Lighting Technician job description

Job description of a Lighting Technician

Lighting technicians (‘sparks’) set up and operate lighting equipment in television and in film, generally specialising in one or the other as the techniques and equipment differ. The lighting team’s work is crucial as lighting creates the right atmosphere to evoke an audience’s response and demands high-level technical and creative skills.

Many lighting technicians begin their career as apprentice lighting technicians, lighting electricians or lighting assistants. In film, a more experienced technician can specialise as a moving light operator, practical light operator, genny operator or console operator, or take a supervisory post as a ‘best boy’.

This Lighting Technician job description example includes the list of most important Lighting Technician duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Lighting Technician profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Lighting Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Lighting Technician job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

Assembling all the lighting and filter equipment needed;
Ensuring all lighting equipment is in working order and organising any necessary scaffolding and cranes;
Pre-rigging the lighting and ensuring all cables and wires are safely concealed;
Loading automated colour change systems;
Conducting risk assessments for health and safety purposes;
Establishing lighting requirements;
Plotting the lighting;
Liaising with the director and/or other staff to interpret their creative vision into the lighting design;
Managing the lighting budget and advising on the purchase/hire of suitable equipment;
Working as part of a large crew, especially on feature films;
Deciding on the lighting crew numbers and equipment needed and then employing the crew and hiring the equipment;
Programming and operating lighting consoles;
Supervising the focusing of lighting at rehearsals;
Reviewing footage shots with the director;
Liaising with the floor manager, producer and sound technician throughout the project.
Visiting and assessing locations for technical purposes;
Operating and maintaining equipment during the shoot;
Changing lighting between shots, as necessary;
De-rigging all equipment at the end of the broadcast or production and ensuring it is safely transported away from the location and/or stored;
Coordinating the equipment and the technical crew and training other crew members as required;

Lighting Technician Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Lighting Technician job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

A degree in Electrical Engineering is desirable.
Technical knowledge and lighting skills
Manual dexterity and a good level of physical fitness
Ability to work well under pressure and to deadlines
Attention to detail
Creative flair
Problem-solving ability
IT and numeracy skills
Time management and organisational skills
Ability to work as part of a team
Effective communication skills
Understanding of health and safety legislation and procedures

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Lighting Technician starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Lighting Technician job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Lighting Technician may also reference it in preparation for the interview.

Lighting Technician Job Description

Job description of a Lighting Technician

Lighting Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Lighting Technician Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

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