Download royal welsh college of music and drama

ROYAL WELSH COLLEGE OF MUSIC AND DRAMA
Part of the University of Glamorgan Group
Facilities
Scenic Construction Technician - (Ref: RWC214)
Salary: £18,868– £21,802 per annum
The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, based in the heart of Wales’ thriving and energetic capital city is seeking
two people to become part of the core team of the college’s construction workshops; a Scenic Construction Supervisor
and a Scenic Construction Technician
The College has recently opened new, world-class facilities, including the outstanding Dora Stoutzker Hall, Richard
Burton Theatre and Linbury Gallery. These facilities complement the College’s existing theatre spaces: the Bute
Theatre and Caird Studio. These spaces have an extremely busy programme of publicly performed dramatic plays and
exhibitions that need continual support from the workshop team. Under the direction of the Workshop Manager, and
working alongside students of the Production and Design Departments, the team will be responsible for the construction
of all of the theatrical sets for the busy programme within these spaces. All of the sets will be designed by students from
the BA and MA theatre design programmes to a highly professional standard and will be expected to be constructed as
such
The Workshops are situated in the Cardiff Bay area of the City and boasts some of the best facilities in the country,
being fully equipped to face the demands of the College whilst kept up to date with modern trends and changes in
practice, as would be expected of the National Conservatoire of Wales.
This is an unique opportunity to become part of an exciting and vibrant college and to play a major part in the
development of the industry’s future talent.
Ability to work a shift pattern is required, which will attract 10% allowance of hourly rate; however flexibility is a
requirement in the role in order to respond to working demands periodically throughout the year which may require
rescheduling of working patterns. As much advance warning of rescheduling will be provided as possible.
CLOSING DATE: 27th April 2012
FURTHER PARTICULARS FOR THE POST OF SCENIC CONSTRUCTION TECHNICIAN
ELIGIBILITY TO WORK IN THE UK
RWCMD has a legal responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
For academic and research vacancies or those that require highly specialised skills and qualifications, we will often be
able to obtain a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ for a suitably qualified applicant who is not currently eligible to work in the
UK, if there are no suitable ‘resident’ candidates i.e. European Economic Area.
For vacancies that are not academic, research or highly specialist, however, it is extremely unlikely that a certificate of
sponsorship would be granted. It is an essential requirement that before submitting an application form you confirm
your eligibility by visiting the Home Office website http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/. Here you will
find useful information on the Points Based Immigration System, along with a convenient Points Calculator.
ROYAL WELSH COLLEGE OF MUSIC AND DRAMA
RWCMD is the only institution in the UK that provides specialist conservatoire training in music, acting, theatre design,
stage management and arts management. We’re a diverse, inclusive community and have a unique mix of students
working alongside each other – musicians, actors, designers and stage managers. Our students work in a down-toearth, friendly environment and receive excellent levels of support and encouragement from a wide network of
professionals. We aim to help our students develop their talents to the full and acquire the skills, knowledge and
confidence to enable them to develop and sustain a successful professional career.
Our graduates can be found working in theatres, opera houses, concert halls, film, TV and radio all around the world –
many at the leading edge of their profession and shaping the future of those professions. Our teachers have a wealth of
professional experience as both teachers and as leading practitioners in the arts industry. The College collaborates with
leading arts and cultural organizations, visiting artists and directors to ensure that our environment reflects the current
practices and conditions of the professional world. We also draw on a prestigious roster of Honorary Fellows to inspire
and advise our students.
In June 2011 the College opened a £22.5 million suite of world-class training and performance facilities. These will help
ensure that the college continues to provide the highest possible conservatoire training. The new facilities include the
400-capacity Dora Stoutzker Hall, the 180-seat Richard BurtonTheatre, as well as four Acting and Movement studios
and the Linbury Gallery in which the College will exhibit its award winning design activity.
