Puppetry & Technical Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) include the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park and La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park. They operate under the collective vision to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. The museums hold one of the world’s most extensive and valuable collections of natural and cultural history—more than 35 million objects—used for groundbreaking scientific and historical research, and community engagement. From NHM’s opening in 1913 as the very first museum in Los Angeles, the organization has entered an exciting new era of transformation with building projects and campaigns, exhibitions, community outreach and impactful audience engagement.

NHMLAC’s values—adventurous, inclusive, authentic, and intentional—guide our work and visitor experience, committing us to foster a welcoming, safe and respectful workplace environment where innovation and collaboration thrive and every team member can contribute their unique perspectives to advance our mission. NHMLAC seeks candidates who are aligned with our values and priorities, and are passionate about connecting science with the vibrant and diverse communities we serve throughout Los Angeles.

The NHMLAC is seeking a Puppetry and Technical Coordinator for our Education & Programs department. The Puppetry and Technical Coordinator is responsible for assisting management in the maintenance and repair as well as development and fabrication of puppet, prop, scenic, and technical elements for the Performing Arts programs.

Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting the management in the maintenance and repair as well as development and fabrication of puppet, prop, scenic, and technical elements for the Performing Arts programs.

• Supporting the Performing Arts programming, either as an actor or puppeteer. Maintains/operates some or all of the following: a full-suit puppet, stilts, mask, marionettes, shadow puppets, and other physical theater/puppetry mediums as needed. Ability to operate one of our full suit puppets is a bonus.
  

• Maintenance, inventory and organization of storage spaces for fabrication and maintenance supplies. Maintains cleanliness and safety in assigned work areas and performs all duties in compliance with Performing Arts best practice guidelines and requirements.
• Provides logistical and technical support including stage coordination when needed for specific programs and events. Assists management in the development and fabrication of new puppets as well as designs as needed for performing arts shows. Supports the development and implementation of Performing Arts-related curricula, included but not limited to workshops. Supports the running of auditions both for performance artists and puppeteers.
• Maintains optimal physical health with a combination of strength, stretch and cardiovascular exercises appropriate for the development and performance of the Performing Arts shows and programs.
• Acquires knowledge of the Museums and its programs, cultural and scientific concepts by becoming familiar with the Museum’s resources, exhibits, collections, and programs, as well as the Museums’ initiatives and policies in support of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. Engages museum visitors in a variety of performing arts-based programming. Interacts positively with the visitors, both adults and children.

This position has the following requirements:

• Contributes in the day-to-day operations of the shop, including equipment and facility maintenance, cleanliness, and safety.
• Experience with prop, scenic, costume and puppet fabrication. Non-mandatory bonus skills: animatronics, digital modeling and fabrication (including 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC milling desirable), full suit puppets.
• Acts with integrity and an ability to carry oneself with the demeanor, decorum and professionalism needed for the position and its interaction with others. Demonstrates ability to work with others on teams, across an organization and external audiences. Ability to collaborate effectively with all levels within an organization, including on cross-departmental projects.
• Possess initiative, strong personal work ethic and good judgment. Capability to organize and prioritize work independently in order to meet agreed upon deadlines.
• Must be able to work weekends, including evenings and holidays and be willing to work at any of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County locations, or other offsite locations.
• Position requires experience with theatrical production or event coordination, including physical and movement-­based theater. Experience in producing new works and collaborating with a performing arts team.

NHMLAC is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering a workplace and public environment that uplifts Kindness, Fairness, Openness and Dignity. These values extend not only to our employees, but to our guests, local community, and organizational partners. If you are interested in this position, we encourage you to apply!

The hourly rate for this position is $27.72 with excellent benefits. This is a full-time regular, non-exempt position.

A cover letter, current resume, and list of 3-4 references are required for all applicants. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Interested candidates please visit -our-museums and click the link of the position for which you are interested or go directly to the online application.