The Santa Fe Opera, a world-renowned opera company producing a 5-show summer repertory season in its unique outdoor theater, is seeking qualified applicants for Head Properties Carpenter. This year-round position will collaborate with the Director and Assistant Director of Properties and is responsible for leading prop carpentry fabrication, managing the prop carpentry shop, and supervising and mentoring seasonal prop carpentry staff and apprentices.
This position is well suited for safety-oriented and skilled artisans who enjoy overseeing and working in a well-equipped prop carpentry shop, and managing and mentoring the next generation of prop artisans by working with a diverse staff with differing levels of ability. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with leading designers, fabricators, and artists within the theater industry.
Responsibilities include providing direction, supervision, and mentoring of prop carpentry staff and apprentices in the safe, efficient, and timely construction of stage properties to meet design specifications, supporting ongoing productions and rentals, and carpentry shop and warehouse management and maintenance.
A 40-hour work week is typical September through April. During the May through July summer season, the workweek is typically six days a week and can occasionally be up to twelve hours a day. The summer season can be challenging but is very rewarding!
The salary range for this hourly, non-exempt position starts at $60,320/year depending on experience and before overtime, which begins after the 40th hour.
Benefits include comprehensive and low premium medical, dental and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability, life insurance and long-term care paid fully by the Opera; immediate eligibility for the Opera’s 403(b) retirement plan with employer match at the next open enrollment period after one year of work; paid vacation policy starting at 2 weeks and increasing after one year of work, along with sick and bereavement leave, one personal day, and 11 paid holidays throughout the year. Staff are also able to take advantage of discount tickets at the Opera and other Santa Fe venues, as well as a number of local businesses.
Skills desired include training and understanding of safe practices in a theatrical environment, carpentry shop management, comprehensive carpentry skills including, but not limited to, hand props, furniture, stage rigging, scenic construction, welding, and a willingness to work within rigorous timelines and with a variety of personalities and skill levels. The ability to work from ladders and personnel lifts, use a forklift, to wear a respirator per OSHA guidelines, and have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive a panel van or full-sized pickup, is required. Training will be provided.