Head Audio - Jacobs Music Center

The San Diego Symphony proudly operates two world-class venues in downtown San Diego: the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, a newly opened state-of-the-art outdoor amphitheater, as well as the Jacobs Music Center, an indoor concert hall currently preparing to reopen to the public after extensive renovations. The San Diego Symphony has a full event schedule including orchestral performances, presented programming without orchestra, performances for rental clients, and private events.

Position Summary:

The Audio Head reports to the Audio Director and oversees the Audio Department of the Jacobs Music Center within the context of the Collective Bargaining Agreements between San Diego Symphony Orchestra Association and IATSE Local 122. The Audio Head works on all productions, supervising the implementation, operation, and maintenance of audio equipment and leading crew members during load-ins, technical rehearsals, show runs, and loadouts. This position will provide San Diego Symphony patrons with the best possible audio listening experience by providing engineering services as assigned in addition to implementing day to day leadership and supervision of the union audio department. The Head Audio is accountable for the upkeep, functionality, and efficient operation of all house audio equipment and systems of the Jacobs Music Center.

This is a union stage crew role. Any successful candidate will be required to join IATSE Local 122 and fulfil membership requirements.

This is an hourly position (currently $41.39). The wages, conditions, and terms of which are governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with IATSE Local 122.

It is expected that the successful candidate will make the San Diego Symphony his/her primary employment responsibility, and provide expertise, stability and continuity for our clients and organization.

All Department Heads will perform necessary duties for the proper completion of performances. A Department Head may perform tasks in other areas without regard to departmental distinction; however, it is understood that these tasks shall not interfere with the safe and professional execution of their primary responsibilities to the Employer as a head of department.

Requirements

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Directly supervises IATSE local 122 employees in the Audio department and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Heads of Department are expected to anticipate department needs, follow through on projects and meet deadlines set by SDSOA Production Department, engage and motive other crew to achieve agreed outcomes. As leaders, Heads of Department should have the ability to think ahead and be self sufficient in assessing and completing required tasks, including setting priorities, anticipating potential challenges and multitask. All heads have a responsibility to manage personnel safety and uphold safety protocols within the department, including participating in all required training.

Position Responsibilities:

• Operate and maintain all in-house audio equipment
• Assist audio director as needed.
• Maintain recorded audio archives.
• Coordinate and communicate with other San Diego Symphony Audio heads for different venues as needed.
• Serve as system tech, monitor engineer, FOH engineer, deck audio, and other audio roles as assigned.
• Assist with audio captures as needed.
• Set up and operate portable audio systems where needed.
• Maintain and monitor appropriate materials, equipment, and supplies as required.
• Prepare and package equipment for RMA, including filing paperwork with vendors.
• Coordinate the audio department during load-in, performance, and load-out of all events and make sure the systems comply with both safety and aesthetics issues.
• Direct and supervise union stage employees in the audio department.
• Manage and plan audio load in and load outs as assigned.
• Manage and assist in audio advances for assigned shows.
• Assess audio rentals as needed for assigned shows.
• Create necessary paperwork for shows and departmental needs.
• Ability to assist outside engineers and inhouse mixing engineers.
• Develop and execute plans for future sound system upgrades and equipment purchases.
• Tune and verify sound systems at a high level.
• Operate and troubleshoot backstage audio systems.
• Maintain, inspect and repair accurate inventory of audio equipment and supplies.
• Fly large PA systems whether in house equipment, tour equipment or rental equipment.
• Work with and communicate with other departments in the setting up of audio equipment for various events.
• Participate across production departments in planning and performing physical project work.
• Assist in short and long-term maintenance schedules.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills & Experience:

• Extensive knowledge of sound systems and their design, operation, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of acoustical principles and sound engineering terminology is necessary.
• Knowledge of electrical systems and how they interact with sound systems.
• Must have a keen ear to be able to listen to subtle problems in a sound system and be able to hear a wide spectrum of audio frequencies.
• Ability to quickly accurately assess problems and resolve them effectively and efficiently.
• Excellent eye/hand coordination necessary.
• Knowledge of many types of microphones and their effective application.
• Communication and RF knowledge as it relates to audio.
• Understanding of rigging, including ability to assist in or lead installation and maintenance of rigging systems for audio.
• Computer skills for operation of audio control software and other computer applications.
• Networking knowledge as it relates to audio and audio equipment.
• Knowledge of industry-standard audio consoles and associated software.
• Ability to work within the confines of the production schedule and meet deadlines.
• Ability to learn new audio and sound system equipment as industry standards change.
• Ability to adapt to a constantly changing work environment based on show and artist needs.
• A passion for all types of music including classical.
• OSHA certified, and consistent attention to safety, including reporting hazardous or unsafe conditions to supervisor.
• Able to solve practical problems, including those unforeseen, and deal with limited resources under tight timeframes.
• Able to interpret a variety of instructions provided in writing, diagrams, and verbally.
• Able to successfully interact with others both inside and outside the organization.
• Able to operate forklifts and man lifts.
• Able to drive a 24’ truck (preferred).
• Proficient with Email, Windows, Microsoft Office, Google Drive. Experience with drawing programs (CAD, Vectorworks) would be an advantage.
• Understanding of and commitment to backstage etiquette, anticipate needs of musicians onstage.
• Ability to multi-task and work effectively while managing multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to diplomatically and tactfully resolve difficult and sensitive situations.
• Exceptional collaborative attitude and communication skills including exercising of diplomacy and respect and consideration for others.

Personal Attributes:

• Reliable and prompt attendance, including planning meetings.
• Must be available to work a schedule heavy in evening, weekend and holiday shifts
• Excellent work ethic and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to retain information and carry out tasks consistently.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and work well with others including fellow stage crew and non-union staff.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to a constantly changing work environment based on show and artist needs.
• Able to demonstrate patience, sensitivity and diplomacy when interacting with musicians of the San Diego Symphony and visiting artists and production staff.
• Face demanding situations with calm, tact and diplomacy under pressure.
• Constant dedication to personal and departmental improvement
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with people that are mixed across lines of differences such as race, gender-identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class, and immigrant status. 
• Abide by all company rules and bylaws as detailed in the San Diego Symphony policies and procedures handbook.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand for varying periods of time;
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more.
• Capable of working at elevated heights including climb ladders, operate personnel lifts, and walk on structural steel above the stage.
• Operate stage equipment which could require lifting, pushing or pulling heavy objects.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
• The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, lift, climb, push, pull, hang, reach, lean and balance.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.