Senior Production Technician

VenueTech provides technical management and production services for Whakatū Nelson’s leading performing arts venues and festivals, including The Theatre Royal Whakatū Nelson, Nelson Centre of Musical Arts, Nelson Arts Festival & Adam Chamber International Music Festival.

Our workload is varied, spanning from hosting productions, venue operations and maintenance to technical design and delivery across a wide range of performing arts genres.

We value clear communication, practical decision-making, respect for artists and crew, and well-prepared delivery.

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.

This is a senior, hands-on role that balances excellent technical delivery with the ability to help coordinate, guide, and support crew to achieve calm, well-run outcomes.

This role suits someone who is comfortable owning shows end-to-end, from pre-production planning through to delivery, and who brings a calm, practical approach to working with artists, touring crew, venue hirers, and fellow technicians.

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, support others, 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
  
• Experience guiding or coordinating crew in live event environments
  Solid experience operating technical production systems on professional performances
• Experience in advancing shows and managing real-world constraints
• A clear understanding of safe working practices and venue etiquette
  A calm, steady presence who supports others, communicates clearly, and helps create well-run working environments
• A pragmatic approach, contributing wherever needed and prioritising 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 minimum of 25 hours, with a clear pathway toward full-time once fit, and operational alignment is established in a 90-day trial period.
• Additional hours will be available based on event schedules, venue commitments, and seasonal festival periods.
• Senior operational rate reflecting experience, responsibility, and autonomy.