Technical Officer /
Job Title: / Technical Officer (Fixed term cover)
Hours: / £450/week 35 hours a week, £270 pcw for 3 days 21 hrs per week additional hours paid at plain time should they be necessary and agreed, 4th January to Friday 24th March 2017
Reports to: / Technical Officer (permanent)
Location: / St Paul’s Church, Portland Square & Kingswood site

The Company

Circomedia was founded over twenty years ago by physical theatre expert, Bim Mason and choreographer and performer Helen Crocker. It rose out of the ashes of Fool Time, Britain’s first ever circus school – and ever since has attracted students from all over the world. It is different from many circus schools as there is a heavy emphasis on combining traditional circus skills with physical theatre and creativity. It is this approach to performance that has led to Circomedia being acknowledged as a centre of excellence worldwide.
Artistic policy: Circomedia is committed to the principles of performer as creator and the integration of circus disciplines with theatre in its widest sense.If performers in circus and theatre are to be able to contribute to the creative process and be more than the vehicle of a director's vision, we believe the development of the individual's creative and performance skills to be of equal importance to those of technical expertise.
Educational philosophy: Our educational philosophy is that it is essential that minds and personalities need developing as much as bodies. Our training has a pragmatic approach to learning for a vocational profession and a holistic approach to teaching each individual.
We ensure that the demands and rigours of good technique are met whilst encouraging people to develop an innovative and imaginative approach to circus and physical theatre. This development is informed by expanding students' range of knowledge of possible styles and approaches
Education is delivered at HE level (Foundation Degree and 3rd year BA top up in partnership with Bath Spa University, at FE level (BTEC Diploma and Extended Diploma in partnership with Weston College), along with a range of privately funded full time courses, a recreational class programme and a youth circus.
Circomedia also showcases new and emerging work focusing on physical performance through its bespoke performance venue in central Bristol.
Across locations the organisation also strives to build effective working partnerships, be engaged with community events and offer business services to include facility hire and bespoke events packages.
Circomedia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Company also expects all staff and volunteers to share the Company’s commitment to Equal Opportunities within the workplace.

Job Overview

Technician for events at the St. Paul’s Church site and work as part of a team to ensure the smooth running of in house and external events or classes at any location

Key responsibilities:

Technical:

  • Production manage shows from visiting companies in consultation with the permanent Technical Officer
  • Act as duty technician for in house productions, visiting companies and hirers including operating sound, lights, rigging, and stage management for performances
  • Routine rigging of circus equipment for classes and students and ensuring that each class has adequate equipment to take place (training will be given)

Keeping equipment and resources tidy, appropriately stored and in good condition, ensuring any problems are reported to Centre Manager as appropriate

Provide general technical assistance work within the technical team, including work on the Kingswood site or other locations if required

Manage stage hire bookings & instruction to external parties

Front of House and facilities

To ensure the Church and immediate grounds are tidy and presentable, that rooms are prepared and set up for bookings and that layout is in accordance with agreements with users.

Act as a key holder, opening and closing the centre as appropriate

To provide assistance with building maintenance and repairs; liaise with building maintenance services under the direction of the Events and Centre Manager.

Health and Safety

  • To ensure all Circomedia Health and Safety policies and procedures are adhered to
  • To hold a First Aid Certificate (training will be provided)

Special Requirement

  • Regular evening and weekend working required.
  • To carry out all duties in accordance with; Circomedia’s aims and objectives (as detailed within the business plan and all other organisational policies.
  • All staff are required to work within Circomedia’s equal opportunity policy
  • All staff are required to ensure that Circomedia Health and Safety policies and procedures are adhered to

This job description is not comprehensive, and duties may change and develop according to future requirements.

Essential / Desirable Skills and Qualifications:

ESSENTIAL

Experience as a technician within an arts or performance context

Roped Access Experience OR climbing experience

Experience with a broad range of sound & light equipment

Ability to work within a team

Ability to be self motivated and to motivate others

Good verbal and customer facing communication skills

Able to work unsupervised

Ability to prioritise work and multi-task

Ability to work flexible and unsociable hours

Confidence at working at height and willingness to undertake technical training relating to the aerial rig (training will be provided)

Able to drive

DESIRABLE

Rigging experience

Plasa NRC

Knowledge of circus

IT experience (both as user & maintenance)

First Aider

Competent at DIY