Head Technician – Lighting

Job Status: Permanent Full-time
Salary: $72,128 per annum + super + leave loading
Industry: Performing Arts
Location: South Brisbane
Application Closing Date: Sunday 26 October 2025 at 5pm

About Us

Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is one of Australia’s leading centres for live performance. Welcoming over 1.5 million visitors to more than 1200 performances each year, we embrace the best in live performance – the world renowned alongside the emerging, local, and new – and connect to the stories and ideas at the heart of each production. Through the warmth and expertise of our staff, we have become a trusted curator, presenter, and host; a place to come together to relax, reflect, share stories, and celebrate.

As we look ahead, QPAC is proud to be opening the Glasshouse Theatre in 2026, making us the largest performing arts centre in Australia under one roof. This exciting expansion will significantly increase our technical capabilities and performance offerings, creating new opportunities for technicians to work with cutting-edge technology in a modern, state-of-the-art facility.

About the Role

As we prepare to open the Glasshouse Theatre, we are seeking applications for Head Technicians - Lighting within our Production Services Unit. In this role, you will supervise and lead Lighting department functions to provide hands-on professional, client-focused services to venue hirers and other QPAC Units.

In this role you will:

Provide exceptional customer service to internal and external clients.

Supervise and lead large teams of Lighting technicians working in multiple venues in a high-pressure hands-on environment.

Supervise, lead and participate in the set-up, pack down, operation and maintenance of stage lighting and electrical equipment within a live production environment to the highest standards.

Set-up, program, operate and maintain control systems and data networks in a live production environment to the highest standards.

Set-up and operate a lighting console such as ETC EOS or GrandMA series in performance conditions.

Interpret and implement lighting plans, patch sheets, technical requirements and specifications and supervise the provision of appropriate resources for events and venues in an efficient manner.

Assist Lighting, Production Services and QPAC employees, as well as hirers from visiting companies, in relation to their technical requirements and integration into venue specific systems.

Contribute to the effective and efficient operation of the Lighting Unit and Production Services Unit through participation in business planning processes, production meetings, rostering staff and other day to day activities.

Provide input and assist with research and implementation of planned equipment maintenance and renewal program for the Lighting department.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for:

Proven industry and leadership experience in high-pressure live production environments (essential).

Trade or tertiary qualifications in a relevant field (highly regarded).

Touring or commercial theatre experience within the performing arts industry is desirable.

Strong knowledge of lighting control systems and data networks, with proficiency in GrandMA2/3 and/or ETC EOS consoles (preferred).

Current High Risk Work License – Basic Rigger, or ability to obtain quickly, along with Working at Heights and EWP Ticket.

Demonstrated leadership in hands-on technical teams across multiple venues, fostering effective teamwork and communication.

Ability to interpret and deliver lighting designs and technical specifications to a high standard.

Practical experience in setting up, operating, and maintaining stage lighting, production equipment, control systems, and effects in live theatre environments.

The hours of work will be primarily theatre based with some maintenance and office work. Availability will be required for day, evening and weekend hours and for extended periods to service hirer's schedules. Depending on business activity, you may be required to work more than thirty-eight (38) hours per week, however approved penalty and overtime rates are applicable.

How to Apply

The Queensland Performing Arts Centre is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, Disabled and Deaf people, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people of all ages.

To be eligible to apply for this position, applicants must have existing Australian work rights.

You can obtain a copy of the position description by emailing [email protected]. For any other queries, please contact the Talent Acquisition team on (07) 3842 9361.

The closing date for applications is on 26 October 2025. QPAC will commence screening and shortlisting after this closing date.