Senior Production Technician

VenueTech oversees the technical production and backstage operations for Whakatū Nelson's premier venues, festivals, and events, including The Theatre Royal, Nelson Centre of Musical Arts,  Nelson Arts Festival,  Adam Chamber Festival, and Ceol Aneas Irish Music Festival.
We value clear communication, practical decision-making, respect for artists and crew, and well-prepared, no-drama delivery.
Work hours are event-driven and irregular, including evenings and weekends.
VenueTech embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds.

You will be a key operator within VenueTech’s delivery team, working principally at the Theatre Royal

Whakatū and Nelson Centre of Musical Arts, alongside our involvement in regional festivals and standalone events.

The role includes:

- Acting as a Technical Operator or Venue Technician during performances and events

- Advancing shows and translating technical riders into practical venue plans

- Delivering confident live sound, lighting, and AV operation as required

- Providing hands-on technical support across venue systems

- Hosting and supporting visiting artists and touring crew

- Maintaining custodianship of venue systems, spaces, and safe working practices

- Contributing to pre-production planning, documentation, and scheduling

- Supporting ongoing maintenance and technical upkeep

This is a senior role. You will be trusted to work independently and make sound technical and interpersonal decisions in live environments.

Experience with fly towers is beneficial but not essential.

About you

You will likely have:

- Proven ability to operate independently as a senior Venue Technician or production professional

- Solid experience operating technical production systems in live performance environments

- Experience advancing shows and managing real-world constraints

- A clear understanding of safe working practices and venue etiquette

- A steady and pragmatic presence who approaches every task professionally, contributes wherever needed, and prioritises the success of the show and the team

This role is well-suited to someone committed to building a long-term technical career in Whakatū Nelson.

Employment details

Permanent part-time, with a clear pathway toward full-time once fit, and operational alignment is established.

A minimum of 25 hours per week is guaranteed for the 90-day trial period.

For the right person, this role is expected to grow toward full-time within approximately six months as responsibility and operational ownership increase.

Additional hours are regularly available based on event schedules, venue commitments, and seasonal festival periods.

Senior operational rate reflecting experience, responsibility, and autonomy.