Position Title: Facilities and Systems Technician II

Department: Music

Advertised Pay: $16.69/hour base with potential for a higher entry rate commensurate with experience

Campus Location: Washburn University

Application Deadline:  Application review will begin as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants can be assured of full consideration if submitted by January 19, 2026.

Position Summary: The Facilities and Systems Technician II (Technician) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of audio, video, and lighting systems required for live performances and events for the Department of Music and Theatre, and/or university events. This position supports the Technical Director and a wide range of productions, including concerts, theatre performances, and all university and corporate events. The candidate must have the ability to work collaboratively with directors, artists, performers, faculty, staff, administration, department chair, and the community. The candidate must possess strong technical expertise in live audio, video, lighting, and sound reinforcement. They must have the ability to pay attention to details and perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment. The position requires the ability to work flexible hours to accommodate for evening and weekend performances and/or events during holidays and minimize overtime. Performance of assigned duties will be directed by the Technical Director and is to be accomplished within University, Federal, State, and local ordinances, rules, and regulations.

About Washburn University: Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of over 5,500 undergraduate, graduate, and law students, a significant and growing number of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve their educational goals.

Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a dynamic faculty, staff, and student body and cultivating a robust learning and working environment and curriculum. We employ more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout Topeka and strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, and a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion, modernization, partnership, achievement, community and transformation. In 2024, Washburn was recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to Great Colleges to Work For® program.

Essential Functions:
• Review technical requirements with Technical Director for each event and make recommendations if necessary.
• Coordinate with Technical Director and ACES (Academic and Community Event Scheduling) via email, phone, or personal visit to communicate event needs and concerns.
• Consult with Technical Director and custodial staff on physical set-up of stage and lobby, and opening of event facility.
• Assist with set-ups and tear-downs for major ensemble rehearsals and/or performances (WU Orchestra, String Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, University Band, Choir, Singers, Jazz Ensembles, Opera) as well as all student recitals and faculty concert events.
• Assist with set-ups and tear-downs for University events, WU Foundation events, Community, and Civic events.
• Operate audio, video and lighting equipment, open facilities one hour prior to each event, and record performances and the number of patrons attending each event.
• Complete technician reports on all events with Technical Director when billing is required. Once report is approved, send form to ACES.
• Meet with Department Chair and Technical Director periodically to discuss issues, equipment needs, or concerns.
• Maintain audio, video, and lighting systems in White Concert Hall, Hurd Recital Hall, and Grey Neese Theatre. Perform minor repairs, adjustments and cleaning as needed. Report and issues to the Department Chair or Technical Director.
• Coordinate additional staff with Technical Director (both internal and external). Serve as a liaison between ACES, Music and Theatre Department, and facilities staff. Consult with the Technical Director on scheduling additional staff.
• Technician will record audio and video and archive all Music Department and Theatre events. All musical selections must be recorded in their entirety. The Technician should leave space between selections for mastering. Applause should be recorded. All audio and video from performances will be made available via OneDrive link upon request. All files will be labelled and organized by date and archived for long-term storage. Scan pdf's of programs will be included with archive, dates, musical selections, and performer's names.
• Technician will install temporary projectors and TV's in event spaces when requested.
• Technician is responsible for maintaining instruments in storage areas, including grand pianos, organ, harpsichords, and others.
• Technician will install/operate sound reinforcement systems with direction of the Technical Director. All recording issues/problems/concerns are to be reported to the Technical Director.
• Perform additional job-related duties as requested by the Department Chair or Technical Director.

Required Qualifications:
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• At least two years of combined experience in sound recording, recording equipment, software, computers, audio visual, and sound production.
• Experience in operating and maintaining stage lighting equipment.
• Experience in video recording and editing.
• Must demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with directors, artists, performers, faculty, staff, administration, department chair, and the community.
• Must demonstrate the ability to organize and plan accordingly for events and/or performances.
• Must have the ability to trouble shoot audio, lighting, and video problems before or during events. Proper signal flow for both analog and digital audio. Software used: OBS, Logic Pro, ProTools, Adobe Suite, NDI, VLC, Dante, and more.

Physical Requirements:
• Ability to move and maneuver acoustic panels daily.
• Operate a one-man lift to adjust stage lighting in a canopy 35ft above the stage.
• Move equipment such as grand pianos, organ consoles, acoustic shells, chairs, staging platforms, sound equipment, speakers, subs, podiums, and/or lecterns, etc. Some equipment can weigh upwards of 65 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor's Degree in Audio Engineering or equivalent.
• Two or more years of experience working with recording software, audio technology, lighting, and audio visual.
• Two or more years of experience working in a theatre or performing arts event center.

Hourly, Full-time, Varies, Varies/Shift   
Background Check Required