SKATE - Duty Technician

SKATE at Somerset House is one of London’s most iconic winter events, and we are looking for an experienced Duty Technician to support the day-to-day operation of the site throughout the season. Working as part of the Live Events team, you will play a key role in delivering a safe, reliable and high-quality experience for visitors, staff and partners.https://somersethousetrust-my.sharepoint.com/personal/killian_doherty_somersethouse_org_uk/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7B775D1CC6-152B-4D42-A532-0FA70E407996%7D&file=Skate%20Duty%20Technician%20Job%20Pack.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true
The role combines live event technical support, site maintenance and operational problem-solving. You will be responsible for operating and maintaining sound and lighting systems, troubleshooting technical issues, supporting event operations and carrying out minor repairs across the site.https://somersethousetrust-my.sharepoint.com/personal/killian_doherty_somersethouse_org_uk/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7B775D1CC6-152B-4D42-A532-0FA70E407996%7D&file=Skate%20Duty%20Technician%20Job%20Pack.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true
You will also help ensure the venue remains safe, presentable and fully operational at all times, working closely with contractors, third-party operators and internal teams. This is a varied, hands-on role that requires strong technical knowledge, a proactive attitude and the ability to perform effectively in a busy live event environment. https://somersethousetrust-my.sharepoint.com/personal/killian_doherty_somersethouse_org_uk/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7B775D1CC6-152B-4D42-A532-0FA70E407996%7D&file=Skate%20Duty%20Technician%20Job%20Pack.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true
Safety is central to the position, and the successful candidate will help uphold Somerset House's health and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

Welcome and knowledge
- Operate lighting and sound consoles.
- Assist with rigging and supporting other departments.
- Perform fault-finding and troubleshooting on AV systems, ensuring quick resolution of technical issues.
- Act as a "responsible person" on site when required, ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
- Conduct basic carpentry and maintenance tasks, such as fixing door handles and loose flooring.
- Install and maintain temporary heaters for staff and public comfort.
- Work in compliance with the company’s Health and Safety Policy, BS7909 standards, and all company procedures.
- Represent the company professionally, maintaining a positive attitude and appearance at all times.
- Fulfil additional reasonable duties as directed by the line manager or senior on-site personnel.
Safety and Security
- Ensure that the Somerset House SKATE event site is safe and secure for our visitors and our staff.
- Maintain a good, up to date knowledge of Somerset House fire, safety and evacuation procedures.
- Report all incidents and accidents on site to Security and the Visitor Experience Managers or other relevant senior manager.
- Understand and carry out emergency procedures including evacuation in the event of an emergency.
Presentation and Teamwork
- Monitor the appearance of the site and ensure the required standards are upheld.
- Work with third party partners including bars and shops to maintain the highest standards of presentation across the whole SKATE offering.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

- Certification : BS7909 qualified
- Experience : Proven experience working as a duty technician in live events, with a focus on AV setups.
- Venue Experience : Proven experience working in a listed building, with awareness of heritage site restrictions and preservation requirements.
- Technical Skills :
- Proficient in rigging, operating, and maintaining live event sound and lighting systems.
- Ability to operate lighting desks (GrandMA) and sound desks
- Knowledge of power distribution systems and safe cabling practices.
- Physical Requirements : Comfortable working at height (e.g., climbing ladders to change P5 lights and festoon bulbs), carrying up to 25kg of weight unassisted
- Carpentry Skills : Carpentry experience (e.g., fixing door handles, securing loose flooring, general maintenance throughout the season).
- Problem-Solving : Strong fault-finding skills for AV systems and the ability to work under pressure to resolve issues quickly.
- Health and Safety : Thorough understanding of health and safety regulations in live events, including risk assessments and safe working practices.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders
- Flexibility and adaptability to change
- Strong numeracy and IT skills, including working knowledge of MS Office applications and spreadsheets, and ability to learn new systems and software quickly

Benefits

Mental Health & Wellbeing - Access to our external Employee Assistance Programme (CiC) for free 24/7 confidential advice and support, including up to 6 free counselling sessions per year where needed - Mental health support and guidance from our in-house trained Mental Health First Aiders - Hybrid working based on having 3 days in the office per week (pro rata if part-time)
- Contribution towards eye tests and glasses
-Trust life insurance scheme

Holiday - Enhanced annual leave – 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata) - Birthday leave - additional day leave - Celebration day - to celebrate anything of your choice

Other Leave - Sick leave – 20 days full pay, followed by 20 days half pay (pro rata & following 3 months service) - Emergency dependent care – option to use 25% of paid sick leave for emergency care of a dependent (pro rata & following 3 months service) - Enhanced maternity pay

Pension - 8% employer pension contributions, no employee contribution required* - Option for salary sacrifice - Interest-free loans - Season ticket loan - Cycle to Work scheme

Discounts, offers and free stuff
- The list is endless and includes tickets to Somerset House events and entrance to other London Heritage sites
-Discounts in Somerset House cafes and restaurants
-Discounts with various high street retailers and restaurants
-Discount to local leisure centres

*following 3 months employment