Assistant - Recreation Facility/Costuming & Set Design (Performing Arts Center) (PT)

Pay Rate: The budgeted entry pay rate for this position is $18.04-$19.84.
Work Schedule: The typical work schedule for this part-time position is Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Non-standard hours, including weekends and evenings are required for events and performances.

JOB SUMMARY
Under general supervision, the Assistant – Performing Arts Center provides operational, administrative, technical, and event support for the Performing Arts Center (PAC) and related departmental programs, civic activities, and municipal performances. Work involves acting as a key point of contact and operational support for the general public, City staff, school faculty, and contracted vendors while adhering to established policies, procedures, and safety guidelines. Assignments vary based on operational needs and functional assignment. The incumbent assists lead staff and management with event setups, live production execution, facility resets, administrative tasks, and workspace maintenance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assists with technical setup, breakdown, and placement of staging elements, including stage risers, sets, props, pipe and drape, technical equipment, and set pieces.
2. Assists with event load-ins and load-outs, ensuring equipment, tools, staging, and facility spaces are returned to proper condition and storage areas.
3. Performs routine maintenance, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting of PAC equipment, tools, and production spaces; reports complex technical issues or equipment concerns to supervisors.
4. Maintains clean, organized, and safe working environments across the scene and costume shops, dressing rooms, storage areas, technical control spaces, and backstage areas, as assigned.
5. Follows established safety procedures and municipal protocols during all activities, stage setups, equipment handling, and event operations.
6. Provides general operational support to the PAC Facility Manager, PAC Staff, and contracted vendors during builds, tech rehearsals, and live events.
7. Operates City equipment and machinery, including scissor lifts, forklifts, A/V equipment, and specialized tools, as assigned, in accordance with training and safety requirements.

If Assigned to Clerical/Production

1. Assists PAC Manager, Audio Visual Engineer, PAC staff, contractors and venue rental staff as needed for assistance with show performance, including backstage crew, props, set pieces, and costuming.
2. Schedules and runs rehearsals, records blocking (actor movements), and ensures all necessary materials and props are prepared.
3. Assists with communication between the director, actors, designers, and production staff, keeping everyone informed and organized.
4. Documents changes to ensure consistency throughout the production.
5. Coordinates lighting, sound, set changes, and actor movements during technical rehearsals, ensuring that all technical elements are integrated smoothly.
6. Assists with delegating backstage tasks as directed by production leads, notes cues, and prepares for/assists with calling the show during performances if needed.
7. Provides clerical assistance as needed, including tasks that keep offices organized and efficient, covering communication, scheduling, documentation and data management.

If Assigned to Audio Visual Lighting

1. Assists with videography, photography, and content capture for City performances, events, and marketing projects as assigned.
2. Assists with technical setup, operation, and teardown of lighting, video, audio, LED screens, projections, and related equipment for events, rehearsals, and productions.
3. Supports the Audio Visual Engineer, PAC Facility Manager, and PAC staff during live events by monitoring equipment performance and responding to technical needs as directed.
4. Assists the Audio Visual Engineer, PAC Facility Manager, and contractors in preparing basic show files (lighting cues and audio presets) and executing files during live show performances as needed.

If Assigned to Costuming/Set Design

1. Assists with the layout, fabrication, assembly, and scenic detailing of stage sets, backdrops, scenic pieces, and prop elements following design concepts and supervisor direction.
2. Assists with costume construction, alterations, tailoring, fitting, sewing, and ongoing garment maintenance, including laundering, pressing, and repairing.
3. Executes scenic painting, distressing, texturing, and finishing techniques on stage sets, backdrops, and props as instructed.
4. Assists with prop sourcing, inventory management, crafting, repair, and organization, ensuring props are prepped and organized for backstage execution.
5. Assists with backstage costume management during live events, including quick-change setup, dressing assistance, garment tracking, and wardrobe maintenance.

