OPS Rigging/Fly Rail Technician

OPS Rigging/Fly Rail Technician

Classification Title: OPS Rigging/Fly Rail Technician

Job Description: This position is open to candidates with a range of entertainment rigging and fly operation experience, from those with limited hands-on exposure to experienced technicians. UFPA provides on-the-job training and mentorship to support the development of technical skills, expand knowledge of venue-specific systems, and encourage continued growth in theatrical rigging practices. Part-time OPS Rigging/Fly Rail Technicians support UF Performing Arts production operations by assisting full-time staff and visiting productions in the setup, operation, maintenance, and strike of theatrical events.

Essential Functions:

• Production Support: Provide technical and stagehand support for live events and theatrical productions, including rigging, stage operations, and other production disciplines as assigned.
• Manual Counterweight Rigging System: Assist with the operation of the venue's manual counterweight rigging system, including:
• Weight Rail: Load and unload counterweight arbors to properly balance line sets.
• Pin Rail: Pull cable picks and spot lines to support lighting, audio, scenery, and other production requirements.
• Fly Rail: Operate or assist in the safe operation of line sets during load-ins, rehearsals, performances, and strikes.
• Up Rigging: Work from the grid to install and remove rigging points for chain motors, truss, and other suspended production equipment.
• Safety & Compliance: Follow all University, venue, and departmental safety policies, procedures, and industry best practices. Learn, apply, and adhere to venue-specific rigging systems, operating procedures, and communication protocols to support safe and efficient event operations.
• Communication: Communicate clearly and effectively with the Stage Supervisor, UFPA production staff, touring productions, rental clients, and stage crews to support safe and efficient rigging and fly system operations.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with UFPA department heads, production staff, touring crews, rental clients, and technical leads to support successful event execution.
• Equipment Maintenance: Perform inventory, inspection, cleaning, preventative maintenance, and minor repairs of rigging systems and other production equipment; report damaged equipment and unsafe conditions to supervisory staff.
• Stage Organization: Maintain cleanliness, organization, and operational readiness of stage, backstage, rigging, and production work areas.

UF Performing Arts expects all employees to follow UFPA venue policies and procedures, work safely, perform duties as assigned based on operational needs, maintain a professional and respectful attitude, communicate consistently, and demonstrate effective time management, reliable attendance, and punctuality. Stagehands are expected to adhere to UFPA standards for dress code, attendance, and scheduling.

Expected Salary: $17.00-$21.00 commensurate with experience

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Basic familiarity with theatrical rigging principles, safe rigging practices, and manual counterweight fly systems.
• Basic knowledge of theatrical production equipment, backstage operations, and live event procedures.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to climb ladders and work safely at heights for extended periods, including catwalks, tension grids, and personnel lifts.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and execute assigned tasks accurately in a fast-paced live event environment.
• Strong communication, collaboration, adaptability, and sound judgment in a live production environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices and compliance with established safety policies and procedures.
• Availability to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and irregular hours based on production schedules.
• This position is open to all UF students eligible to work on campus. Employment is through student Other Personnel Services (OPS). Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and may work up to 20 hours per week.

Preferred: Experience with theatrical fly systems or counterweight rigging systems. Familiarity with basic theatrical rigging hardware and equipment. General understanding of safe rigging practices and live event safety procedures. Experience working on a stage crew during load-ins, performances, and strikes. Experience in live entertainment, theatrical production, or event production environments. Experience working in a team-based technical environment in performing arts or live events.

Special Instructions to Applicants: Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and communicate effectively by speaking and hearing. The employee must regularly lift, carry, and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Work is performed in a live performance venue environment and may include exposure to elevated work areas, overhead loads, loud noise, and low-light conditions.

Position Schedule & Availability: This is a part-time, as-needed, hourly position with a highly variable schedule based on production and event needs. Hours fluctuate based on operational/seasonal needs. Work assignments may include daytime, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, and may involve all phases of production work including maintenance, planning, preparation, technical installation and removal, rehearsals, performances, load-ins, and strikes. Reliable transportation is required.

Hiring Timeline: Anticipated interviews will be conducted in late August to early September 2026, with a tentative start date of September 21, 2026.

Health Assessment Required: No