Hiring: Performing Arts Graduate Intern Technician 2025-26
Deadline: 16:00 Friday 6 June 2025
Grade 3 (£23,751)
Full-time, fixed term
35 hours per week pro rata
Interview date: w/c 9 June 2025
Start date: 1 August 2025
The University
At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.
Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.
At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. For more information on our EDI strategy and values click here
Overview
This is an exciting one-year opportunity for a final year student or recent graduate of Durham University. The post holder will work within the Student Enrichment Directorate to facilitate student performing arts groups at both pan-university and college level.
Working closely with colleagues and student leaders, the post holder will assist in the development of a thriving performing arts community at Durham, enhancing its profile to internal and external stakeholders whilst increasing participation and excellence across all levels.
The post-holder will receive continued professional development from the Performing Arts team including Dr Nicola Candlish (Senior Manager of Performing Arts), Lewis Wilkinson (Manager of Student Music) and external technical professionals.
This post is based at the Sir Thomas Allen Assembly Rooms Theatre with occasional working in other venues.
Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.
Working at Durham
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:
27 Days annual leave per year (in additional to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year), a total of 39 days.
No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
Discounts via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities.
Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers)
If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications, to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
Generous pension schemes.
Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.
What you need to demonstrate when you apply
To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we’re looking for:
Essential Criteria
Qualifications/Experience
Current final year student or recent graduate of Durham University.
Passion for technical theatre demonstrated by involvement at a student-level.
Experience in either Lighting or Sound, to include rigging, programming and operation.
Experience in the assembly of deck and scaffolding.
Experience of working in a team.
Experience of managing time to meet deadlines.
Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
Good communication skills, including face-to-face and written communications
Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps including Microsoft 365.
Committed to training/continuing professional development.
Ability to solve problems as part of a team and resolve straightforward issues.
Ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of colleagues and customers.
Knowledge of health and safety issues such as risk assessments.
Desirable Criteria
Knowledge and experience of facilitating theatre and/or music making.
Enthusiasm for increasing engagement, participation, and excellence across a broad range of projects.
Roles and Duties
Here are the kind of activities that you’ll be asked to undertake and ways in which you’ll be expected to operate.
Service Delivery
Provide an excellent and timely service to our students, staff, visiting theatre companies and members of the public.
Log, record and pass on information for use by others.
Assist the performing arts unit to provide technical support for activities such as lighting or sound design and operation.
Follow established technical procedures when carrying out your role and vary or refer to more senior colleagues when necessary.
Collect, organise and record data and information accurately for use by others.
When carrying out your role, apply relevant industry and regulatory standards when erecting, rigging and operating equipment.
Carry out specified tasks to ensure that the theatre and equipment are safe to use.
Provide information and support to staff and students about technical theatre, including set design and construction, lighting and sound, and to create method statements, risk assessments and schedules.
Assist on the delivery of the Live Event Support Passport training to students and staff.
Teamwork/Liaison
Help to move, set-up and maintain equipment in the Sir Thomas Allen Assembly Rooms Theatre, and other University venues.
Help team members operate a range of standard tools and equipment.
Help team members to construct and/or repair technical theatre equipment under the supervision of more experienced colleagues.
Help your colleagues when required with other key activities undertaken within your service.
Help and cooperate with the rest of your team on operational matters to help achieve shared objectives.
Liaise with staff in other areas to ensure that services are being delivered in an efficient and collaborative way.
Help team members carry out and record annual maintenance checks and update risk assessments.
Help carry out stock and inventory checks.
Communication/Personal
Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
Follow established procedures to respond to queries and bring any complex issues to the attention of more experience team members.
Respond to routine queries from suppliers, contractors, contacts, professional bodies where necessary.
Support the delivery of community projects in conjunction with other areas of the Student Enrichment Directorate, including the Student Volunteering and Outreach unit.
Any other reasonable duties.
There are no requirements to hold a driving licence, or to drive vehicles as part of this role.
Training will be provided to meet necessary Health and Safety criteria.
This role requires regular working at evenings and weekends as part of the 35 hours per week.
If you would like to find out more about the role, please email [email protected].
To apply, please email [email protected], attaching both a CV and covering letter detailing your suitability and enthusiasm for the role. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.