In the autumn of 2010 a new suite of programmes was launched to complement the existing undergraduate and
postgraduate courses. These included a new BMus programme with specialised pathways n Vocal Performance,
Instrumental Performance, Composition and Creative Music Technology. Jazz Studies - a dedicated award - has been
created at both undergraduate and postgraduate level
A number of the programmes build on our well established and respected postgraduate diploma awards. Several
involve working across both the music and drama disciplines and have been developed as a result of strategic industry
partnerships. The programmes will be delivered by industry professionals together with academic teaching staff who
maintain their professional profile through research and scholarly activity.
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MA Acting for Stage, Screen & Radio
MA Musical Theatre
MA Opera Performance
MA Theatre Design
MA Stage Management
MA Events Production
MA Scenic Arts & Construction for Stage & Screen
The developments in the portfolio will ensure that future graduates of the College are equipped with the very best skills
needed to meet the changing needs of industry and to provide employers with the flexible and creative workforce they
require.
In 2007, the College entered into a strategic alliance with the University of Glamorgan becoming part of the University of
Glamorgan Group.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Responsible to: Workshop Manager
Main purposes of job: The Scenic Construction Technician will provide high quality Workshop support for all staging
aspects of the College’s work. Working within the core team of technicians, the post holder will have experience of
working within theatre, be required to display a flexible attitude to work and will deliver diverse workshop support for the
productions, events, activities and teaching within the College’s venues and spaces, within the context of a national
vocational performing arts training institution and a receiving arts venue.
Principal responsibilities & duties:
•
To ensure the smooth running, as directed by the workshop manager, of all staging aspects of the College’s
workshops and venues. Including working on stage as required.
•
To provide workshop support for productions, events, activities and teaching as directed by the Head of
Staging.
To set up and demonstrate the safe use of workshop equipment for students and staff.
•
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To carry out all duties in accordance with the College’s Health and Safety policies and relevant legislation and
work in such a way as to promote a culture of safety.
•
To construct and fabricate scenic elements for college and third mission work.
•
To assist in supervision of loading, Get in, fit up and get outs for college and third mission work relating to
staging.
•
To ensure the College workshops are in a safe and presentable condition.
•
To attend production meetings and technical department meetings as required.
•
To work within a team delivering workshop support.
•
To undertake appropriate training as required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Essential
a) The ability to work in a well organised and methodical
manner and
b) to maintain all deadlines necessary to ensure all staging
elements are constructed and fit for purpose.
c) The ability to communicate effectively, calmly and
diplomatically with artistes, students and event staff and
sustain an enthusiastic approach under pressure
d) Have an appropriate level of experience in working in
theatre
e) The ability to work as a team member
f) A positive, creative approach to problem solving
KNOWLEDGE
Essential
g) Knowledge of Health and Safety and associated regulations
in relation to a workshop environment
h) A thorough understanding of the relevant technical
procedures required in a scenic workshop.
i) A sound knowledge of current IT applications, both general
and theatre based
j) Knowledge of relevant industry contexts
EXPERIENCE
Essential
k) Professional experience of working as a
carpenter/fabricator for two years
l) Experience of scenic construction
m) Operation of workshop equipment.
n) Experience of maintenance of workshop equipment.
o) Experience of implementing Health and Safety regulations
within a workshop environment.
TRAINING
Essential
p) Hold a recognised qualification or have an appropriate level
of experience in the technical field or a related field that
supports and develops the skills and abilities required by
the post
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Essential
q) The flexibility to accommodate irregular working hours
r) The ability to respond appropriately to student needs
s) The ability to work within a changing environment
t) The ability to act as an advocate for the College
u) A pleasant, professional and positive manner
Desirable
v) Ability to speak Welsh
Desirable
w) The wider arts industry context
Desirable
Desirable
x) A qualification in Health and
Safety at work, with particular
relevance to venue and
performing arts practice
Desirable
When completing the application form candidates are required to highlight their suitability for the post by
referring their application details to the essential/desirable requirements set out in the Person Specification.
This information will be used in deciding those to be shortlisted.
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
The successful applicant will be appointed to the post of Scenic Construction Technician, in the service of the RWCMD.
