is available and is kept in proper and clean working condition
• Enforce inspections at regular intervals to prevent the development of unsafe conditions and practices and ensure inspection reports are completed and produced when required
• Actively partner with the Health and Safety Officer or any external occupational health and safety authority during routine and formal work site assessments or audits
• Report all accidents and near misses in accordance with established Banff Centre policies and practices
  

Qualifications and Educational Requirements

• Completion of university degree in related discipline.
• Minimum of five years' professional experience in a similar role, preferably in a unionized stage environment.
• Experience with a variety of live performances including theatre, dance, and music.
• Project management and project coordination skills.
• Ability to read and produce technical drawings and schematics in CAD (Vectorworks)
• Knowledge of structural and mechanical construction for the stage, of materials and techniques, including welding, rigging and painting.
• Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical systems.
• Thorough knowledge of lighting, sound, and video.
• Ability to read and produce technical drawings and schematics.
• Knowledge of current safety standards and their implementation.
• Certification in Working at Heights and Aerial Platform Operation are assets.
• Product, material, pricing, and logistics research skills.
• Experience fulfilling technical and touring riders.
• Knowledge and practical experience using Microsoft Office.
• Strong experience with leading teams, scheduling, and budgetary management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, excellent written and verbal communication.
• Excellent organization with the ability to work on multiple projects with tight deadlines, and a positive attitude while working under pressure.
  

Employment Terms and Benefits

• In accordance with the terms of employment governing Management/PSP employees, this is a salaried, full-time position, subject to a 6-month probationary period.
• The salary range for this position is $68,714 - $102,040 based on experience.
• The successful candidate will enjoy twenty paid vacation days and four personal days annually, extended medical and dental benefits, and participation in an employer-matched pension plan.
• Benefits of working at Banff Centre are:
  • Transitional staff housing (based on availability)
  • Professional development
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Health care spending account
  • Staff cafeteria and restaurant discounts
  • Onsite fitness facility at a discounted rate – first month free for new staff!

Application Process

• We are accepting applications for the Technical Director position until a suitable candidate is found.
• Candidates offered a position with Banff Centre, in this capacity, will be required to obtain a criminal record check verifying a clear record before a final job offer can be finalized.
• Visa Requirements: Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Banff Centre is unable to assist candidates in obtaining Canadian work authorization.