Technical Operations SR/Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Technical Operations Manager plays a vital role in keeping the location and exhibitions operating safely and optimally for the business. The person in this role ensures the consistent upkeep and maintenance of the location’s valuable technical systems and equipment, as well as installations and exhibitions on view. They facilitate the preparation of the incoming exhibits’ production-related needs, special events, and occasional external activations tied to the location. 

The person in this role will be the primary contact for ARTECHOUSE Studio. They will liaise with operations staff, contractors, and other onsite personnel as well as third party vendors to ensure upcoming exhibit needs are met and all strikes and installations are smoothly executed. In addition, they are the educator for the rest of the location team in the basic operating and troubleshooting needs of the ongoing exhibit and location technical operations systems. This person will be a generous and patient communicator who will help foster a knowledgeable, dynamic, and confident operating team.

The Technical Operations Manager is an integral part of the daily operations, supporting the team in the venue. The role collaborates with the Operations and the Visitor Experience team in addressing facilities, technical, and cosmetic notes related to the maintenance of the exhibit to deliver a high-quality experience for our visitors and efficient operation of the venue's technology systems. In addition to the primary responsibilities, this role will be a part of a larger ARTECHOUSE team that works together to support ARTECHOUSE locally and internationally. 

You will oversee 1-2 direct reports.

WHO YOU ARE

• 8+ years of professional work experience in a production environment that involves physical installation and operation of AV and systems, live show production.
• 5+ years of team management.
• Excellent understanding of various AV equipment, AV system networking, media software, computer systems, projection and lighting equipment, safe rigging practices, general fabrication process, good cabling practices, and general venue operations.
• General carpentry skill is a plus. 
• Experience with building facilities such as electrical and HVAC is a plus.
• Detail oriented and with excellent organizational skills. 
• Action-oriented tactical thinker who is generous in sharing experiences and best practices with others.
• Have a good understanding of each production phase that involves various elements of technology, bespoke software, spatial design, fabrication, logistics, and fast paced installation involving a specialized creative team.
• A clear and organized communicator who can give and take directions well.
• Hands-on problem solver, with a good eye for detail, who demonstrates continuous efforts to improve their work. 
• A supportive project manager who moves projects forward and can help the team perform at their best.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Comfortable moving and working on ladders. 
• Must be able to operate a scissor lift.
• Must be comfortable safely lifting 40 pounds or more and handy with tools.
• Available and open to working on weekends, holidays, and nights as needed. 

 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Ensure that the technical startup and shutdown procedures of the exhibits are solid and smooth.
• Develop daily operational procedures in collaboration with the Studio and the operation team.
• Support the operations team with troubleshooting and reach out to the necessary point person for further support as needed.
• Troubleshoot and solve technology and technical based challenges.
• Lead production-based notes for the ongoing exhibit (AV, scenic, lighting, or software related).
• Provide onsite support for the Studio team and visitor experience team as needed. 
• Keep production inventory up to date and organized.
• Support technical issues and difficulties during strike and load-in of new exhibits or special events. 
• Assist in planning of the strike and load-in process for the location for new exhibitions. .

• Perform and oversee regular maintenance of all experience technology equipment in the venue.
• Maintain various technology and equipment related logs and documentation such as troubleshooting, maintenance, inventory, needed improvements.
• Keep detailed records and accounting budgets related to technical maintenance. 
• Build, develop, and grow any business, contractor, and vendor relationships beneficial to the location.
• Follow existing processes and contribute to refining and improving them.
• Source the appropriate specialized help as required by the work. 
• Facilities projects and repairs management that relate to operation and maintenance of exhibit equipment and venue equipment.
• Work with the operations team to timely address any facilities issues that may impact operation of the venue equipment or exhibit, such as electrical or HVAC issues. 
• Prepare and operate equipment for events in service of the guests and events team.
• Equipment Inventory and Warranty management.
• Storage and Facility Operations Management.

 

WE OFFER

• Unlimited PTO so you can take the time you need
• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their dependents
• Creative and passionate co-workers

 

WHO WE ARE

We are a small team with big ambitions. We create, produce and present award-winning technology-driven exhibitions and innovative cinematic experiences for audiences of all ages. We also operate high-tech art spaces in Washington, D.C., New York City and Houston. We believe in our mission and every day we work hard to make the impossible possible in our effort to empower, educate and inspire the future generation. We pride ourselves in pushing creative innovation and working with some of the world’s best digital artists, and being a place where one can always experience the future of the art today.

 

 

WE VALUE

Diversity, inclusivity, and hard work. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

 

Candidates must be based in/around Houston where they can commute to our Houston Venue. Please note we will only respond to candidates selected for further consideration.