Event Technician Position Opening

The Discovery Green Conservancy operates Discovery Green, an 11.78-acre public park in downtown Houston, Texas opened in April 2008. The Conservancy, a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, operates the high-profile park under a 50-year contract. Featuring a landscape of trees, an interactive fountain, performing spaces, a pond, and children’s play area, as well as a reading room and free wi-fi access, Discovery Green is designed for Houstonians and visitors alike. Discovery Green is intended to be active at all times with a mix of traditional park activity along with creative events and programming. Ongoing smaller-scale activities are emphasized over events that draw large crowds. More information about the park is located at www.discoverygreen.com.

 The Event Technician, a full-time salaried position, will report to the Event Coordinator who is responsible for in-the-field production issues associated with programming and events in the park. In turn, the Events Coordinator reports to the Programming Director who oversees all aspects of programming, event advance planning and overall coordination. The Conservancy contracts with outside producers for larger events and programs and handles smaller and ongoing programs in-house. In addition the Conservancy rents out specific areas of the park for private events, and the Event Technician will support a limited number of these events.

The goal is a creative mix of programming that encourages daily use of the park and highlights Houston’s recreational and arts talent. The range of programming and events planned include:

·         Small-scale daily or weekly activities or programs (recreational, artistic or musical) targeted to nearby residents, workers, convention/sports visitors and families generally to be overseen directly by the Conservancy.

·         Concerts at the outdoor stage (capacity is 2,000 sitting on grass) primarily generally to be overseen directly by the Conservancy.

·         Markets on the Promenade produced by an outside market manager.

·         Outdoor holiday ice rink produced by an outside entity.

·         Visual and performing arts programs focused on local art talent produced in – house.

·         Venue rentals for private parties, receptions, weddings and other events, including events associated with the George R. Brown Convention Center – in some cases produced or partially produced by the Conservancy.

The Conservancy staff is small and entrepreneurial. The Events Technician assists the Programming Director and Event Coordinator with the development and scheduling of park events and provides the on-site coordination and support for both in-house and contracted events/programs. The Events Coordinator and Event Technician work closely with the Park maintenance staff to coordinate and schedule on-site support.

 Required Experience

1.       Minimum of three years experience with stage production, events and programming of public outdoor spaces, preferably in an urban or downtown environment.

2.       Coordination of performing arts presentations including sound, lighting, and event logistics.

3.       Site supervision of both in-house and outside event sponsors, vendors and producers.

4.       Experience as a professional audio mixing engineer.

5.       She/he will be expected to be able to choose, prep, patch, and focus large-scale microphone schemes.

6.       Experience working effectively with various musical and performing arts groups (i.e. stage set-up, load – in, load – out and time lines)

Desired Experience

1.       Site management of events and public programs.

2.       All aspects of event coordination, event logistics, security, set-up, tear-down, etc.

3.       Knowledge of and familiarity with Houston arts and cultural network/institutions;

4.       Knowledge of arts and cultural events logistical needs.

5.       Knowledge of crowd control.

1.       Operating all audio and video equipment to include Soundcraft GB4-32, Lightronics AR 1202RTC.

2.       Support Event Coordinator with large-scale events

3.       Manage small-scale events independently

4.       Coordination of technical and logistical needs with outside event producers and vendors.

5.       Assist the Event Coordinator in monitoring the day to day operation events including planning, implementing and coordinating some park special events

6.       Must work effectively with promoters, sponsors, event planners, various group representatives and the general public. Show ability to direct the work of others during an event

7.       Identify event problems and take effective course of action and establish and maintain effective relationships with those contracted in the course of the work

8.       She/he must be willing to work on evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays

9.       Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

10.   Work independently

Skills

1.       An operating knowledge of wireless microphones

2.       Ability to operate portable equipment rack with various power amps/ DSP processors/ CD player/ paging microphone

3.       Knowledge of Soundcraft GB4-32…32 input console (“front of house) cart for all audio equipment…(houses various equalizers/ CD player/ FM tuner/ etc)

4.       Knowledge of 24 channel microphone snake

5.       Knowledge of 12 channel dimmer (Lightronics AR 1202RTC)

6.       Knowledge of 24 channel lighting controller (Lightronics TL-5024)

7.       Operating knowledge of Sanyo Video Projector (PLC – XF46N)

Other

·         Salary:  $35,000 - $40,000

·         Hours: Evening and weekend work will be required.

·         Start Date: September 2008.

Resumes

Resumes should include contact information for three references, and be submitted by Friday, September 15 at 5 pm to: gary@discoverygreen.com

or

Gary Hernandez

Discovery Green Conservancy

1500 McKinney

Houston, Texas 77010

Discovery Green is an Equal Opportunity Employer