A Lighting Technician sets up, maintains, and dismantles light fixtures, lighting control devices, and the associated lighting electrical and rigging equipment used for photography, television, film, video, and live productions. May focus or operate light fixtures, attach color filters or other lighting accessories.
Candidate must be a California resident. Chico State Enterprises is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e., H-1B Visas).
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The stagehand's primary responsibility is to support the technical directors, lighting technicians, audio engineers, production managers, and traveling tour managers with all theater, performing arts venue, and show-related tasks and duties. Work hours are scheduled as needed and vary depending on show requirements, schedules, and theater maintenance needs. Work may be required up to seven days per week and often includes early mornings, late evenings, and occasional holidays. Due to the nature of the business, work schedules are not very flexible. The position is not eligible for remote work.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Duties assigned will vary significantly depending on the employee's level of experience working in theater or performing arts venues. Most training is provided on the job and is highly hands-on. A general list of stagehand duties includes: Loading in and loading out shows, concerts, dance performances, musicals, theater productions, and other events. Physically loading and unloading equipment from trucks, trailers, tour buses, and other vehicles. Transporting, rolling, carrying, and carefully handling instruments, supplies, equipment and props. Requires excellent teamwork and working closely with artists and tour/band personnel. Setting up stage equipment, including audio, lighting, video, instruments, and props. Running cables, testing equipment, and learning to read and interpret stage plots to assist with efficient set up. Assisting with the assembly and disassembly of stage props and sets. Sweeping and mopping stage floors before performances. Installing special dance flooring ("Marley" floors). Learning to operate power tools and other theater equipment safely. Learning to safely and properly use Genie lifts, use tall ladders, and access equipment stored at elevated heights. Performing routine maintenance on theater equipment under the supervision of technical directors. Cleaning, organizing, and maintaining inventory of instruments and equipment. Collaborating with other production departments, including video, audio, communications, carpentry, and front-of-house staff. Assisting with all aspects of post-production, including load-out, cleanup, and equipment storage. Performing other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate the following: An interest in learning about theater operations, including lighting, audio, video, stage management, and related disciplines. The ability to focus, listen, follow directions, and learn quickly. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team. The ability to communicate calmly, effectively, and professionally to resolve conflicts, to ask informed questions, and to relay information to others. The ability to work under pressure, manage multiple projects concurrently, and meet deadlines. The ability to lift, bend, move equipment, stand for extended periods, and work in small spaces and at elevated heights.
BENEFITS
Sick leave (up to 5 days/year)
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered, submit the following documents by August 4, 2026. Documents submitted after this date may not be considered. Resume CSE Application (PDF)
csejobs@csuchico.edu Paper applications will not be accepted; however, Chico State Enterprises is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is happy to provide reasonable accommodation to applicants at any step of the application process. If you need assistance in this regard, or are having technical difficulties, please contact the Human Resources office at 530-898-6811 or csejobs@csuchico.edu prior to 5:00 p.m. on the document deadline date. The employer is Chico State Enterprises, a nonprofit corporation serving as an auxiliary organization of California State University, Chico. Employment is considered to be at-will.
