Carpenter

OPERA SAN JOSE

Carpenter

Company: Opera San Jose

Company Location: San Jose, CA

Job Location: On Site/In Person

Job Type: Full Time

Date Posted: June 3, 2025

Network(s): None

DESCRIPTION

Description

Reporting to the Assistant Technical Director, the Carpenter is a member of the theatrical scenery production team. This position joins colleagues in ownership of responsibility for the professional execution of technical production issues. This position works closely with the Scene Shop Supervisor and other craftsmen, as well as with the Production Manager, Head of Properties, Costume Director, and Production Stage Manager as per the needs of each production.

Now entering its 42nd season, Opera San Jose is one of the leading cultural institutions in Silicon Valley and is distinctive in supporting Resident Company Artists, with onsite Scenic and Costume shops, as well as a local scenic warehouse. With a $6M budget, Opera San Jose's mission and commitment is to incubating talent and innovation across the field.

Responsibilities

In coordination with the Master Carpenter and Scene Shop Supervisor, construct scenery per design specifications.

Assist Head of Props with construction assistance on larger scenic props on request.

Assist direction of load-ins and load-outs.

Provide hands-on advanced carpentry skills, and from time to time supervise crews of carpenters.

As needed, consults with Artistic, Music, & Production (AMP) colleagues on technical requirements for events in the Heiman Digital Studio.

Ensure scenery meets all safety and mobility standards.

Construct special projects for outside customers.

Ideal Skills & Experience Sought

3+ years' experience as Carpenter or 1+ year experience as Master Carpenter of a scenery construction company or similar.

Experience effectively leading multiple IATSE crews of up to 16 people total

Knowledge of current OSJ Cal-OSHA standards and a strong proclivity for shop safety

Ability to train inexperienced crew on proper/safe tool use of all shop tools

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Power Point) or comparable.

Good organizational skills and multi-step task retention

Basic knowledge of electrical and shop tool repair

Eye for detail

Adept at troubleshooting and providing solutions

Experience assisting charge painter with simple painting when absolutely necessary

Minimum Requirements for Consideration

Able to drive a 26' box truck

2 years technical theater college or professional theater construction experience.

Ability to lead a crew of 4 or more

Valid driver's license and driving record which passes insurance company check of DMV records.

Read and build from design and technical drawings

Able to collaborate and effectively communicate with colleagues

Safely use standard carpentry tools: table saw, miter saw, jig saw, grinder, sander, etc.

MIG welding experience

Self-motivated

Scenery load-in and load-out experience inside a theater

Forklift operation

Comfortable on a 16' ladder or 32' personnel lift such as a Genie lift

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Physical Expectations

- Ability to lift 50 pounds safely.

- Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.

Company Culture

Opera San Jose, in desiring a more equitable world, is committed to fostering equity in our art form. Opera in the twenty-first century can and should demonstrate today's values of equity and inclusion. We believe in building, fostering and sustaining a company that reflects, celebrates and serves the diverse communities of the Bay Area. Opera San Jose cultivates a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork and respect among all employees. We are firmly committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds may grow personally and professionally.

Opera San Jose is an equal opportunity employer. It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all employees is central to the continuing success of our organization. We will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, physical disabilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or veteran status in hiring, promoting, training, benefits, recommendations, rate of pay or other forms of compensation. Opportunity is provided to all employees based on qualifications and job requirements.

BENEFITS

Pay Range: $29 - $34 Hourly

This position is eligible for company benefits, which currently include 15 days vacation, generous sick and holiday time, 403b savings with a 3% match, employer-sponsored health plans with a shared premium, and pre-tax flexible spending accounts.

HOW TO APPLY

To Apply

Interested applicants should submit a resume at www.operasj.org/careers