Scenic Painter

Title: Staff Scenic Artist
Reports to: Scenic Paint Charge
Employment Classification: Hourly non-exempt, year-round, full-time
Salary: Hourly pay range starts at $26/hour, depending on experience
Benefits include: Full medical, dental and vision coverage; retirement plan with
employer match; and highly competitive PTO, leave and holiday time policies. Full
benefits package detailed below.
Job Description (PDF)

Summary, Scope and Purpose

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 Staff Scenic Artist. This year-round position will collaborate directly with the Scenic Paint Charge, and is responsible for painting and finishing all scenic elements, assisting in the oversight of season paint staff and apprentices, and collaborating on Properties painting and crafting projects as may be required.

This position is well-suited for leaders who enjoy mentoring the next generation of scenic artists while collaborating with industry-leading designers, fabricators and artists. Ideal candidates employ a collaborative, human-driven approach to ensure a safe, productive and positive work environment.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, painting and finishing all scenic elements for the summer season, remounts, rentals and Community Engagement projects; assisting in the organization, maintenance and upkeep of the paint shop and equipment; assisting in the supervision and instruction of seasonal staff and apprentice scenic painters; and assisting in the
safe, efficient and timely completion of stage scenery to meet design specifications.

Desired Skills & Requirements

Skills desired include 3 years of professional experience; comprehensive knowledge of scenic materials and their safe usage; knowledge in the layout and various application techniques for all types of scenic paint, textures and finishes; the ability to mix and match colors; craft skills including sculpting, mold making and casting; proficiency in Photoshop; the ability to work from various physical positions and on ladders, scaffolding and personnel lifts; the ability to wear a respirator per OSHA guidelines; the ability to safely operate shop equipment and tools; and a willingness and ability to work enthusiastically as part of a team within set time schedules and with a variety of personalities and skill levels.

Schedule, Compensation, Benefits

A 40-hour work week is typical for August through April. During the May through July summer season, the workweek is typically six days a week and on some days can have extended hours. The summer festival season is challenging but rewarding.

The pay range for this hourly, non-exempt position starts at $26/hour, depending on experience, with overtime beginning after the 40th hour. Benefits include low premium medical, dental and vision insurance; short and long-term disability, life insurance and long-term care paid fully by the opera; Employee Assistance Program; immediate eligibility for payroll contributions to the opera’s 403(b) retirement plan with employer match after year one (at the next plan admission date); paid vacation policy starting at 2 weeks and increasing after year one; sick and bereavement leave; 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 and company parking is free.

This job posting in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. The fundamental job requirements are included, and these are the essential job functions. Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. The fundamental job requirements are included, and these are the essential job functions. Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

The Santa Fe Opera supports employees with its robust safety program, devotion to environmental sustainability and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion while setting the industry standard for stagecraft. The Santa Fe Opera has an industry-wide reputation as an excellent employer, providing rewarding opportunities amid a setting of great natural beauty. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the Santa Fe Opera celebrates diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, creed, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, political affiliation or philosophy. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

The Santa Fe Opera has implemented a mandatory COVID vaccination policy, which requires employees/interns to be fully vaccinated against COVID to perform work for the company or have been approved for an accommodation based on disability or sincerely held religious belief. Employees will be considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the requisite number of doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and a booster.