All positions at the City of Orange Beach have the job responsibilities below:

1. Handles sensitive information in a confidential manner.
2. Maintains a highly professional attitude and demeanor at all times.
3. Provides responsible, appropriate, and satisfactory leadership within the City.
4. Communicates positively and professionally in all aspects of the position.
5. Attends all department meetings, City meetings, and professional development activities.
6. Becomes thoroughly familiar with all pertinent state and national policies and comply with said policies.
7. Complies with City wide and departmental policies, as well as state and federal laws.
8. Ensures the positive promotion of the City.
9. Is prompt and punctual in reporting for work, meetings, etc.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. Strong communication and teamwork skills.
2. Strong customer service skills when interacting with performers, clients, and the public.
3. Ability to work in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.
4. Ability to understand and follow safety protocols and City policies.
5. Ability to lift, move, and position equipment safely.

If Assigned to Clerical/Production

1. Knowledge of theatrical production workflows, stage terminology, rehearsal schedules, and stage management documentation.
2. Skill in maintaining accurate production logs, prompt scripts, blocking notation, and contact sheets.
3. Ability to coordinate cue execution across technical departments and backstage crew members during technical rehearsals and live runs.
4. Proficiency in office administrative tools, email communication, digital calendar scheduling, and data tracking.

If Assigned to Audio Visual Lighting

1. Working knowledge of audio/visual equipment, lighting systems, and video technology used in live events and performances.
2. Skill in basic setup and operational support of lighting consoles, sound boards, video playback systems, and related equipment.
3. Ability to follow technical plans, instructions, and show documentation as assigned.

If Assigned to Costuming/Set Design

1. Knowledge of general principles of theatrical sewing, garment alterations, fabric types, care instructions, and pattern adjustments.
2. Knowledge of fundamental set construction methods, hand/power tool operation, scenic painting, distressing, and prop building.
3. Ability to safely operate power tools and sewing machinery, and safely handle scenic paint products, adhesives, and solvents.
4. Skill in operating sewing machines, sergers, and hand-sewing tools to build, repair, and alter costumes efficiently under deadline.
5. Skill in applying scenic painting techniques, textures, and finishes to backdrops, set pieces, and props based on provided designs or guidance.
6. Ability to read and execute instructions from sketches, design renderings, patterns, or supervisor directions accurately.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions, duties and responsibilities of the job may be considered.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. High School diploma or equivalent.
2. Current and valid driver’s license.
3. Ability to work evenings, weekends, and non-standard hours based on event schedules.
4. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical work related to event setup and teardown.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
If Assigned to Clerical/Production

1. One (1) year of hands-on experience in theatrical stage management, assistant stage management, or live production coordination.
2. Demonstrated experience tracking show paperwork, including prompt books, blocking notation, prop lists, and rehearsal reports.

If Assigned to Audio Visual Lighting

1. Hands-on experience supporting audio/visual, lighting, or live event technical operations.
2. Experience working in a performing arts center, theater, or live event venue.

If Assigned to Costuming/Set Design

1. Hands-on experience constructing, altering, or fabricating costumes, set pieces, or props for performing arts.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical and mental 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 qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

This position requires regular physical activity, including standing, walking, bending, stooping, crouching, and moving equipment for extended periods of time. The Assistant must lift, carry, and position moderately heavy items, up to 50 pounds, while maintaining safe work practices. The work demands sustained physical stamina, coordination, and dexterity to operate technical equipment, handle tools, and support live events and production activities. The position also requires the ability to remain on one’s feet for long durations and to respond quickly to changing technical needs during events.

The Assistant works primarily at the Performing Arts Center and may also support events and productions at other City facilities. The work environment includes both indoor and outdoor settings and may occasionally involve exposure to extreme but safe weather conditions, including heat during outdoor filming, festivals, and post-storm activities. The position requires working around moving machinery, heavy equipment, vehicles, and mechanical systems with moving parts. The role also involves extended periods working at sewing equipment, computers, monitors, lighting consoles, and audio/visual control systems in fast-paced, event-driven environments, based upon assignment.