Job Purpose:

The Lighting and Visual Effects Assistant supports the Venue and Events team in creating captivating and immersive experiences through lighting and visual effects. This role involves assisting in the setup, operation, and maintenance of lighting and visual equipment for a variety of events, contributing to the overall ambience and impact of each production.

As a Lighting and Visual Effects Assistant, you will play a vital role in enhancing the visual impact of events, contributing to the creation of memorable and immersive experiences. With technical proficiency and a keen eye for design, this role contributes to the overall success of event productions through innovative lighting and visual effects solutions.

Responsible to: Sales and Events Manager/ Venue and Events Coordinator

Responsible for: Casual Staff

Department/Service

The Lighting and Visual Effects Assistant is part of the Greenwich Students’ Union Commercial Services. At GSU, we turn over £1.1m through our not-for-profit commercial services that provide services to students, staff, and the local population. We provide students at the University of Greenwich with social spaces to study, make friends and have fun.

Additionally, the profit generated through our varied income portfolio is invested back into the SU support services for students. We are a Living Wage Employer and a large employer of students putting money back in their pockets to support studying and living costs in London and Kent.

1 Duty and Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Assist in the installation, configuration, and testing of lighting and visual equipment.
• Set up and program lighting fixtures, projectors, LED screens, and other visual effects elements.
• Operate lighting consoles, visual effects software, and related control systems during events.
• Ensure proper synchronisation of lighting and visual effects with audio and other event elements.
• Assist in the inventory management, maintenance, and storage of lighting and visual equipment.
• Perform routine checks, repairs, and cleaning of equipment to ensure optimal functionality.
• Coordinate equipment rentals and procure additional resources as needed for specific events.
• Collaborate with other technical and creative teams to achieve seamless event productions.
• Provide timely updates on equipment status, technical issues, and project progress.

Events and Venue Hire

• Assist in the planning and execution of various events, from live music shows to themed parties.
• Collaborate with event organisers and the Venue and Event team to understand lighting and visual requirements.
• Participate in event setup, focusing on lighting rigging, cabling, and visual effects placement.
• Troubleshoot technical issues during events and make real-time adjustments to achieve desired effects.
• Design lighting and visual effects plans that align with event themes and objectives.
• Contribute creative ideas and suggestions for enhancing lighting and visual aspects of events.
• Implement innovative lighting and visual solutions to create unique and engaging event atmospheres.

Finance and Reporting

• Maintain financial controls and ensure the finance department receives all relevant financial information promptly, by GSU’s financial procedures.
• Maintain detailed records of equipment usage, repairs, and maintenance.
• Assist in preparing post-event reports and evaluations of lighting and visual effects elements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by sharing insights and lessons learned.
• Report feedback from customers about the events and services to the Sales and Events Manager.

Health and Safety

• Adhere to health and safety regulations and protocols related to lighting and visual effects setup.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure safe rigging and installation of equipment.
• Identify and mitigate potential hazards related to lighting and visual effects operations.

2 General Responsibilities

• Represent and be an ambassador for GSU.
• Be flexible and carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop, or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the position.
• Maintain and improve competencies through continuous professional development.
• Abide by organisational policies, codes of conduct and practices.
• Support and promote workplace liberation, diversity and equality of opportunity.
• Treat with confidentiality any personal, private, or sensitive information about individual organisations, clients, staff, and Project data.
• Actively seek better ways to assist GSU in becoming a more sustainable workplace.
• Any other duties commensurate with the accountabilities of the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Essential Attributes

• Proven experience in event production, lighting, or visual effects setup.
• Familiarity with lighting fixtures, projectors, LED screens, and visual effects equipment.
• Experience with DMX control and programming.
• Basic understanding of lighting design principles and visual effects techniques.
• Proficiency in operating lighting consoles and visual effects software.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
• Physical capability to handle equipment setup, rigging, and lifting.
• Ability to work at heights and perform physical tasks related to equipment setup.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and openly in all interactions. Must also demonstrate a positive attitude while communicating with clients and co-workers.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability and confidence to interact effectively with a wide range of people from different backgrounds.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and precision.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Desirable Attributes

• Formal training or certification in lighting design or visual effects.
• Knowledge of projection mapping and video content creation.
• Familiarity with theatrical and stage lighting setups.
• Background in technical theatre, live events, or the entertainment industry.
• Creativity and the ability to contribute innovative ideas to enhance event experiences.
• A full, clean driving licence.

Personal Attributes and Other Requirements

• All Commercial Services staff may be asked to work at other campus outlets on an ad hoc basis to assist with day-to-day operations and events.
• Innovative and forward-thinking approach to continued improvement.
• Able to travel extensively within the Borough and Region.
• Able to work unsociable hours and stay overnight where necessary.
• Work well in a team with a flexible approach to work.
• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities. An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.
• Commitment to the values and ethos of the Organisation

Training Available

• Specialist training relevant to the role.
• Ongoing in-depth support is available throughout the year from the Venue Managers

Miscellaneous

• The definition and examples of work included above are not exhaustive – they are illustrative and for guidance only. A particular post holder with this job title may not perform all duties detailed in this job description. Conversely, not all the duties performed will be listed on this document.
• It is the practice of GSU Commercial Services to periodically examine employees’ job descriptions and update them to ensure they relate to the job as then being performed. This will be done with the Senior Manager in consultation with the employee.

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