Assistant Technical Director
/ORGANIZATION:
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
DEADLINE:
Feb. 16, 2026
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
Founded in 1933, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is a learning organization built upon an extraordinary legacy of excellence in artistic and creative development. What started as a single course in drama has grown to become the global organization leading in arts, culture, and creativity across dozens of disciplines. From our home in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to inspire everyone who attends our campus – artists, leaders, and thinkers – to unleash their creative potential.
WEBSITE:
http://www.banffcentre.ca/careers
JOB DESCRIPTION:
This is a term position until September 22, 2026.
The Opportunity
The Assistant Technical Director is responsible for assisting in the planning, management, and supervision of all technical and production elements of Banff Centre productions, programs, and presentations. The Performing Arts Production team consists of a variety of roles including department heads, facilitators, and specialised technicians in lighting, sound, carpentry, and more. We are looking for someone who is passionate and experienced in stage carpentry, rigging, drafting, and working collaboratively with builder shops to support this year’s performing arts events.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Roles and Responsibilities
Assist the Technical Director with the day-to-day management of the production department, including personnel management, general organization and administration, scheduling, team leadership/crew management, and expense management.
Supervise all elements of technical production for Banff Centre programs, performances, and activities, including planning, preparation, rehearsals, shows, strike, and restore, and organizing technical staff.
Work closely with the Technical Director, Department Heads, Production Manager, and other program staff to ensure superior production standards.
Manage the day-to-day scheduling and booking of technical and production teams and activities. Prepare and oversee venue schedules and supervise timely load-in and load-out of productions and presentations.
Technical
Assist in operating, maintaining, and safeguarding technical assets of the theatre, including lighting, sound, projection, communications equipment, and shop and stage facilities.
Initiate and attend regular project and program production meetings and monitor progress to ensure projects remain on budget and on schedule.
Analyze, cost, schedule, implement, and manage production projects and technical riders, including maintaining technical documentation and CAD drawings.
Advance productions and respond to technical capability inquiries; implement approved technical designs for touring and in-house productions.
Attend all technical and dress rehearsals and take detailed rehearsal notes.
Oversee and manage set and stage construction.
Create and update venue- and show-related CAD drawings.
Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and plots.
Financial Responsibilities
Assist in developing capital requirements and equipment purchase plans for Performing Arts venues.
Provide an annual technical inventory with recommendations for replacement or refurbishment.
Manage administrative tasks including contracts, billings, purchase orders, rentals, and expense processing.
Health and Safety and General Maintenance
Help establish and enforce health, safety, and security policies and maintain a safe working environment.
Monitor safety performance and implement continuous improvement measures.
Ensure staff receive adequate training and instruction for safe work practices.
Conduct regular equipment and setup reviews and maintain repair and replacement logs.
Support the setup, maintenance, and safe operation of stages, shops, studios, and associated facilities.
Maintain current knowledge of equipment and supervise training as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Qualification and Educational Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Minimum five (5) years’ experience in technical performing arts roles.
Experience with a variety of live performance types including music, dance, opera, and theatre.
Positive attitude, particularly under pressure.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines.
Ability to lead and supervise crews.
Ability to read and analyze budgets.
Ability to read and produce technical drawings and schematics in CAD (Vectorworks).
Technical skills in scenic carpentry, stage carpentry, rigging, lighting, sound, and projections.
Knowledge of structural and mechanical stage construction, welding, and rigging.
Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical systems.
Practical experience using Microsoft Office.
Strong troubleshooting, creative problem-solving, and research skills.
Self-motivated, able to work independently, and able to take direction well.
Special Requirements
Availability to work a flexible, irregular schedule including evenings and weekends.
Valid Class 5 driver’s license, as occasional driving of Banff Centre vehicles is required.
Employment Terms & Benefits
Salaried term position subject to a six-month probationary period.
Term runs until September 22, 2026.
Annual salary range: $59,495–$88,346, based on experience.
Twenty paid vacation days and four personal days annually, pro-rated.
Benefits include transitional staff housing (subject to availability), professional development, staff cafeteria and restaurant discounts, Employee Assistance Plan, and discounted onsite fitness facility access.
HOW TO APPLY:
We are accepting applications for the Assistant Technical Director position until a suitable candidate is found. Candidates offered a position will be required to obtain a criminal record check prior to a final employment offer. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada, as Banff Centre cannot assist with work authorization.
REMUNERATION:
$59,495–$88,346 annually, based on experience.
