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Work opportunities at VenueTech

The following positions are open for application

Senior Production Technician / Sound Engineer
Whakatū Nelson

VenueTech is seeking an experienced production technician to join our team in a senior, hands-on role supporting professional performance venues and live events across Whakatū Nelson.

This role suits someone who is comfortable owning shows end-to-end — from pre-production planning through to delivery — and who brings a calm, practical approach to working with artists, touring crew, and venue hirers.


The role

You will be a key operator within VenueTech’s delivery team, working primarily at the Theatre Royal and Nelson Centre of Musical Arts, with additional involvement in regional festivals and standalone events.

The role includes:

  • Acting as Venue Technician during performances and events

  • Advancing shows and translating technical riders into practical venue plans

  • Providing confident, professional sound engineering for live events

  • Delivering hands-on technical support across sound, lighting, AV, and staging systems

  • Hosting and supporting visiting artists and production crew

  • Custodianship of venue systems, spaces, and safe working practices

  • Contributing to pre-production planning, documentation, and scheduling

  • Supporting ongoing maintenance and upkeep of technical equipment and facilities

This is not a junior or training role. You will be trusted to work independently and make sound technical and interpersonal decisions.


About you

You will likely have:

  • Solid experience in live sound engineering for theatre, music, or events

  • Confidence working independently in a venue technician or production role

  • A practical understanding of lighting systems and show operation

  • Experience advancing shows and managing real-world constraints

  • Strong communication skills and a calm, solutions-focused approach

  • A good understanding of safe working practices and venue etiquette

Experience with fly towers, theatrical lighting systems, or festivals is beneficial but not essential.


Working at VenueTech

VenueTech provides technical management and production services for Whakatū Nelson’s leading performance venues and festivals.

We value clear communication, practical decision-making, respect for artists and crew, and well-prepared, low-drama delivery.

Work hours are event-driven and irregular, including evenings and weekends. This is part of the role.


Employment details

  • Employment type: senior casual, with a pathway to part-time or full-time

  • Hours: variable, based on event schedules

  • Pay rate: aligned with experience and responsibility

  • Trial period: 90 days, by mutual agreement

We are looking for the right person, not just to fill hours.


To apply

Please send a brief introduction outlining your experience and interest to:

jr@venuetech.nz

Applications will remain open until the right candidate is found.

Casual Technical Crew

No fixed or guaranteed hours
Apply any time

VenueTech seeks casual technicians to support our team in delivering high-quality performing arts experiences at The Theatre Royal, Nelson Centre of Musical Arts, regional Arts, Fringe, and music festivals.

This position will initially provide shorter calls of 3+ hours on an as-needed basis to support our peak demand, with shifts most commonly occurring in the mornings and evenings on any day of the week.

While this is an entry-level position, our ideal outcome is to support the candidate(s) in developing their skills and knowledge so they can take on more advanced roles.

Essential Requirements:

Technical mindset: From setting up sound and lighting to ensuring smooth AV operations, your ability to absorb and understand technical details will contribute to seamless performance and event.

Team Player: Join a close-knit crew that values teamwork and cooperation. Your positive attitude and willingness to pitch in will make you integral to our behind-the-scenes success.

Passion for Performance: Whether it's an intimate classical chamber performance, a bold musical theatre piece or a touring rock concert, you'll understand our focus is to enhance the audience and performers' experience.

Other details:

Relationship: We are happy for this position to be casual employment or a contract with a sole trader, as determined by the applicant.

Our starting rate is equitable to the living wage. 

Inclusivity: VenueTech embraces diversity and encourages people from any background to apply. 

If this sounds like you, please send your CV and a cover letter to jr@venuetech.nz

About Us

VenueTech oversees the technical production and backstage operations for Whakatū Nelson's premier venues, festivals, and events, including The Theatre Royal, Nelson Centre of Musical Arts and Nelson's Fringe, Adam Chamber, Ceol Aneas Irish Music and Arts Festival.

Our mission is to provide a comprehensive backstage service to support the success of the performing arts. Whether to a venue, event, artist or technical crew; services that achieve technical excellence while fostering a supportive culture that ensures every stage—literal or figurative—shines.