DARK Technical Specialist

Edmonton

$78K — $98K *
Hospitality & Recreation
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • University degree in educational media and instructional technology plus 1 year experience in AV industry, or
  • Graduation from an Audio-Visual Technology program with 3 years experience in production management or technical supervision in festivals or large venues.
  • Experience supervising crews and productions is an asset
  • Current certifications in Forklift/Telehandler, MEWP, Fall-Arrest, or First Aid are advantageous.

Responsibilities

  • Lead DARK production team to ensure timely and budget-compliant event delivery.
  • Oversee setup and operation of AV, lighting, and special effects across various event sites.
  • Manage equipment rental needs and house gear deployment.
  • Collaborate on hiring and supervising the production team while fostering an inclusive culture.
  • Communicate technical requirements effectively to internal and external partners.
  • Monitor and report on budget expenditures to stay within financial limits.
  • Archive technical documents and coordinate technical needs during creative meetings.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for recall for future festival seasons.
  • Experience working in dynamic and collaborative festival environments.
  • Potential for professional development in technical and supervisory roles.
Full Job Description
Reporting to the DARK Production Manager and working closely with the Event Experiences Program Manager, you will provide critical technical direction and oversight to the DARK project. In this role, you will lead the DARK production team to ensure the event is safely delivered on time, within budget, and in perfect alignment with the festival's artistic vision. You will manage all technical operations, including audio, video, lighting, sets, and special effects across all haunts and the site. Balancing museum operations, private rentals, and educational programs requires meticulous calendar alignment and strong project management skills. Ultimately, your expertise will shape the guest experience, ensuring a seamless and high-quality production for everyone who attends.

What will you do?

  • Assist with the setup, operation, and takedown of lighting, audio, video, set, and special effects (SFX) elements across all haunts and the festival site
  • Manage all site drafting requirements and determine the deployment needs for house gear and external equipment rentals
  • Infrastructure & Build Consultations: Partner with Facilities Management Systems (FMS) to calculate critical power and load ratings, and provide construction input to the carpentry team
  • Collaborate with the Production Manager on hiring, onboarding, and supervising the DARK Production team while maintaining an inclusive and safe workplace culture
  • Provide direction to the technical team to align AV operations with creative concepts and keep all workflows moving
  • within tight timelines
  • Track and communicate expenditures to management to stay within budget parameters, while coordinating the purchase of goods and services needed for the festival
  • Maintain a thorough understanding of City of Edmonton and industry OH&S practices, ensuring the crew strictly adheres to and completes required safety documentation
  • Organize and archive essential technical documents (inventories, maps, and show files) and attend creative meetings to communicate technical requirements to internal stakeholders


Qualifications:

  • University graduation in educational media and instructional technology and a minimum of 1 year related experience in Audio -Visual industry such as in live events, theatre or festival industries., OR
  • Graduation from a recognized program in Audio-Visual Technology and a minimum of 3 years related experience in Audio-Visual/Multimedia subject area specialization ( related experience includes background in production management or technical supervision in festivals or experience in large venues presenting a variety of live performance work including knowledge of audiovisual systems, lighting, set design and rigging)


Assets:

  • Experience in supervisory capacity, overseeing crews and productions
  • Active tickets/certifications in Forklift/Telehandler, MEWP, Fall-Arrest, or First Aid


Skills required for Success:

  • Advanced technical knowledge of audiovisual systems, theatrical lighting, rigging, and basic electrical troubleshooting.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills to articulate technical layouts and site plans to collaborators and external service providers.
  • Proven problem-solving agility with the ability to safely troubleshoot equipment failures or site challenges under tight event timelines.
  • Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Strong interpersonal and technical skills
  • Strong budgeting and accounting skills
  • Understanding of and experience working in festival environments
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships
  • Proficient in Google Workspace such as Google drive, Google Docs, Google Sheet
  • Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies ( https://bit.ly/4brRrXm )
  • Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation, and inclusion


Conditions of Employment:

  • Valid Alberta Class 5 driver's license (or provincial equivalent). Obtaining and maintaining a City Driver's permit is a requirement of this position
  • Must be able to accommodate an alternate and extended shift schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the festival calendar
  • Applicants may be tested


Work Environment:

  • This is a physically demanding, highly active position that transitions from desk-focused planning (April-August) to intensive on-site execution (August-November)
  • You will work outdoors in all weather conditions, navigating uneven ground, and frequently lifting or carrying up to 50 lbs.
  • The site is a dynamic, busy environment with frequent interruptions, exposure to loud noises, heights, and common outdoor allergens like hay, straw, and pollen
  • The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the City of Edmonton/Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement and the incumbent will be notified in advance


Successful candidate may be eligible for recall for the 2027 season

Up to 1 temporary full-time position for up to 6 months

Hours of Work: 40 hours/week

Salary Range: $37.552 - $47.170 Hourly

Recruitment Consultant: JP/JR

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