VISUAL is an Equal Opportunities Employer. The organisation is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, neuro diversity, gender, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, skin colour, marital status, genetic information or parental status. We base all our employment decisions on merit, job requirements and business needs.

Apply with a CV and cover letter outlining why you would like to work with VISUAL and your experience relevant to this role to admin@visualcarlow.ie by Thursday 17 April 2025 at 5pm.

VISUAL Carlow seeks a creative and motivated candidate for the position of Venue Technician. This person will join a vibrant team of creative professionals and will work across several busy spaces within VISUAL to include, but not limited to:

• Theatre Space
• Gallery Spaces
• Learning Department
• Facilities within the General Building.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for the arts and a strong technical background. They will have worked as part of a technical team previously and will demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills. This role involves working closely with the in-house production team to manage all technical aspects of activity within VISUAL.

VISUAL is committed to developing and producing artistic programmes that place public engagement and social inclusion at its centre.

Job Title: Venue Technician at VISUAL Carlow.

The Venue: VISUAL is an iconic arts centre in the heart of Carlow, with four world-class gallery spaces and a 335-seat performance space. As Ireland’s largest gallery space, VISUAL gives access to excellent contemporary art practice in a context that explores the value, richness and relevance of the arts in our lives. We are committed to providing meaningful access to contemporary artistic practice of the highest quality through our exhibitions, events and activities. Our unique scale and regional location allow for ambitious programming and wide-reaching participation opportunities with diverse audiences – local, national and international, online and in person.

The successful candidate will have:

• Minimum of one year experience in backstage theatre technical work practices. With a general understanding of all technical systems in use in VISUAL Theatre particular sound and lighting equipment and systems.
• Relevant professional qualification and/or industry experience including knowledge of current Health & Safety regulations and their correct implementation.

Key skills required:

• A high level of accuracy and an acute attention to detail
• Self-motivation, reliability and a high degree of initiative
• Ability to work within a team environment
• Have excellent communication skills
• Ability to prioritise and multitask under time pressure
• Flexibility - Night-time and weekend work are a standard part of the working week.
• An interest in the arts and a willingness towards giving creative input in the development of technical operations at Carlow Arts Centre Ltd.
• On the job experience and proficient in lighting consoles and digital mixing consoles
• A track record of operating, programming lighting or sound consoles for professional live events
• Experience in QLab or similar software
• Be able to work comfortably at height
• Hold a valid MEWP license (preferable)
• Have a knowledge of current Health and Safety legislation relevant to the industry
• The candidate should show a willingness to learn other technical aspects of theatre/ Contemporary Art installation practices apart from their own specialised areas and be willing to share knowledge to other members of the Technical Team

Specific responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

Theatre

• To assist the client/visiting crew with the set-up of their show or performance – get-ins, get-outs, Lighting operation, AV operation, Sound Engineering, Stage Management, Stage Crew, Building facilities, Ushering and/or assisting with other Front of House duties as required and appropriate.
• Ensure that health and safety, operation and good house-keeping standards are practiced and followed.
• Ensure the safe and effective operation of all venue equipment required for use during the performance/presentation and the safe and effective integration of visiting equipment within house equipment.
• Maintaining backstage areas, stage area and control areas are maintained to the highest standard.
• Act as a key holder and undertake to ensure the safety of the building pre, during and post shows.
• Act as a house technician to ensure the smooth operation of shows and performances and to represent VISUAL’s health and safety policy in conjunction with the Duty Manager.
• Act as a first responder to all emergency alarms during show time. Engage with the Duty manager to affect an appropriate response.
• To maintain the highest possible standard in the provision of technical support, information, facilities and professional courtesy to all clients and stakeholders.
• To ensure the theatre and all equipment reverts to place post show.
• Engage in reactive maintenance where possible pre-show

Galleries

• Assist in the preparation of gallery spaces before, during and after exhibition installations. Experience in this area is beneficial.
• Perform technical role as per theatre in the gallery spaces for shows/performances.
  Building and Facilities Management
• Be familiar with the mechanical and electrical systems within the building. Operate the Building Management System as required.
• Assist in annual building-wide maintenance, including PAT testing and other maintenance as directed by the Production Manager.
• Work to ensure that the buildings equipment register is kept up to date.

Technical Administration

• Assist with technical administration duties including: liaising with clients, external contractors, reporting on building issues, and general administration as appropriate.

Other duties and obligations include:

• Acting as an ambassador and advocate while representing VISUAL Carlow.
• Adhering to staff policies and procedures, as set down in the staff handbook.
• Adhering to procedures relating to the proper use and care of equipment and materials for which the role has responsibility.
• Participating in training and development programmes/courses to maintain and improve performance and to assist in identifying self-training and support needs.
• Participating and working within a performance management and development process.
• Any other reasonable duties or projects that may be required in the role, as assigned by the Production Manager.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Rate of pay per hour - commensurate with experience
Probation: A probationary period of six months will apply. Performance Reviews will be conducted by the production manager.
Contract – 1 year fixed term.

Code of Conduct: VISUAL has a commitment to the well-being, safety and dignity of its staff while at work. We operate within the principles of a code of conduct for employees, visiting artists and companies. A spirit of co-operation, collaboration and communication is an important part of the identity at VISUAL and staff at all levels are expected to maintain this spirit as a professional priority in their work. VISUAL is an equal opportunities employer and adopts the Safe to Create code of behaviour – a programme for the Irish Arts and Creative sectors to promote dignity at work.