Job Description

Welsh Language Commitment

This advert and the full job description are available in both English and Cymraeg. Candidates are welcome to submit applications and participate in interviews in either language.

Building the Opera Company of the future.

We are at a defining moment in our history. Welsh National Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru was born in the post-war spirit of democracy, fuelled by a national passion for human connection through song. In its 80th anniversary year, we are committed to reimagining the company as a contemporary opera company, fit for the 21st century, rooted in Wales but international in its ambition. We want to reimagine what opera can be today, positioning WNOCC as a pioneering, brave and joyful force in the UK’s live arts ecology. We want to champion increased diversity on our stages and in our audiences and prove that opera is the dynamic art form of our time.

In this next chapter, we seek an exceptional Senior Technician (Lighting) to support the Lighting Managers to deliver the highest quality presentation of stage lighting and related elements in an efficient manner that promotes a safe, healthy and sustainable working environment.

The Senior Technician (Lighting) will usually lead on programming and operating ETC EOS consoles for one or more delegated productions per season, as well as rigging and focusing of lighting equipment where required. They will assist the Lighting Managers as required and will also lead teams working on delegated tasks and smaller events. Out of season they will be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the WNO Electrics department equipment, along with any preparatory work required for upcoming productions. Senior Lighting Technicians will also support a range of youth, community and development events.

Essential Criteria

• The desire to acquire new experiences and knowledge and to learn new skills.
• Supervisory skills including the ability to listen, counsel, give guidance, delegate and deliver informal practical training.
• A track record of working as part of a team delivering complex tasks under pressure.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Self-motivated and pro-active with the ability to work calmly under pressure and prioritise conflicting demands.
• A sympathetic approach to people working under pressure in an artistic environment.
• The ability to work as a member of a large team as well as the ability to work independently or to supervise small independent groups.
• The ability to programme and operate EOS family consoles to a high standard.
• Up to date knowledge of current theatrical practice with the ability to keep abreast of new technologies and working practices.
• Excellent skills, knowledge and experience of theatrical lighting and electrical
• A basic working knowledge of theatrical sound and video.
• The ability to read and interpret LX plans, schematics and wiring diagrams.
• The ability to read and understand CAD drawings.
• A good working knowledge of current Health & Safety legislation including LOLER, Risk Assessment, CDM2015 and working at height.
• Experience of the inspection, testing and maintenance of theatre lighting, sound and video equipment.
• General IT skills including use of Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Ability to travel independently within the UK and abroad.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of large-scale theatrical touring.
• A good working knowledge of current electrical legislation including BS7671 and BS7909.
• The ability to programme and operate basic sound and video control software including Qlab.
• A recognised Electrical qualification and/or the skills, knowledge and experience to obtain a qualification with suitable training.
• A recognised Health and Safety qualification and/or the skills, knowledge and experience to obtain a qualification with suitable training.
• Vectorworks drawing skills.
• The potential to grow into a more senior role within technical theatre.
• Full, current UK driving licence.
• An interest in Opera.
• Welsh language speaker/writer.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We recognise that talented people sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. Research shows this is particularly true for women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, disabled and neurodivergent people, and those from working-class backgrounds. If this feels like your ideal role, even if your experience does not align perfectly with every criterion, we encourage you to apply anyway. Your perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to help build the opera company of the future.

Reasonable Adjustments

WNO is committed to an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. If you need any adjustments to support your application or interview, please email recruitment@wno.org.uk. We are committed to supporting you at every stage of the process.

How to Apply

Please apply via our website.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role, require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, or find the online application form inaccessible, please contact: recruitment@wno.org.uk.

Apply via ce0615li.webitrent.com