Lighting Specialist

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Job Title:Lighting Specialist

Department:Wexner Center for Arts | Tech Operations

Mission Statement 
The Wexner Center for the Arts is The Ohio State University’s multidisciplinary laboratory for contemporary art and culture. Through exhibitions, performances, screenings, campus events, educational programs, artist residencies, publications, and external programming, the Wex serves as a vital forum where artists test ideas and where diverse audiences engage the art and issues of our time. In its programs, the Wex balances a commitment to experimentation and professionalism. Our work affirms the university’s pursuit of civic participation, freedom of expression, and robust dialogue.

Position Overview

This role serves as a key member of the Production and Technical Services team and as the primary lighting and electrical distribution contact for the planning, implementation, and support of public events at the Wexner Center for the Arts, supporting both the technical execution and artistic realization of live events while maintaining the operational readiness of the Center’s lighting systems and associated infrastructure.

Serves as the primary lighting and electrical distribution contact for shows and events presented by the Wexner Center for the Arts and Mershon Stage, as well as by stakeholders utilizing the Center’s theatres, galleries, classrooms, and public spaces. This is an in-person role requiring on-site support for rehearsals, events, installations, and related preparation activities, including regular evening and weekend work based on performance and event schedules.

Prepares, installs, programs, supports, operates, and maintains lighting systems, electrical distribution equipment, and related technical infrastructure for performances, exhibitions, screenings, events, and special projects as assigned. Maintains specifications and operational readiness for in-house lighting and electrical distribution systems; consults on equipment purchases, upgrades, rentals, and expendables; and reads, interprets, and implements technical riders, lighting plots, electrical distribution requirements, and related production documentation.

Collaborates actively with artists, designers, production staff, visiting companies, and institutional partners to support the artistic process—contributing insight, adaptability, safety, and technical expertise to enhance presentations and deliver the highest-quality experience for audiences and guests. This work may include supporting or creating lighting looks for live music performances, club-style events, and other contemporary performance environments. Creates and modifies CAD drawings, Lightwright documentation, adaptation paperwork, and related production materials; assists visiting designers during technical rehearsals, performances, and event activities; and helps facilitate successful project outcomes.

Works across teams to design, implement, install, focus, maintain, and strike lighting systems in theatres, galleries, public spaces, and site-specific installations. Assists with lighting and electrical distribution requirements for other Wexner Center departments, including Exhibitions, Learning & Public Practice, Film/Video, Development, Visitor Experience, and other institutional initiatives.

Maintains accurate inventory records, equipment documentation, and associated paperwork for lighting systems, electrical distribution equipment, and technical assets. Responsible for servicing, maintaining, and ensuring readiness of equipment and infrastructure supporting productions and events. Maintains a clean, organized, and safe work environment across all technical, storage, and performance spaces.

Supports colleagues across production and technical disciplines, contributing to shared projects, event support, and departmental initiatives beyond primary lighting responsibilities. Supervises intermittent stagehand staff during load-ins, hang and focus calls, rehearsals, performances, and strikes. Demonstrates professionalism, a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach, and ownership of projects through completion to ensure successful outcomes.

Safety is a core responsibility of this position. The Lighting Supervisor is expected to model, implement, and promote safe theatre and entertainment-industry work practices while ensuring that safety remains a priority for both the role and the stagehands and event staff working under its supervision. Work routinely includes operating in elevated positions, including ladders, lifts, catwalks, and other access points; handling equipment in active production environments; and performing company tie-ins and temporary power distribution installations in accordance with applicable electrical, venue, and institutional safety standards.

Assists visiting designers during rehearsals and performances; attends production and institutional meetings; and performs other duties as assigned. Successful completion of a background check is required prior to start date.

Supervises
Intermittent Event Staff – Stagehands

Minimum Education Required
Bachelor’s degree in Theatre, Entertainment Technology, Lighting Design, Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Theatre, Entertainment Technology, Lighting Design, or a related field, or equivalent experience, with a minimum of five years of professional experience in theatrical lighting, live event production, or related entertainment technology environments.
• Demonstrated experience implementing and operating theatrical lighting systems, including lighting plot adaptation, system installation, programming, and production execution.
• Working knowledge of theatrical lighting systems and infrastructure, including conventional fixtures, LED systems, intelligent lighting, electrical distribution, power management, dimming systems, cable management, DMX infrastructure, and lighting networking.
• Experience with ETC Eos control systems and networking environments or comparable professional lighting control platforms.
• Proficiency creating and modifying CAD drawings, Lightwright documentation, and other production paperwork used for planning and execution.
• Demonstrated ability to read, understand, interpret, and implement technical riders, lighting plots, electrical distribution requirements, and related production documentation.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot technical systems, solve problems in fast-paced production environments, and manage multiple projects simultaneously with limited supervision.
• Experience maintaining equipment inventories, documentation, and operational readiness of lighting and electrical systems, supported by strong organizational practices that promote clean, safe, and orderly workspaces.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with artists, designers, production staff, clients, and colleagues while contributing to artistic and creative processes that enhance audience and guest experiences.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, verbal, and computer skills, combined with professionalism, accountability, attention to detail, and ownership of projects through successful completion.
• Experience researching, specifying, and facilitating equipment purchases, rentals, and related technical acquisitions.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety, including the ability to model, implement, promote, and enforce safe working practices while providing leadership and direction to stagehands and production crews.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic production environment, adapt to changing priorities, work at heights using ladders, lifts, and catwalks, and safely lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Desired:

• Knowledge of entertainment rigging systems and related safety practices.
• Experience designing, programming, and operating lighting systems for live music performances, club-style events, concerts, festivals, or other contemporary performance environments.
• Experience with lighting visualization software, advanced networking, show-control platforms, or media integration technologies.
• ETCP Entertainment Electrician certification or willingness to pursue certification.
• Membership in professional organizations such as USITT, ESTA, IATSE, or related industry associations.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary arts, performing arts, museum, university, or contemporary arts environments.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development and continuing education.

Additional Information:

Position is a member of the American Federation of State, County, & Municipal Employees Local 322, Ohio Council 8, AFL-CIO.

The Targeted Hiring Range for this position is $56,784 - $65,000. The actual salary paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, education, years of experience, internal equity, etc.

Location:Wexner Center for the Arts (0386)

Position Type:Regular

Scheduled Hours:40

Shift:First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.