Biola University

Position Description

The Supervisor of Studio Equipment Operations is responsible for supervising all equipment housed within Biola University’s Production Center and the upcoming new studio facility. This role manages the lifecycle of studio equipment including identifying needs, participating in designs and equipment selection, establishing purchase schedules, installation, and on-going maintenance. Reporting into the Director of Studio Operations, this role supports students, faculty, and staff within the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts (“CMA,”) into which it reports, the School of Fine Arts and Communication (“SOFAC”), as well as responds to additional university needs as required.

Alignment with Theological Positions

The person who fills this position must be someone who personally agrees with Biola’s Articles of Faith and who is supportive of the positions taken by Biola as contained in its Statement of Biblical Principles and Eschatology Teaching Position. As such, this person may not speak against or act in a manner inconsistent with these positions during the course of their employment at Biola.

Department

Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts

Supervisor

This position reports to the Director of Studio Operations

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s degree

CTS and Q-SYS certification is preferred

Work Requirements

• Full-time: 40+ hours/week, hourly, non-exempt, 12 months per year.
• There may be times when additional work/hours may be required in the evenings and/or on weekends, both for on and off campus work/events.
• This position requires personal attendance at Biola’s campus in La Mirada, CA.

Essential Duties

• Studio Equipment
• To prepare students for their careers through the use of industry-grade equipment, ensure the technological infrastructure adheres not only to current media industry standards but protects for future requirements.
• Studio design - including but not limited to identifying requirements, determining equipment to meet defined needs, creating the design behind it all (i.e., one-line drawings), and the ability to effectively present to various audiences.
• Studio equipment installation - including validating functionality, configuration, and making customizations as needed.
• Supervising the maintenance for all equipment within the studio spaces--fixed and freestanding--throughout lifecycle.
• Control system customization, installation, and maintenance.
• Supervising and maintaining audiovisual screening, projection, and other presentation systems.
• Studio Training
• Supervise training programs for equipment care and overall production-related safety training (i.e., videos, one-sheets, etc.)
• Liaison with Legal and Campus Safety regarding equipment and building operational safety.
• Develop and maintain training and certification for students, faculty and staff on equipment protection, electrical safety, lifting practices, rigging, and other applicable studio safety measures.
• Administrative Responsibilities
• Provide technical support for a high volume of students, faculty, and staff.
• Provide occasional off-campus and cross-campus AV support.
• Participate in inter- and intra-departmental meetings.
• Ensure staff members and student workers are aligned to goals, working collaboratively.
• Evaluate team workflow and performance, including but not limited to regular assessment discussions in addition to annual reviews.
• Maintain active professional media engagement inside and outside the university, trace technology advances, highlight media industry trends, etc. as may be applicable for the advancement of university programs.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Objective Goals to be Attained

In support of more than 450 students (growing annually) and dozens of university employees, ensure the studio facilities and its equipment meet the growth and technological needs of the university and its students.

Required Skills/Qualifications

• Motivated self-initiator, with great attention to detail and proficient follow-through.
• Resourceful multi-tasker who has a successful track-record managing teams and projects.
• Knows how to effectively engage a team to accomplish goals, at times under tight deadlines.
• An active listener who can understand/anticipate needs and responds effectively.
• Evaluative skills to assess workflows, identify issues, and come up with practical solutions. Strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Technical installation proficiencies as this role has responsibility over studio equipment.
• Welcoming, enthusiastic, positive attitude, team player.
• Flexible in a dynamic work environment. Ability to prioritize assignments across multiple departments and adaptable when faced with challenges.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Effective steward of resources and budgets.
• Understanding of and commitment to the mission of Biola University.
• Note about physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to…

▪Lift, carry, push and/or pull heavy boxes.

▪Operate and install electronic equipment, requiring significant finger dexterity actions.

▪Sit, stand, kneel, bend, talk and hear for extended periods of time.

▪Have vision abilities including but not limited to close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

▪May be required to operate in close quarters, crawl spaces, small rooms, and narrow aisles.

Other Desired Duties/Skills

• Participate in CMA events including seminars, chapel services, team outings, summer film camps, prospective student and donor events, and other community building activities.
• Provide additional support as needed for departmental and university initiatives as well as new opportunities.