CONTINUOUS SERVICE
Your continuous service will commence on your first day of employment at RWCMD. RWCMD does not recognise
continuous service with other employers in any respect except in accordance with the Redundancy Payments
(Continuity of Employment in Local Government, etc) (Modification) Order as amended.
STAFF APPRAISAL AND DEVELOPMENT
You will be required to participate in the Staff Appraisal and Development Scheme for Support Staff.
This Scheme is the means by which your individual work objectives will be set, annually. It is also the means by which
your learning, training & development needs will be identified to support you, throughout your employment with
RWCMD, in the achievement of your objectives. The College expects a commitment to such personal development
from all its staff, and it is intended that this should be planned, and effectively evaluated to assess its impact upon
performance.
Staff Training & Development is therefore recognised as a fundamental part of the College’s Human Resources
Strategy and is an important key to the achievement of the College’s Vision and Strategic Goals.
GRADE/SALARY
The post is graded Grade C, and the salary is currently £18,868– £21,802 per annum. Common practice is to appoint
people to the minimum of the grade.
TENURE
This post is a permanent appointment
PROBATION
New entrants to the service of the College are appointed subject to a probationary period of not normally more than 6
months, during which time we will seek to confirm their suitability for the post.
MEDICAL CLEARANCE
All posts in the College are offered subject to medical clearance. If appointed, you will be required to complete a
questionnaire (confidential to the College’s Medical Adviser) detailing your medical history and you may be requested to
attend a medical examination.
HOURS OF WORK/WORKING ARRANGEMENTS
The post-holder will be contracted to work 37 hours per week.
However, a Scheme of Flexible Working Hours is in operation, and is based on 4-weekly Accounting Periods of 148
hours. Staff are expected to arrange their times of work to have regard to personal workload, the overall pattern of work
in their work location, the wishes of the Head of Department and cover for the Office Opening Hours (which are 0830 1700 Mondays - Thursdays, and 0830 - 1630 Fridays).
The successful applicant will be provided with a copy of the Operating Rules.
LEAVE
The annual leave entitlement is 22 days plus statutory and other holidays per annum.
PENSION ARRANGEMENT
You will have the option of joining the Local Government Pension Scheme and contributions will be made at rates of
between 5.5% and 7.5% of gross salary dependent into which pay band your salary falls; or you can take out a personal
pension with an approved provider.
TERMINATION
The appointments are terminable upon one month’s notice from the individual or the College may give you 1 month’s
notice between 1 month and 4 years service; thereafter, one week's notice for each year of service, up to a maximum of
12 weeks notice.
HEALTH & SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES
ALL STAFF
All staff are responsible for the health and safety of both themselves, and others upon whom they may have an effect.
All staff must co-operate with the University in achieving its Health and Safety objectives. More detailed generic
responsibilities are included in Appendix 7.3 of the University health and safety policy.
LINE MANAGERS
All staff are responsible for the health and safety of both themselves, and others upon whom they may have an effect.
All staff must co-operate with the University in achieving its Health and Safety objectives.
Additionally, each Line Manager is responsible for the detailed adoption of the University's Health and Safety Policy,
within their span of control. More detailed generic responsibilities are included in Appendix 7.3 of the University health
and safety policy.
APPOINTMENTS PROCEDURE
Referees
Candidates should note that the Univeristy of Glamorgan Group normally contacts referees for those shortlisted without
further advice to candidates.
If you do not wish a referee/s to be contacted, prior to interview, you should state this clearly.
Internal candidates should supply details of one referee only, being their Head of Department or Line Manager.
External candidates will be asked to supply three referees.
PROGRESS OF APPLICATIONS
If you are successful in being selected for interview for the above post, you will be notified within 6 weeks of the closing
date. If you have not heard by this date, then you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this
occasion.
In the meantime, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in the Royal Welsh College of Music
& Drama, and to wish you luck in your application.
CLOSING DATE: 27th April 2012
Ref: RWC214