Job details

Job no: 511086
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Theater
Union: PSU
Categories: Technical, Theater/Performing Arts

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth’s flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Sound Designer Professor, the Sound Engineer is responsible for engineering, supporting and maintaining all sound facilities, equipment and software for the Department of Theater’s main stage productions and related events, and oversee the maintenance and day to day operations of the sound control booth and recording studio. Additionally, the Sound Engineer will serve as a trainer and mentor to undergraduate sound students, designers and technicians, as well as professors and staff.

Essential Functions

• Manage and supervise the new sound recording studio and control booth in the Bromery Center Arts Bridge, including the facilities, software, equipment, and overall scheduling in order to maintain standards of organization and safety.
• Responsible for both the technical and artistic aspects of audio production with the overall goal of delivering the required sound quality developed in conjunction with faculty sound designer.
• Maintain software and equipment and provide guidance and support to the faculty sound designer in regards to repairs, purchases and upgrades.
• Responsible for creating and enhancing the aural environment of the Department’s productions. Working with the faculty Design Professor, assist in developing a viable production concept, maintaining adequate and effective communication with all members of the production team, and integrating the design into the rehearsal process, adapting the design as the production evolves in rehearsals, and finalizing and maintaining the quality of the design throughout production.
• Responsible for amplifying, mixing, recording, synching, and reproducing sounds and effects for theatrical rehearsals, productions, and events.
• Oversee recordings in the studio, mentor students in the use of the technology, and support professors and staff using the space from both the Department of Theater and the Department of Music and Dance.
• In collaboration with the faculty sound designer, apply knowledge of acoustics and technologies to create sound designs within budget and timeline, Support and engineer sound systems for the Department of Theater’s main stage season and related events, in collaboration with the faculty sound designer.
• Collaborate with the faculty sound designer and production team to create rigging plots, show paperwork, sound cue lists and rehearsal support.
• Attend production meetings, rehearsals, technical research, previews and performances as needed.
• Train Department of Theater student sound designers and technicians, and support sound design curriculum and classwork.
• Mentor student employees and create unique work assignments to coincide with production and curricular needs.
• Move heavy sound equipment and work from heights among electrical setups and stage rigging.

Other Functions

• Commitment to UMass goals to support diversity, inclusion and equity.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• B.A., B.F.A., or B.S. or equivalent degree.
• 4 years relevant professional experience.
• The desire to collaborate with and support colleagues, and to train students.
• Experience with live audio for theatrical musicals, including competency with RF mics and IEM.
• Competency with digital mixing consoles, and the willingness to learn new technology.
• Experience with both live mixing and multitrack recording.
• The ability to draft a theatrical sound system, load in, line test it, and assist the designer in tuning/balancing it.
• Basic organizational skills for scheduling and supervising the use of the recording studio.
• Experience troubleshooting systems and pieces of gear.
• Experience with a multitrack editing software (Reaper, Logic, Ableton, etc).
• Competence with com, paging, and assisted listening technology.
• Ability to work an irregular schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays.
• The ability to facilitate a safe production environment and model professional practices.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience working with students or in an educational setting.
• Experience with Dante.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Must be comfortable working at heights and able to move heavy equipment.

Work Schedule

• 37.5 hours/week; evenings, weekends and holidays. Schedule may vary week-week but each week working hours will total 37.5 hours.

Salary Information

Level 26

PSU Salary Chart

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit your application online and include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Please apply by the priority deadline date of January 8, 2022 to ensure consideration. The posting will remain open until position is filled.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.